How to Convert DOCX to PDF in C# with IronWord

Updated:February 11, 2026

IronWord enables seamless DOCX to PDF conversion through its ToPdf method, supporting automated document workflows, report distribution, and archival processes that require standardized PDF output format.

Quickstart: Convert DOCX to PDF in C#

Install IronWord via NuGet Package Manager
Load an existing DOCX file using WordDocument.Load()
Call ToPdf() to convert the document
Save the PDF using SaveAs() or get the byte array
Your PDF file is ready for distribution or archival

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First Step:

How to Convert DOCX to PDF

Download IronWord (C# library) for converting DOCX to PDF
Load an existing DOCX file using the `Load` method
Convert the document to PDF using the `ToPdf` method
Save the PDF file to disk or stream

How Do I Convert a DOCX File to PDF?

The ToPdf method handles all PDF generation complexity while preserving document formatting, images, tables, and text styles. Load your DOCX file with WordDocument.Load(), call ToPdf() with the output path, and the conversion completes automatically.

:path=/static-assets/word/content-code-examples/how-to/word-to-pdf-basic.cs

using IronWord;

// Load existing DOCX file
WordDocument doc = WordDocument.Load("input.docx");

// Convert to PDF
doc.ToPdf("output.pdf");

Imports IronWord

' Load existing DOCX file
Dim doc As WordDocument = WordDocument.Load("input.docx")

' Convert to PDF
doc.ToPdf("output.pdf")

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TipsThe ToPdf method maintains full document fidelity including fonts, colors, images, and layout during conversion.

This approach works well for automated report distribution, invoice generation, or any workflow requiring standardized PDF output. The converted PDF renders identically across all platforms and devices, making it ideal for official documentation, legal archiving, and client-facing deliverables where consistent appearance is critical.

How Do I Convert Multiple DOCX Files to PDF?

For high-volume document processing, batch conversion processes entire directories automatically. Use Directory.GetFiles() to retrieve all DOCX files, then iterate through each file applying the same conversion method. Error handling with try-catch blocks ensures corrupt files don't halt the entire batch operation.

:path=/static-assets/word/content-code-examples/how-to/word-to-pdf-batch.cs

using IronWord;
using System;
using System.IO;

// Get all DOCX files from input directory
string[] docxFiles = Directory.GetFiles("input-folder", "*.docx");

foreach (string filePath in docxFiles)
{
    try
    {
        // Load DOCX file
        WordDocument doc = WordDocument.Load(filePath);

        // Generate output PDF path
        string fileName = Path.GetFileNameWithoutExtension(filePath);
        string outputPath = $"output-folder/{fileName}.pdf";

        // Convert to PDF
        doc.ToPdf(outputPath);

        Console.WriteLine($"Converted: {fileName}");
    }
    catch (Exception ex)
    {
        Console.WriteLine($"Failed: {Path.GetFileName(filePath)} - {ex.Message}");
    }
}

Imports IronWord
Imports System
Imports System.IO

' Get all DOCX files from input directory
Dim docxFiles As String() = Directory.GetFiles("input-folder", "*.docx")

For Each filePath As String In docxFiles
    Try
        ' Load DOCX file
        Dim doc As WordDocument = WordDocument.Load(filePath)

        ' Generate output PDF path
        Dim fileName As String = Path.GetFileNameWithoutExtension(filePath)
        Dim outputPath As String = $"output-folder/{fileName}.pdf"

        ' Convert to PDF
        doc.ToPdf(outputPath)

        Console.WriteLine($"Converted: {fileName}")
    Catch ex As Exception
        Console.WriteLine($"Failed: {Path.GetFileName(filePath)} - {ex.Message}")
    End Try
Next

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The example above demonstrates practical batch processing with console logging for progress tracking. This pattern works effectively for archive migration projects, automated workflow pipelines, or scheduled report generation where hundreds of DOCX files need conversion without manual intervention.

When processing large batches, verify source files exist before conversion and maintain consistent output naming conventions. Consider parallel processing for performance gains, but monitor system resources to prevent memory exhaustion during concurrent operations.

How Do I Convert DOCX with Custom PDF Settings?

Advanced conversion scenarios support customization through PdfOptions, allowing control over page configuration, compression, and metadata. Configure properties like PageSize, Orientation, and CompressImages before calling ToPdf() to tailor output for specific distribution or compliance requirements.

:path=/static-assets/word/content-code-examples/how-to/word-to-pdf-custom.cs

using IronWord;

// Load DOCX file
WordDocument doc = WordDocument.Load("report.docx");

// Configure PDF settings (draft syntax - API not finalized)
var pdfOptions = new PdfOptions
{
    PageSize = PageSize.A4,
    Orientation = PageOrientation.Portrait,
    CompressImages = true,
    Metadata = new PdfMetadata
    {
        Title = "Quarterly Report",
        Author = "Finance Department"
    }
};

// Convert with custom settings
doc.ToPdf("report.pdf", pdfOptions);

Imports IronWord

' Load DOCX file
Dim doc As WordDocument = WordDocument.Load("report.docx")

' Configure PDF settings (draft syntax - API not finalized)
Dim pdfOptions As New PdfOptions With {
    .PageSize = PageSize.A4,
    .Orientation = PageOrientation.Portrait,
    .CompressImages = True,
    .Metadata = New PdfMetadata With {
        .Title = "Quarterly Report",
        .Author = "Finance Department"
    }
}

' Convert with custom settings
doc.ToPdf("report.pdf", pdfOptions)

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TipsThe code above uses draft API syntax - the PdfOptions class interface may change in future releases.

Custom settings prove valuable when regulatory compliance demands specific metadata, when email delivery requires compressed file sizes, or when archival standards mandate PDF/A format. By combining IronWord's automation capabilities with granular output control, you can build enterprise workflows that meet both technical and business requirements efficiently.

Ahmad Sohail

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Full Stack Developer

Ahmad is a full-stack developer with a strong foundation in C#, Python, and web technologies. He has a deep interest in building scalable software solutions and enjoys exploring how design and functionality meet in real-world applications.

Before joining the Iron Software team, Ahmad worked on automation projects ...

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