How to convert a Visio file to a PDF.
Turn your Visio diagram into a shareable, secure PDF document with these easy steps.
Visio is useful software for drawing diagrams such as flowcharts, org charts, process flow diagrams, floor plans — you name it. However, when it’s time to share your diagram with others, you want to make sure everyone can open and read it — regardless of whether their operating system supports Visio.
Save your co-workers, teammates, and colleagues the headache of trying to open your Visio file. Convert your VSD or VSDX file to a PDF before you share it.
What is a VSD file?
A VSD is also known as a Microsoft Visio Drawing File. Visio is an application designed by Microsoft for diagramming and creating vector graphics, and a .vsd file extension is used to save drawings created in this program, such as complex flowcharts and topology diagrams. Visio is intended to be used with other Microsoft Office applications, so files can be viewed in Microsoft Visio Viewer or Microsoft Internet Explorer.
In 2013, the VSD was replaced with the Visio VSDX Graphics File Format, which is now the default. Another option that was introduced with Visio 2013 and later is a VSDM, which is similar to VSDX but it can run macros — user-defined actions for performing repetitive tasks. All three file extensions can be viewed in Visio and converted to PDF for use in programs outside of Microsoft Office.
Quick steps to convert Visio to PDF in Visio.
Follow these steps in Visio:
- Select File, then Export.
- Click Create PDF/XPS.
- Choose where you want to save your file.
- Name your file and click Publish.
It’s as simple as those four steps. If you’re working in an earlier Visio version, the same general steps should apply. You basically want to find the File option and create a PDF from there.
Convert Visio to PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
You can also try converting the file using Adobe Acrobat.
- Open Acrobat and choose Tools > Create PDF.
- Select the VSD file from which you want to create a PDF.
- Click Create or Next depending on the file type.
- Follow the prompts to convert to PDF and save to your desired location.
Can you open Visio files without Visio?
If you don’t have Visio software and want to view the file before trying to convert it to any other format, the best option is probably to download the free Visio Viewer app. You’ll be able to open, view, and print drawings, but you won’t be able to edit them. Another option is to use the Visio online viewer, which you can access in your browser and offers the same preview functionality without any editing tools. You’ll need to sign in with a Microsoft 365 account.
Get document flexibility.
It can be frustrating not to have editing access to files, and Visio diagrams are useful for the professional and polished documents you might want to create. Get the flexibility you need to make the most of Visio materials by turning them into PDFs. Convert your .vsd to a PDF with Acrobat on your desktop and then explore everything else you can do for free in Adobe online services to edit, save, share, split, and safeguard your documents.
