Convert a Word CV or assignment to PDF without losing selectable text
If a job portal or coursework site asks for PDF, convert from Word (.docx) in the browser, keep selectable text, then check the preview for font and layout changes before you submit.
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Open the Word to PDF tool and follow along.
What this solves
You have a .docx CV, cover letter or assignment and the form only accepts PDF. You want real text that can be selected and searched — not a picture of each page — and you want the conversion to happen on your device.
Word to PDF on WordToPDFHub accepts .docx only (not older .doc). It does not take a PDF as input. If your file is still .doc, open it in Word or Google Docs and save as .docx first.
Step by step
Use this sequence for a single CV or several documents:
- 1Open Word to PDF and drop one or more .docx files (up to the per-file size limit).
- 2Leave “Selectable text” on unless you deliberately want image pages.
- 3Convert, then open the preview and the conversion details for font substitutions or layout notes.
- 4Download the PDF, or a zip if you converted several files.
- 5If a portal has a size limit, run Compress PDF next; if you need CV + letter in one file, use Application PDF.
What usually changes from Word
The converter uses standard PDF fonts (Helvetica, Times, Courier). Letter shapes can look slightly different from the fonts on your computer. The result lists fonts that were replaced.
Text boxes, floating shapes and unusual templates can shift. Simple headings, paragraphs, lists and tables usually fare better.
Characters those standard fonts cannot encode (for example some non-Latin scripts or icon fonts) may only be kept as images if you agree first — those words will not be selectable.
When to use Exact look instead
Exact look turns pages into pictures so the layout matches more closely. Text cannot be selected or searched, and files are larger. Use it only when appearance matters more than selectable text, and only after you confirm the prompt.
If exact fonts matter for a formal submission, export with Save As → PDF in Microsoft Word, which can embed your fonts. Then use WordToPDFHub to compress or combine files if needed.
Troubleshooting
Fix these before you submit:
- File rejected as .doc: save as .docx, then convert again.
- Layout looks off: simplify floating boxes in Word, or compare with Word’s own PDF export.
- Portal size limit: compress to 200 KB, 500 KB or 1 MB with Compress PDF, then check with PDF Submission Checker.
- Need CV and letter together: Application PDF can take Word and PDF inputs and produce one file.
Privacy and security
Word to PDF runs in your browser. The file is loaded into memory on your device, processed locally, and offered as a download. WordToPDFHub does not receive the document.
Local processing still means you should follow your school or workplace rules about which tools you may use for confidential material.
Frequently asked questions
- Is my file uploaded to a server?
- No. This tool runs inside your browser, so your document stays on your device. (The separate AI tools are the exception: they send extracted text — not the file — to an AI provider, and say so before you start.)
- Is the tool really free?
- Yes. The tools are free to use with no watermarks and no sign-up. Each file can be up to 200 MB; very large documents also depend on your device's memory.
- Can I convert a PDF with this tool?
- No. Word to PDF takes .docx input and outputs PDF. To go the other way, use PDF to Word.
- Will my CV text stay selectable?
- Yes in the default selectable-text mode. Exact look mode makes pages images instead, and only runs if you choose it.
- Why do fonts look slightly different?
- Standard PDF fonts replace your document fonts. The conversion details list substitutions. For embedded fonts, export PDF from Word itself.
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