FreePDF and DOCX are two of the most common document formats, but they serve different purposes. Choosing the right format can save you headaches and make your documents work better for their intended use.
Let's break down the key differences and when to use each.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | DOCX | |
|---|---|---|
| Editing | Difficult (requires special tools) | Easy (designed for editing) |
| Formatting | Fixed — looks same everywhere | Can change based on viewer's software |
| File Size | Usually smaller | Can be larger with images |
| Viewing | Any browser or free reader | Needs Word or compatible app |
| Security | Can be password protected | Limited protection options |
| Signatures | Supports digital signatures | Limited signature support |
What is PDF?
PDF (Portable Document Format) was created by Adobe to share documents that look identical regardless of software, hardware, or operating system.
Key characteristics:
- Fixed layout — formatting never changes
- Universal compatibility — opens on any device
- Difficult to edit (by design)
- Ideal for final, finished documents
What is DOCX?
DOCX is Microsoft Word's document format (since Office 2007). It's designed for creating and editing documents.
Key characteristics:
- Easy to edit and revise
- Formatting can shift on different computers
- Supports tracked changes and comments
- Ideal for documents in progress
When to Use PDF
✅ Use PDF for:
- Final documents — Reports, contracts, proposals
- Printing — What you see is what you print
- Legal documents — Contracts, agreements, forms
- Sharing externally — Recipients don't need specific software
- Archiving — Long-term document storage
- Forms — Fillable forms with fixed layout
- eBooks and manuals — Consistent reading experience
When to Use DOCX
✅ Use DOCX for:
- Work in progress — Documents you're still writing
- Collaboration — When others need to edit
- Templates — Reusable document templates
- Track changes — Documents needing revision history
- Mail merge — Personalized letters and labels
The Typical Workflow
Most professionals follow this pattern:
- Create and edit in DOCX (Word)
- Collaborate and revise in DOCX
- Convert to PDF for final distribution
This gives you the best of both worlds: easy editing during creation, and fixed formatting for sharing.
Convert Between Formats Easily
Need to switch between PDF and Word? Our free tools make it simple.
Common Scenarios
Sending a Resume
Best format: PDF
Your carefully designed resume will look exactly the same on every recruiter's screen. Use our Word to PDF converter to create the final version.
Collaborating on a Report
Best format: DOCX
Keep it in Word while your team makes edits. Convert to PDF only when it's finalized.
Signing a Contract
Best format: PDF
PDFs support digital signatures and can be protected from editing. Use our Sign PDF tool to add your signature.
Filling Out a Form
Best format: PDF
Most official forms are PDF with fillable fields. They maintain layout while allowing data entry.
Creating a Template
Best format: DOCX
Templates need to be editable. Create in Word, then convert copies to PDF when needed.
Converting Between Formats
Word to PDF
This is the easier direction. You can:
- Use "Save as PDF" in Microsoft Word
- Use our Word to PDF converter (free, online)
- Print to PDF (built into most operating systems)
PDF to Word
This is trickier because PDFs aren't designed to be edited. Our PDF to Word converter extracts text and formatting, but complex layouts may need manual adjustment.
FAQ
Can everyone open PDF files?
Yes. PDFs open in any web browser, or free readers like Adobe Acrobat Reader. No special software needed.
Are PDFs more secure than DOCX?
PDFs offer more security options: password protection, editing restrictions, and digital signatures. Use our Protect PDF tool to add security.
Which format is better for printing?
PDF. It's specifically designed to produce identical prints regardless of the printer or computer used.
Can I edit a PDF like a Word document?
Not directly. PDFs are meant to be fixed. For heavy editing, convert to Word first using our PDF to Word tool, edit, then convert back to PDF.
Conclusion
The format debate is simple: use DOCX for creating and editing, PDF for sharing and finalizing.
When your document is done and ready to share, convert it to PDF to ensure everyone sees it exactly as you intended.