How to send a document as a PDF

Looking for how to send a document as a PDF? Did you know that one way is to convert its format? 

In Windows, you can do this by printing the file as a PDF.

In MacOS, you can export the document as one, while with an online cloud service like Google Docs, you can download the file in your chosen format. 

Once a file is converted, you can email it or share it via collaborative cloud storage or your preferred document sharing software. Simple!

Here’s how it’s done.

How do I send a document as a PDF?

The first part of successfully sending a PDF is to convert your .docx, .xlsx, etc. file to this format.  

To do that, follow these steps.

1. Open the file you want to convert in your preferred word processing application.

2. Click on the File tab.

3. In Windows, click Print and select Microsoft print to PDF. Alternatively, click on Export to and select PDF in MacOS or Download and then PDF document in Google Docs. 

4. Open up your email application or service provider. 

5. Create a new email and add your intended addresses.

6. Locate and attach the newly created PDF.

7. Send the email.

Another option is to select Email from the File tab and Email this file.

You can then  enter the recipient’s email address, select PDF in the File type box, and click Send.

To add another level of insight, you might also want to use document tracking software to keep tabs on when sent PDFs are opened, viewed, and completed. 

How to send a document as a PDF from an iPhone

Creating and sending a PDF from a desktop is one thing—but how do you send a document in this format on an iPhone?

The good news is that it’s easy to send a PDF directly from your mobile.

Just follow these steps:

1. Download the document in question to your device.

2. Navigate to the Files app. If you’re not familiar with it, the icon is a blue folder with a white background. You can find it quickly by swiping down to bring up the search tab and typing in “files.”

3. Find the desired document. This will likely be located in On My iPhone > Downloads but may be found in an app folder too. You can also access it if it’s stored on your iCloud Drive.

4. In the bottom left-hand corner of the screen, tap the Share icon.

5. Select how you want to share your PDF. You can send it via message, AirDrop, email, or a third-party messaging app. 

6. If you want to, select Lock PDF before sending to prevent anyone else from editing the document.

Now you know how to send a document as a PDF on your device or platform of choice—but what if you need to alter the file before sending it? 

In that case, you can streamline the process using our free PDF editing tool.

This will have you converting, splitting, and signing PDFs like a professional in no time.

Share documents securely with PandaDoc

PDFs are a convenient way to share and secure your business documents, but you can take things one step further again with the help of PandaDoc. 

PandaDoc gives you a central hub for all your documents.

This means you can rest easy knowing you can encrypt and lock your digital docs at the click of a button. 

Even better, with PandaDoc, creating fillable PDF forms is a breeze.

Combined with our eSignature software, this will help you get more deals done in less time.

Leave unsecured document formats behind today and start your 14-day trial.