Best Document Converters 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert Word to PDF for free?▾

Microsoft Word's File > Save As > PDF or File > Export > PDF creates a PDF directly for free in the desktop app. Google Docs opens Word files and exports to PDF via File > Download > PDF Document. LibreOffice Writer is a free Word-compatible desktop app that exports to PDF. If you do not have any of these, Smallpdf and ILovePDF convert Word to PDF online for free.

What is the best free tool for converting between Office formats?▾

LibreOffice is the best free solution for converting between Office formats on desktop - it opens and saves .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, and older Office formats plus OpenDocument formats (ODT, ODS, ODP) and PDF. It handles most conversions adequately, though complex formatting (custom animations, advanced Excel functions) may not convert perfectly. For cloud-based conversion, Google Workspace opens and exports Office formats well.

Why do documents look different after conversion?▾

Document formats encode content differently - fonts may not transfer (substitute fonts change line breaks), custom styles may not map correctly to the target format, and features unique to one format (Excel formulas, Word macros, PowerPoint transitions) have no equivalent in the target format. Simple documents with basic formatting convert cleanly; complex documents with custom styles, embedded objects, or advanced features require manual correction after conversion.

How do I convert a Word document to EPUB for e-readers?▾

Use a document converter that supports EPUB output: upload the Word file, choose EPUB, and download the result, which e-readers and reading apps can then display with reflowable text. EPUB is designed for e-books, adapting to screen size and letting readers adjust font, unlike a fixed PDF. For a clean result, structure the Word document well with proper headings and styles, since the converter uses these to build the e-book's navigation. Simple documents convert cleanly, while complex layouts may need adjustment. Dedicated e-book tools offer more control over the final EPUB, but a free converter handles straightforward manuscripts well.

What is the difference between DOC, ODT, and RTF?▾

DOC (and the newer DOCX) is Microsoft Word's format, widely used and full-featured but tied to Word's ecosystem, though most programs now read it. ODT is the OpenDocument Text format used by free office suites, an open standard alternative to DOCX with similar capabilities. RTF (Rich Text Format) is an older, simpler format that preserves basic formatting like bold, fonts, and paragraphs and opens in almost any word processor, making it a reliable lowest-common-denominator for sharing formatted text across different programs. In short: DOCX for Word, ODT for open-source office suites, and RTF as a simple, universally compatible format when you just need formatted text to open anywhere.

Will converting a document change its formatting?▾

Sometimes, depending on how different the formats are and how complex the document is. Converting between similar, capable formats like DOCX and ODT usually preserves formatting well, while converting to a simpler format like TXT strips all formatting, or to EPUB reflows the layout entirely. Complex elements, intricate tables, precise layouts, embedded objects, unusual fonts, are most likely to shift or need cleanup. Plain, well-structured documents convert most reliably. If exact appearance matters, converting to PDF preserves the layout as a fixed image of the pages, whereas converting to an editable format prioritizes editability over pixel-perfect fidelity. Check the result and expect to tidy complex documents.