Convert WordStar .WS to PDF
Turn WordStar documents into clean, shareable PDFs — in bulk, entirely on your own PC.
TL;DR
Install the free WordStar Converter trial, drop in your .ws files, choose PDF, and convert. Page length, headers, and footer dot commands are honored, and every file stays on your machine.
How to convert WordStar to PDF — step by step
Install WordStar Converter (free trial)
Download the installer for Windows 10/11. The trial converts up to 10 files with every feature enabled.
Add your .WS files or folders
Drag in individual files or select an entire folder tree. Uppercase DOS names are handled.
Choose PDF as the output format
Select PDF (you can also emit DOCX, RTF, or TXT in the same run). Pick an output folder to keep the originals untouched.
Convert and review
Click Convert. Files process locally in parallel. Open the PDFs, spot-check headers and page breaks, and you are done.
Why convert WordStar files to PDF?
PDF is the safest long-term home for legacy WordStar documents: it opens on every device and is accepted by courts, agencies, and clients that would reject a .ws attachment nobody can open.
Dot commands such as .pl, .he, and .fo described the printed page. A native parser can turn those into PDF page setup instead of leaving them as visible “.he Company Letterhead” lines in the body.
Safer than free online converters
Online converters require uploading confidential WordStar documents to third-party servers. WordStar Converter runs entirely on your Windows PC — nothing is uploaded.
That matters for contracts, case files, board minutes, and any archive covered by privilege, GDPR, HIPAA, or confidentiality clauses.
FAQ
Is there a free way to convert .WS to PDF?
Yes. The free trial of WordStar Converter converts up to 10 files with full features — no signup and no watermarks. Unlimited conversions are a one-time $39.95 license (no subscription).
Is this an online converter? Do my files get uploaded?
No. WordStar Converter is a Windows desktop app. Every conversion runs locally on your PC. Nothing is uploaded.
Can I convert an entire folder of WordStar files at once?
Yes. Point the app at a folder (it scans subfolders), select PDF as the output, and it batch-converts .ws, .wsd, and .ws3–.ws8 files in parallel.
Which WordStar versions are supported?
WordStar Converter reads classic WordStar documents through Release 7, including high-bit wrap flags, print controls, and later symmetrical sequences.
Will the PDF look like the original printout?
WordStar stored layout as print controls and dot commands rather than a WYSIWYG page. The converter maps those to PDF page setup so the result matches how the document was meant to print, not a raw dump of the .WS bytes.
Can I convert .WS to PDF without WordStar installed?
Yes. WordStar Converter uses its own native parser. You do not need WordStar, Word, or LibreOffice installed.
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Ready to convert your WordStar files to PDF?
Free trial converts 10 files — full features, no watermarks, everything stays on your PC.
Free trial
Full app features — up to 10 files
Windows 10 or 11
Download the Windows installer for the full 10-file trial. Same app you unlock with a license — 100% local on your PC.