How to Convert a Word Document to PDF While Keeping Hyperlinks Intact: A Step-by-Step Guide

Converting a Word document to PDF is a common task many of us have to do regularly. While the conversion process is simple, there is one crucial element that often gets lost in the process – hyperlinks. When you convert a Word doc to PDF, any hyperlinks in the Word file usually won’t make it over to the PDF. This can be frustrating if you have a lengthy Word document with lots of hyperlinks you want to preserve.

Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to convert a Word document to PDF and keep all your hyperlinks intact. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through the different methods so you can quickly and easily convert to PDF while retaining your hyperlinks.

Why Hyperlinks Don’t Automatically Convert from Word to PDF

Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, it helps to understand why hyperlinks in Word documents don’t automatically carry over when converted to PDF.

When you insert a hyperlink in a Word doc, you are adding special coding that tells Word to activate the link. However, PDFs don’t recognize Word’s hyperlink coding. So when you convert that Word file to PDF, the program doesn’t know what to do with that special hyperlink formatting. This results in the hyperlink being removed completely from the PDF.

To retain the hyperlinks, we need to find ways to convert the Word document that will interpret the hyperlink coding and allow it to be reproduced in the PDF.

Method 1: Use Microsoft Word’s “Create PDF” Feature

The easiest way to convert to PDF and keep your hyperlinks is to use Microsoft Word’s own “Create PDF” tool Here’s how

Step 1: Open your Word document

Double click to open the Word file you want to convert in Microsoft Word. This document needs to already contain the hyperlinks you want to transfer over to PDF.

Step 2: Click “File” then select “Export” and “Create PDF/XPS Document”

This opens up a dialog box to save the PDF. By default, the hyperlinks will now carry over when converting using this tool.

Step 3: Specify a location and click “Publish”

Choose where you want to save the PDF version of your Word document and click “Publish”

Once it finishes open the PDF and you should see all your hyperlinks from Word are still active and working!

The benefit of using Word’s built-in PDF conversion is speed and simplicity. The downside is that you are limited to Microsoft Word to perform the conversion. If you prefer to use other PDF software or don’t have access to Word, the next two methods offer some alternatives.

Method 2: Use Microsoft Print to PDF

You can also convert to PDF while retaining hyperlinks using Microsoft Print to PDF, a tool included free in Windows 10. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open your Word doc and select “Print”

Open your Word document containing the hyperlinks as usual. Click “File” then select “Print.”

Step 2: Under printers, select “Microsoft Print to PDF”

In the print dialog box, look under printers and select “Microsoft Print to PDF” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Click “Print.” Specify save location for PDF and hit “Save”

A preview will open up showing you what the PDF will look like. Click “Print” and it will prompt you to select a save location on your computer. Choose where you want the PDF to go and hit “Save.”

The PDF will now open up with all hyperlinks from the Word document preserved!

Method 3: Use Adobe Acrobat (Pro)

If you want to convert Word docs to PDF outside of Microsoft Office products, Adobe Acrobat is the industry standard tool to use.

For retaining hyperlinks, I recommend using the Pro version which offers a couple ways to convert and keep hyperlinks:

Convert Using Acrobat PDFMaker

Acrobat PDFMaker is an add-in that automates PDF conversion within Office apps. After installing it in Word, you’ll see an “Acrobat” tab added to the Word ribbon.

To convert to PDF:

• Open your Word doc in Microsoft Word
• Click the “Acrobat” tab then select “Create PDF”
• Save the PDF file when prompted

This will convert the Word doc to PDF with hyperlinks intact!

Print Word Doc Using Acrobat PDF Printer

You can also print to PDF using the virtual Acrobat PDF printer:

• Open your Word document
• Click “File” and “Print”
• Under printers, select “Adobe PDF” printer
• Click print and save the PDF when prompted

This prints a PDF just like the Microsoft Print to PDF method. But gives you more control over PDF settings and options.

The benefit of using Acrobat is it reliably converts Word hyperlinks no matter what PDF creator tool you prefer. The only downside is you need to pay for Acrobat Pro.

Troubleshooting Hyperlinks Not Working After Conversion

Sometimes even using the methods above, a handful of hyperlinks may still get lost or not convert properly to the PDF. Here are some things to check if this happens:

• Verify hyperlinks are working properly in the Word document before converting. Any invalid links in Word will fail over.

• Double check your PDF conversion settings or preferences. Some PDF tools let you choose whether to include hyperlinks. Make sure this setting is enabled.

• Try a different PDF conversion tool or method. Certain PDF creators may work better than others for retaining Word hyperlinks.

• Repair broken links and re-convert the Word document. Any links not working should be deleted and recreated in the Word file for a clean transfer to PDF.

• Manually recreate lost hyperlinks in the PDF. In some rare cases links don’t come across at all. If it’s just a few, you can manually recreate them in the PDF.

With some trial and error, you should be able to find a PDF conversion method that successfully retains your valuable Word hyperlinks!

Wrapping Up

Losing hyperlinks when converting Word to PDF is a common frustration. But thankfully there are a few quick solutions:

• Use Microsoft Word’s built-in “Create PDF” tool
• Convert via “Microsoft Print to PDF” if you don’t have Word
• Use Acrobat Pro’s PDFMaker or PDF Printer (paid)

Sticking to these proven methods will ensure your hyperlinks survive the PDF conversion every time.