Convert your Word documents to PDF or XPS

Office Word 2007 supports exporting your file to the following formats:

• Portable Document Format (PDF)  PDF is a fixed-layout electronic file format that preserves document formatting and enables file sharing. The PDF format ensures that when the file is viewed online or printed, it retains exactly the format that you intended, and that data in the file cannot be easily changed. The PDF format is also useful for documents that will be reproduced by using commercial printing methods.
• XML Paper Specification (XPS)  XPS is an electronic file format that preserves document formatting and enables file sharing. The XPS format ensures that when the file is viewed online or printed, it retains exactly the format that you intended, and that data in the file cannot be easily changed.

Prevent changes to a final version of a document

Before you share a final version of a document with other people, you can use the Mark as Final command to make the document read-only and communicate to other people that you are sharing a final version of the document. When a document is marked as final, its typing, editing commands, and proofing marks are disabled, and people who view the document cannot inadvertently change the document. The Mark as Final command is not a security feature. Anyone can edit a document that is marked as final by turning off Mark as Final.

Add a digital signature or signature line to your documents You can help provide assurance as to the authenticity, integrity, and origin of your document by adding a digital signature to the document. In Office Word 2007, either you can add an invisible digital signature to a document, or you can insert a Microsoft Office Signature Line to capture a visible representation of a signature along with a digital signature. The ability to capture digital signatures by using signature lines in Office documents makes it possible for organizations to use paperless signing processes for documents like contracts or other agreements. Unlike signatures on paper, digital signatures provide a record of exactly what was signed, and they allow the signature to be verified in the future.