PDF and DOCX (Microsoft Word) are the two most common document formats on the planet. They look similar, but they're optimized for completely different things. Here's when to use each.
Use PDF when...
- You need the document to look identical on every device.
- You're sending a final, signed, or printable document.
- You want to lock the content from easy editing.
- You're archiving for the long term (PDF/A is built for this).
Use DOCX when...
- The document is still being edited or collaborated on.
- You're using Word's review/tracked-changes features.
- You need to merge content with mail-merge or templates.
Converting between them
Need to switch? Use our free PDF to Word converter to turn a PDF into editable DOCX, or Word to PDF to lock down your final draft. Both run free and unlimited.