> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.apryse.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.apryse.com/web/get-started/faq/external-converter.md).

# What is external converter?

World's #1 PDF SDK Library for Web, Mobile, Server, Desktop

External converter is the use of an external app such as MS Office, MS Outlook, or other applications to request converting the source file to PDF.

We offer two solutions for how the SDK utilizes external conversion.

* With MS Office or MS Outlook related formats, this conversion uses an [interop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COM_Interop) to request export services from the application.
* For other formats, an external application will request a print job with the PDFNet virtual printer to create a PDF.

The Apryse SDK will automatically choose either of the above options based on the format type.

More information on external conversion can found in our [conversion guide](/core/conversion/convert-other.md).


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