How to convert Word to PDF for faxing

Why convert before you fax?

unofax accepts Word files directly, but the conversion is best-effort. Word documents were designed to be editable, not portable. They depend on installed fonts, printer drivers, and page-layout rules that vary from one device to the next. That means a document that looks perfect on your screen may reflow, substitute fonts, or shift margins when it is rendered on our server.

PDF eliminates these variables. It embeds fonts, locks the layout, and reproduces the exact same page on every device. Converting to PDF before you upload takes seconds and guarantees that what you see in the preview is what arrives at the other end.

On Windows

Every recent version of Windows can produce a PDF without installing anything.

• From Word itself: open your document in Microsoft Word, choose File → Save As, and set the file type to PDF. Click Save. The PDF appears in the same folder as the original.
• From any application: open the document and press Ctrl + P to print. Select Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer, then click Print. Choose a filename and save. This works in any application that can print, including LibreOffice, Google Docs (downloaded), and WordPad.

If you do not see "Microsoft Print to PDF" in the printer list, it can be enabled under Settings → Apps → Optional Features.

On Mac

macOS has built-in PDF export in every application.

• From Word or Pages: open the file, choose File → Save As (or File → Export To → PDF in Pages), and save.
• From any application: press ⌘ + P to open the print dialogue. Click the PDF drop-down in the bottom-left corner and choose Save as PDF. Name the file and save. This method works in every macOS application, including Preview, TextEdit, and Safari.

On iPhone or iPad

iOS does not have a dedicated "Save as PDF" button, but the built-in print dialogue doubles as a PDF converter.

• Open the Word file (in the Files app, Mail, or any app that can preview it).
• Tap the Share button and choose Print.
• On the print preview, pinch outward on the page thumbnail with two fingers. The preview expands into a full-screen PDF.
• Tap Share again. You can now save the PDF to Files, send it by email, or upload it directly to unofax.

This method works for any file type iOS can preview, not just Word documents.

On Android

Android includes a system-level PDF printer that works with any application.

• Open the Word file in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any viewer.
• Tap the three-dot menu (or Share) and choose Print.
• In the printer selector at the top, choose Save as PDF.
• Tap the download icon or Save. The PDF is saved to your Downloads folder.

If "Save as PDF" does not appear, update your system print service through the Play Store.

Tips for a clean conversion

A little attention before you convert can prevent surprises in the final fax:

• Embed your fonts: if you use non-standard fonts, embed them in the Word document first (File → Options → Save → Embed fonts in the file). This prevents font substitution during conversion.
• Set the correct page size: fax machines expect A4 or US Letter. If your document uses a non-standard size, change it under Layout → Size before converting.
• Check your margins: fax transmission clips about 5 mm from each edge. Keep important content away from the margins.
• Review the PDF before uploading: open the finished PDF and scroll through every page. Look for reflowed text, missing images, or blank pages.