Convert Word to PDF in Python: Every Method Compared

Converting DOCX to PDF in Python is harder than it looks — Microsoft Word's rendering engine isn't available on Linux servers. Here's every viable method.

Method 1 — LibreOffice CLI (Best for Linux Servers)

import subprocess
def docx_to_pdf(input_path, output_dir):
    subprocess.run([
        'libreoffice', '--headless', '--convert-to', 'pdf',
        '--outdir', output_dir, input_path
    ], check=True)

LibreOffice is available on all Linux distros. Results are very close to Word output. Install: apt install libreoffice.

Method 2 — python-docx2pdf (Windows/Mac)

from docx2pdf import convert
convert('input.docx', 'output.pdf')

Requires Microsoft Word installed. Perfect on Windows/Mac, doesn't work on Linux servers.

Method 3 — unoconv

import subprocess
subprocess.run(['unoconv', '-f', 'pdf', 'input.docx'])

Wraps LibreOffice. Simpler API than direct LibreOffice CLI. Install: apt install unoconv.

Method 4 — Online API

For one-off conversions without server dependencies, ZeroPhantom's file converter handles DOCX-to-PDF via API or web interface.

Comparison

• Linux server: LibreOffice CLI or unoconv
• Windows/Mac dev machine: python-docx2pdf
• No install: online converter API
• Fidelity: All are close; complex Word styles render slightly differently in LibreOffice

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