PDF look is not the same as word doc

Bernie White 15 Reputation points
2026-07-14T14:33:48.85+00:00

When I convert one word document to a PDF file, the PDF has white areas on right and bottom. Problem just started yesterday. Does not occur on other documents. I was referred by the chat services: using PC

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows
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Answer recommended by moderator
Bernie White 15 Reputation points
2026-07-18T20:16:11.15+00:00

The following changes fixed the problem.

In Advanced under options, uncheck "scale content to A4 or 8.5 x 11 paper sizes under Print.

Also use File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document and click Options. Make sure Document structure tags for accessibility are checked—this embeds the tagged structure that screen readers need to navigate the document. You can also enable Create bookmarks using Headings for easier navigation. Critically, don't use Print to PDF or the basic Save As PDF option—these strip out accessibility information entirely.

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  1. IGYQ 22,060 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-14T15:17:29.86+00:00

    Hi!

    Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

    Since the problem only affects one specific Word document and started recently, it's likely that something in that document, not Word or the PDF converter itself causing the issue. I cannot just pinpoint the cause easily but factors are margins, hidden shapes/objects, page size, section breaks etc. Instead, you can try to do this method and see the outcome.

    Go to File > Print and choose Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer. See if the white areas still appear.

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  3. Stefan Blom 352.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-07-14T17:26:53.5533333+00:00

    PDF conversion resembles printing in some ways. Depending on how you converted the document, you may get a nonprinting area around the edges of the page, in much the same way as physical printouts may not allow you to fill the page completely.

    You may need to install an updated driver for your printer. Try the printer manufacturer's web site.

    How are you converting to PDF, specifically? Are you using File > Save As > Browse in Word? Or some other method?

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