Method/tools for batch-converting Microsoft Word files into PDF?

Question

I have to convert about 2,000 Microsoft Word doc-files into PDFs in Windows. The file names should be the same, only the file extension from .doc in .pdf.

doc0001.doc -> doc0001.pdf
doc0002.doc -> doc0002.pdf
...
doc2000.doc -> doc2000.pdf

I know this could be done using a pseudo pdf printer driver and adding the documents to the "printer" queue. But I guess this won't work, because I will be prompted for the file name? Or am I wrong?

Is there a different, elegant way to accomplish this task?

Thanks!

Answer 1

To accomplish this I've used a tool called Convert Doc from a company called SoftInterface.

You point it at a selection of files or a folder, and it'll output your selected Word files as PDF's I've tried it with 2003 and 2007 and it works well. Can be run from a command line if you're so inclined. The interface of the program could probably do with some work though.

There's a you can download a free trial on their website

link to product page

Answer 2

If you install open office this should do the trick: http://www.oooninja.com/2008/02/batch-command-line-file-conversion-with.html

Answer 3

PDFCreator is a free open source converter. It has an auto-save feature that doesn't prompt for destination filename. It's a little annoying that it only saves to My Documents, Desktop, a temp folder or a custom defined folder and not the targer file's folder but it works rather well. Select target files, right-click and Print. Don't know that I'd recommend it for large batches.

Answer 4

I know you said Windows but if you have any Mac owning friends you could ask them to write a very quick/simple 'automator script' using 'preview' to do this.

Answer 5

If commercial products are a valid option, Amyuni PDF Converter could be used for this purpose. It provides a PDF printer driver that can be automated using VBScript through an ActiveX control.