Choose DOCX when the document is still changing
A DOCX file keeps the document in a form that word processors can edit. It is the better hand-off when another person needs to rewrite text, leave comments, change styles or continue working on the document.
- Drafts and collaborative documents
- Assignments that must be submitted as editable Word files
- Templates and documents that will be reused
Choose PDF when the layout is the result
PDF is usually the safer choice for a finished document. It is intended to preserve page layout, which makes it useful when margins, fonts, page breaks and positioning matter to the recipient.
- CVs, invoices and finished reports
- Documents intended for printing
- Files being shared with someone who does not need to edit them
What can change during DOCX to PDF conversion?
Conversion is more than changing a filename extension. Font availability, embedded objects, page sizing and application-specific layout behaviour can affect the result. For an important document, check the converted PDF before sending it.