How to Change Document to Pdf on Android

Changing a document to a PDF format on Android can be a useful skill to have, especially when sharing files with others or wanting to preserve the formatting of a document. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to convert various types of documents to PDF on an Android device. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a tablet, these methods will allow you to easily convert your documents to a PDF format and access them whenever you need.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we dive into the different methods, there are a few things you will need to have in order to successfully change a document to a PDF on your Android device. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A document that you want to convert to PDF format. This can be a Word document, Excel spreadsheet, PowerPoint presentation, or any other compatible file format.
2. An Android device with the necessary apps installed. We will explore different methods using both built-in features and third-party apps, so make sure you have the required apps installed on your device.

What Requires Your Focus?

When converting a document to PDF on Android, there are a few key aspects that you should pay attention to. These include:

1. Document Formatting: Ensure that the original document is properly formatted and follows any guidelines or requirements you may have. This will help in preserving the formatting when converting to PDF.
2. File Size: Pay attention to the file size of the resulting PDF. Depending on the method used, the file size can vary. Choose a method that suits your needs and takes into consideration any size restrictions you may have.
3. Compatibility: Consider the compatibility of the resulting PDF. Some methods may result in a PDF that is less compatible with certain devices or platforms. Choose a method that ensures maximum compatibility for your intended use.

Now that we have an understanding of what’s needed and what requires our focus, let’s explore four different methods to change a document to a PDF on Android.

Method 1. Using Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud storage solution provided by Google that also offers the ability to convert documents to PDF format. Here’s how you can use Google Drive to convert a document to PDF on your Android device:

1. Open the Google Drive app on your Android device.
2. Tap on the "+" icon to create a new document.
3. Choose the type of document you want to create (e.g., Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides).
4. Create or upload the document you want to convert to PDF.
5. Once the document is open, tap on the three dots at the top-right corner of the screen.
6. From the options menu, select "Print."
7. In the print preview screen, select "Save as PDF" from the list of available printers.
8. Customize any settings if necessary and tap on the "Save" button.
9. Choose the destination folder where you want to save the PDF, and tap on "Save" again.

Pros:
1. Convenient and readily available on most Android devices.
2. Can convert various types of documents to PDF.
3. Simple and intuitive process.

Cons:
1. Limited customization options for PDF settings.
2. May require an internet connection to access Google Drive.

FAQs about Using Google Drive

Q1: Can I convert multiple documents to PDF using Google Drive?

A: Yes, you can convert multiple documents to PDF using Google Drive. Simply select and open each document, then follow the aforementioned steps to save them as PDFs.

Q2: Are there any file size limitations when using Google Drive to convert documents to PDF?

A: While there are no specific file size limitations imposed by Google Drive, larger files may take longer to convert and save as PDF.

Q3: Can I access the converted PDFs offline?

A: Yes, once the PDFs are saved in your Google Drive, you can access them offline as long as you have previously enabled offline access for Google Drive.

Pros Cons
1. Convenient and readily available on most Android devices. 1. Limited customization options for PDF settings.
2. Can convert various types of documents to PDF. 2. May require an internet connection to access Google Drive.
3. Simple and intuitive process.

Method 2. Via Microsoft Office Mobile App

If you frequently work with Microsoft Office documents, you can use the Microsoft Office Mobile app to convert these documents to PDF on your Android device. Here’s how:

1. Install the Microsoft Office Mobile app from the Google Play Store if you haven’t already.
2. Open the app and sign in with your Microsoft account.
3. Tap on the "Recent" tab to access your recent documents or navigate to the location of the document you want to convert.
4. Tap and hold on the document until a menu appears.
5. From the menu, select "Send a Copy."
6. Choose "PDF" from the available format options.
7. Customize any settings if necessary and tap on the "Send" button.
8. Select a destination folder or app where you want to save the PDF.

Pros:
1. Specifically designed for Microsoft Office documents.
2. Provides a range of options and settings for converting to PDF.
3. Offers seamless integration with Microsoft Office applications.

Cons:
1. Requires a Microsoft account to access all features.
2. May have limited compatibility with non-Microsoft document formats.

FAQs about Via Microsoft Office Mobile App

Q1: Can I convert large Excel spreadsheets to PDF using the Microsoft Office Mobile app?

A: Yes, the Microsoft Office Mobile app supports converting large Excel spreadsheets to PDF. However, larger files may take longer to convert and may require additional device storage.

Q2: Can I convert password-protected Word documents to PDF using this method?

A: No, the Microsoft Office Mobile app does not support converting password-protected Word documents to PDF. You will need to remove the password protection before converting.

Q3: Can I directly share the converted PDF from the app?

A: Yes, once the document is converted to PDF, you can directly share it via email, messaging apps, or other sharing options available on your Android device.

Pros Cons
1. Specifically designed for Microsoft Office documents. 1. Requires a Microsoft account to access all features.
2. Provides a range of options and settings for converting to PDF. 2. May have limited compatibility with non-Microsoft document formats.
3. Offers seamless integration with Microsoft Office applications.

Method 3. Using Adobe Acrobat Reader App

Adobe Acrobat Reader is a widely used PDF reader app that also offers the ability to convert documents to PDF on Android devices. Here’s how you can use Adobe Acrobat Reader to perform the conversion:

1. Install the Adobe Acrobat Reader app from the Google Play Store if you haven’t already.
2. Open the app and navigate to the location of the document you want to convert.
3. Tap and hold on the document until a menu appears.
4. From the menu, select "Create PDF" or "Convert to PDF."
5. Customize any settings if necessary and tap on the "Create" or "Convert" button.
6. Choose a destination folder or app where you want to save the PDF.

Pros:
1. Dedicated PDF reader app with robust features.
2. Offers advanced options and customization for PDF conversion.
3. Supports a wide range of document formats.

Cons:
1. Requires the installation of an additional app.
2. Some advanced features may require a subscription to Adobe Acrobat Reader Pro.

FAQs about Using Adobe Acrobat Reader App

Q1: Can I convert scanned documents to PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader?

A: Yes, Adobe Acrobat Reader offers built-in OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology that allows you to convert scanned documents to PDF.

Q2: Are there any limitations on the number of documents I can convert using this method?

A: There are no specific limitations on the number of documents you can convert to PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader. However, large batch conversions may take longer and consume device resources.

Q3: Can I directly edit the converted PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader?

A: Yes, once the document is converted to PDF, you can use Adobe Acrobat Reader to perform various editing functions such as adding annotations, highlighting text, and more.

Pros Cons
1. Dedicated PDF reader app with robust features. 1. Requires the installation of an additional app.
2. Offers advanced options and customization for PDF conversion. 2. Some advanced features may require a subscription to Adobe Acrobat Reader Pro.
3. Supports a wide range of document formats.

Method 4. Using Online Conversion Tools

If you prefer to use a web-based solution, there are various online conversion tools available that can convert documents to PDF format. Here’s how you can use an online conversion tool on your Android device:

1. Open a web browser on your Android device and search for an online document to PDF converter.
2. Choose a reliable and trusted online converter from the search results.
3. Follow the instructions on the website to upload the document you want to convert.
4. Select the desired output format as PDF.
5. Click on the "Convert" or "Start Conversion" button to initiate the conversion process.
6. Wait for the process to complete and download the converted PDF to your device.

Pros:
1. No additional app installations required.
2. Accessible from any web browser on your Android device.
3. Wide range of online conversion tools available.

Cons:
1. Requires an internet connection for the conversion process.
2. May have limitations in terms of file size and number of conversions.

FAQs about Using Online Conversion Tools

Q1: Are online conversion tools safe to use for converting sensitive documents?

A: While most online conversion tools take security measures, it is always recommended to exercise caution when uploading sensitive documents. Ensure that you choose a reputable online converter and review their privacy policy and security measures before use.

Q2: Can I convert multiple documents simultaneously using online conversion tools?

A: Some online conversion tools allow batch conversion, where you can upload multiple documents at once. However, the availability of this feature may vary depending on the specific tool you use.

Q3: Are online conversion tools compatible with all document formats?

A: Most online conversion tools support a wide range of document formats. However, it is advisable to check the supported formats on the respective online conversion tool before uploading your documents.

Pros Cons
1. No additional app installations required. 1. Requires an internet connection for the conversion process.
2. Accessible from any web browser on your Android device. 2. May have limitations in terms of file size and number of conversions.
3. Wide range of online conversion tools available.

Why Can’t I Change Document to PDF on Android?

There are several reasons why you may encounter issues or difficulties when trying to change a document to PDF on Android. Here are three common reasons and their fixes:

1. Insufficient Storage Space: If your device does not have enough storage space, you may encounter errors or the conversion process may be slow or fail. To fix this issue, make sure to free up storage space on your device by deleting unnecessary files or apps.

2. Incompatible Document Format: Some document formats may not be compatible with certain conversion methods or tools. To ensure compatibility, try converting your document to a more widely accepted format, such as DOCX for Word documents or XLSX for Excel spreadsheets, before attempting to convert to PDF.

3. Outdated or Incompatible Apps: If you are using third-party apps for the conversion process, make sure they are up to date and compatible with your device’s operating system. Check for app updates in the Google Play Store and ensure that your Android device is running the latest version of the operating system.

Implications and Recommendations

When changing a document to PDF on Android, there are a few implications and recommendations to consider:

1. PDF Compatibility: Ensure that the resulting PDF is compatible with the intended recipients’ devices or platforms. Test the PDF on different devices and open it with various PDF readers to ensure proper compatibility.

2. File Size Optimization: Depending on the chosen method, the resulting PDF file size may vary. If file size is a concern, consider using compression techniques or adjusting settings during the conversion process to optimize the file size.

3. PDF Security: If your document contains sensitive or confidential information, consider further securing the resulting PDF file. This can be done by applying password protection, encryption, or watermarking to prevent unauthorized access or modification.

4. Backup and Storage: Always keep a backup of both the original document and the converted PDF. This ensures that you have a copy of the original file and protects against data loss in case of accidental deletion or device failure.

5. Regular Updates: Keep your document conversion apps and tools up to date to benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and security enhancements.

5 FAQs about Changing Document to PDF on Android

Q1: Can I convert password-protected documents to PDF on Android?

A: It depends on the method or app you are using. Some methods may not support password-protected documents, while others may require you to enter the password during the conversion process. Make sure to check the specific capabilities of the method or app you are using.

Q2: Is it possible to convert handwritten or scanned documents to PDF on Android?

A: Yes, it is possible to convert handwritten or scanned documents to PDF on Android. Methods like using OCR technology or specialized scanning apps can assist in converting physical documents to PDF format.

Q3: Can I edit the converted PDF on Android?

A: Yes, you can edit the converted PDF on