Best 4 Ways to Convert HWP to PDF Easily

5 mins read

Updated on 2025-02-27 14:35:12 to File Tips

HWP files, used by Hancom Office, are popular in South Korea for word processing. However, these files are not compatible with global software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Changing HWP file to PDF ensures better accessibility, easy sharing, and professional formatting. According to a Statista report, PDF is one of the most used document formats worldwide due to its compatibility and security features.

If you have an HWP file and need a quick way to convert it, there are several ways. This guide will show you the 4 easiest ways to convert HWP to PDF using both online tools and offline software.

convert hwp to pdf

Part 1. What Is an HWP File?

❓ What Is HWP Format

HWP file is a document format created by Hangul Word Processor (HWP), a word-processing software developed by Hancom. This software is used in South Korea to write official documents, reports, and other text-based files. Like Microsoft Word’s DOCX format, an HWP file contains text, images, tables and formatting styles. However, since HWP is mainly used in Korea, it’s not widely supported by international software, making it hard to open outside Korea.

❓ How to Open an HWP File

You can open HWP files using OpenOffice or LibreOffice by following these steps:

  • Install LibreOffice (recommended) or OpenOffice on your computer.

  • Open LibreOffice Writer or OpenOffice Writer.

  • Click File, select Open, and select the HWP file from your computer.

  • The document will open, but some formatting may not be preserved perfectly.

LibreOffice is more compatible with HWP files than OpenOffice. If the file doesn’t open correctly, try using Hancom Office Viewer or convert it to another format like PDF or DOCX using online tools.

Part 2. How to Convert HWP to PDF [4 Ways]

HWP is a document format used by the Hancom Office, mostly in South Korea. If you need to share or print an HWP file but don’t have Hancom Office installed, converting it to a PDF is the best solution. A PDF file is widely compatible and easy to access on any device. Below are 4 easy ways to convert HWP to PDF.

Way 1: Use Hancom Office

One of the easiest ways to convert an HWP file to PDF is by using Hancom Office. This software used in Korea allows you to create, edit and manage HWP files without altering the formatting. If you already have Hancom Office installed on your device, this method is quick and requires no additional tools. To convert an HWP file using Hancom Office, follow these steps:

  • Open the HWP file in Hancom Office Hanword.

  • Click on “File” in the top menu.

  • Select “Save as PDF” or “Print to PDF”.

  • Choose the file destination and click “Save”.

    hancom office save hwp as pdf

This method ensures a smooth and accurate conversion while maintaining the original layout of your document.

Way 2. Use Hanword HWP Document Converter for Microsoft Word

Another way to convert HWP files to PDF is by using Microsoft Word. But you must first install the Hanword HWP Document Converter for Microsoft Word. This tool allows you to convert HWP files to DOCX with just a few clicks. Once converted, you can open the DOCX file in Microsoft Word and save it as a PDF. Follow these steps to convert HWP to PDF on Windows:

  • Download and install the Hanword HWP Document Converter for Microsoft Word from Hancom’s official website or the app store.

  • Open the software once download it.

  • Click on “Folder” or “File” and tap on the “...” icon from the “Source Folder or File” section to upload your HWP file.

  • Continue to select a PDF format file under the “Target Folder or File” section. Upon uploading, hit the “Convert” button to start HWP convert to PDF.

    convert hwp to pdf in hanword hwp document converter

This method is useful if you frequently work with Word and need to edit the document before converting it.

Way 3: Use HanWord Office Hanword Viewer

If you don’t have full-featured document editing software, you can use Hanword Viewer, a free tool Hancom provides. This viewer allows users to open HWP files and print them directly into PDF format using a virtual PDF printer. Follow these steps:

  • Download and install Hanword Viewer from Hancom’s official website.

  • Open the HWP file using Hanword Viewer.

  • Then you can save HWP to PDF in 2 channels:

    • Channel 1: Click “File” > “Save as PDF”.
    • Channel 2: Click on “File” > “Print” and pick “Hancom PDF” as the printer from the popup.
  • Click Print, then save the output file as a PDF.

    save hwp to pdf on hanword office hanword viewer

This method is best for those who only need to view and convert HWP files without editing. However, since it uses print to PDF, some interactive elements like hyperlinks or form fields may not be preserved.

Method 4: Use HWP to PDF Converter Online

Tool 1. iLovePDF HWP to PDF Converter

For an online solution, iLovePDF offers a handy web-based tool to convert HWP files to PDF without downloading any software. This works on all platforms, including Windows, MacOS, and mobile devices. However, please note that it only provides 1 free chance.

ilovepdf hwp to pdf converter

How to Convert HWP to PDF Using iLovePDF:

  • Go to iLovePDF HWP Converter.

  • Tap “Click to select file” from the left “Convert” section and upload your file.

  • Once loaded, click the right orange button to start conversion and wait for the process to complete.

  • Download the converted PDF file.

The benefit of this method lies in its simplicity and ease of access. You can convert HWP files from anywhere with an internet connection. However, since it’s an online service, it’s unsuitable for confidential documents due to security issues.

Tool 2. Polaris HWP File to PDF Converter

Another web-based alternative is Polaris Office HWP to PDF Converter, which has a similar experience to iLovePDF. You can change the displaying language as English from Korean first.

polaris hwp file to pdf converter

Steps to Convert HWP File to PDF Online:

  • Go to Polaris HWP File to PDF Converter.

  • Drag and drop your HWP file to the specified section in this tool.

  • Click Convert and wait for the process to complete.

  • Download the PDF version of your file.

Polaris Office’s tool is good for quick conversion without software installation. However, like other online converters, it requires an internet connection and may have file size limitations.

Part 3. What to Do If File Corrupts After Changing HWP File to PDF

Sometimes, after converting the HWP file to PDF, the file may become unreadable or corrupted due to software errors or interruptions. If this happens, you can fix it using 4DDiG File Repair, a tool to repair damaged documents like HWP and PDF files. 4DDiG File Repair can fix corrupted files and restore them to their original normal state. Whether your file won’t open or has missing content, this tool can repair it.

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✨ What Can 4DDiG File Repair Achieve

  • Repair HWP, PDF, Word, Excel, and other documents.
  • Fix files corrupted across any scenarios, like conversion errors or system crashes.
  • Restore text, images, and formatting without data loss.
  • Work with corrupted, broken, damaged, blank, garbled, and other problematic files.
  • Come with high success rates no matter how heavily the file is corrupted.
  • Support batch repair multiple files simultaneously.
  • Easy to use with a simple step-by-step process.
  • Works on Windows and Mac.

✨ How to Repair Corrupted PDF/HWP Files Using 4DDiG File Repair

  • Download and install 4DDiG File Repair. Open the software and select “File Repair” from the left “Corrupted File Repair” menu.

    4ddig file repair interface
  • Proceed to hit the “Add Files” button and upload your corrupted PDF or HWP file.

    add corrupted hwp or pdf to repair
  • Afterward, touch on the bottom-right “Repair All” tab to kick off the HWP or PDF repair.

    repair all added hwp or pdf files
  • Finally, you can view the fix result from the “Preview” option and export the repaired files through the “Save” button.

    preview and save fixed hwp or pdf files

Part 4. People Also Ask about HWP Convert to PDF

Q1: How do you convert HWP to Word DOCs?

To convert an HWP file to a Word DOC, you can use online converters, specialized software like Hancom Office, or third-party tools. Many HWP to DOC converters allow you to upload the file and download it in Word format in seconds. If you prefer offline conversion, Hancom Office supports exporting HWP files directly to DOC format.

Q2: What can a HWP reader Chrome extension do?

An HWP reader Chrome extension enables users to open and view HWP files directly in their browser without installing additional software. Some extensions also support basic editing, text extraction, and printing functions, making it convenient to have quick access to HWP documents online.

Q3: Do you know any HWP reader for Mac?

Yes, there are multiple options for an HWP viewer on Mac. Hancom Office has a native application that supports opening and editing HWP files. Alternatively, third-party tools like Polaris Office and online HWP viewers allow Mac users to access HWP documents without Hancom Office.

Q4: Is it recommended that HWP be transferred to PDF using Python?

Yes, converting HWP to PDF using Python is possible and recommended for automation purposes. By utilizing libraries like pyhwp or integrating with Hancom Office APIs, users can efficiently convert HWP files to PDFs. This is beneficial for bulk processing and ensures document formatting is preserved accurately.

Conclusion

You can convert HWP to PDF using multiple methods, such as Hancom Office, Hanword tools, or online converters like iLovePDF and Polaris. Choose what works best for you and make your documents available in a universal format. If you need a quick and easy solution, iLovePDF is great; if you are a regular user, Hancom Office is the way to go.

Besides, if your HWP file or PDF document is corrupted during conversion, try to get help from the powerful 4DDiG File Repair software to get rid of the problem easily.

FREE DOWNLOAD

Secure Download

FREE DOWNLOAD

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William Bollson (senior editor)

William Bollson, the editor-in-chief of 4DDiG, devotes to providing the best solutions for Windows and Mac related issues, including data recovery, repair, error fixes.

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