how do I convert a word file larger than 100 mb to pdf?

[ardentcdc]

I use the adobe online pdf service to convert word files.  I have a file that is 101mb and the converter won't upload and convert the file. How do I convert this word file to pdf now?

[Sara_Forsberg · Accepted solution]

Hi adrentcdc,

There is a 100 MB file-size limit for uploading to the Adobe PDF Pack online service. Since no such limitation exists for Acrobat, you could use that to convert the file to PDF. You're welcome to download a free  30-day trial, and give it a spin. For more information, see www.adobe.com/products/acrobat.html.

Best,

Sara

[heathy47491517]

The solution below no longer functions to save others from uncessary attempts at conversion, word refuses to export pdf for files above 40mb or so. Tried and failed with a 140mb file using acrobat pro dc software.

[Thomas25708190jxvl]

Yes, this is immensely frustrating.  I have a large document that is going to be around 150 mb with links through the document and now can't get it into PDF format.  I've tried breaking it up and tricking the links to no avail.

[lucas_8738]

Did you find any workaround? I also have a 127mb files with many links that I cannot convert into a pdf

[Thomas25708190jxvl]

I believe I copied the whole document to Pages and made it from there.  

[rachel25141376eupk]

Steps are given below-

Step 1
Open Microsoft Word.

Step 2
Click "File," "Open" and select a large Word file you want to convert to PDF. Click the "Microsoft Office" button.

Step 3
Select "Save As" and choose "PDF" from the menu that appears. Remember, this option will only be available if Adobe Acrobat is installed on your computer.

Step 4
Title the PDF and click the "Publish" button.

Step 5
Repeat these steps for any other large Word files you would like to convert to PDF.

Greeting,

Rachel Gomez

[nickgross]

I was getting this error too with a pretty modest word document that was above 40MB. I printed to PDF instead of exporting using the 'Save as' function and it worked.

[Neil2509200396lo]

If you have added a table of contents, you lose that this way.

[CHM333679110yd6]

I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU

[Andrew S 55]

I can't find the "Microsoft Office" button on my version of word (Mac, Office 365 subscription, V16.75).

If you mean click: Acrobat - Create PDF then on files > 40MB a warning says to use local Acrobat software.  With the local Acrobat software 2 choices for export are available and neither of them preserve the URL links in the document.

Why is it so difficult to preserve URL links when converting Word docs to pdf's? This should not be such a problem.

[Meenakshi Negi]

Hi Andrew S 55,

Thank you for reaching out.

Please let us know how you are converting Word files to PDFs. Share the step by steps workflow. 

It would be helpful if you could share the screenshots.

Also, share the screenshot of the warning when you create a PDF from the Word application using the Acrobat plug-in.

Thanks,

Meenakshi

[Andrew S 55]

Thanks Meenakshi, here are the steps:

1) The file is 56 MB after reducing the file size to an "on-screen viewing" image resolution.

2) Select the 'Acrobat' tab

3) Select the starrred, unnamed(?) icon on the acrobat tab.

4) Select 'best for electronic distribution' and Export.

5) Error appears - file too large, click OK

6) Warning about links, click OK

7) Returns to Word and that's it. Kaput. No further assistance or advice from Acrobat or Word on how to create pdf's with links in large files.

Solution:

I have since found that if I open the file directly in Adobe Acrobat (using 'All Files' in File Open) I am able to create a pdf with links. After a 5 minute wait and 'file uploading to the cloud / converting your file' messages there is a working pdf that can be saved. This seems to be the same process that is triggered by Word but without the 40 MB limit. We will see what happens when I finihsed writing and have an even larger file.

Update: having now tried this approach a second time in order to report on how to do it the conversion crashed with:

Another attempt, 30 mins later, this time using Acrobat and the "File > Create > PDF from file" menu has been successful. I appears to go through the same 'upload to cloud / convert file' 5 minute process.

My problem is still that conversion direct via Word is unreliable and poorly documented and has a 40 MB limit that seemingly does not apply when the process is performed outside of Word. I don't know whether this is a Word problem or an Adobe problem.

This whole process is simple in other applications, e.g. Pages is just 'File > Export to > pdf ' and it works and takes 30 seconds and I don't need to own the Acrobat software.

[fabienne_8290]

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