Converting DOCX to PDF is built into virtually every tool that opens Word documents. The challenge isn't finding a way to do it — it's choosing the method that preserves your formatting best.
In Microsoft Word (desktop), File → Save As → PDF, or File → Export → Create PDF/XPS. This produces the most faithful conversion since Word created the document in the first place. On the Export screen, choose "Standard" for full quality or "Minimum size" for smaller files.
In Google Docs, File → Download → PDF Document. Google renders the document server-side and generates a clean PDF. Formatting is usually accurate, though complex layouts may shift slightly compared to Word's rendering.
On Mac without Word, open the DOCX in Pages or Preview, then File → Export as PDF (Pages) or File → Print → Save as PDF (any app). The Print → PDF method works from any application on Mac — it's a system-level feature.
For a browser-based solution with no account required, fwip converts DOCX to PDF locally in your browser. Drop the file, get a PDF back. The document never leaves your device, which matters for confidential content.
For batch conversion, LibreOffice has a command-line mode: `libreoffice --headless --convert-to pdf *.docx` converts every DOCX in the current directory. This is ideal for processing hundreds of files in scripts or automated workflows.