How to convert a PDF to an editable Word document
A PDF is made to be read, not changed. When you need to edit its text, such as updating a CV or reusing a table, the best route is to convert it to a Word file. Results are best on text documents, and this guide explains what to expect.
Convert in three steps
- Open PDF to Word.
- Add a PDF of up to 100 MB.
- Press Convert and download the DOCX. Open it in Word, Google Docs or LibreOffice.
The conversion runs on our server, and the file is deleted as soon as your download is ready.
What converts well and what does not
Letters, reports and tables convert well: paragraphs become normal Word paragraphs and tables become real Word tables you can edit. Pages with overlapping columns, text wrapped around pictures or decorative fonts may need tidying afterwards.
A scanned PDF is a photograph of text, so it comes through as an image. To turn a scan into editable words, run it through Image to Text and paste the result into Word.
If the PDF has a password
Protected PDFs must be unlocked first. Use Unlock PDF with the password you were given, then convert the unlocked copy.
First, find out what kind of PDF you have
Open the PDF and try to select a sentence with your mouse, or press Ctrl+F and search for a word you can see on the page. If it highlights, the PDF contains real text and converts well. If you cannot select anything, the PDF is a scan, which is a picture of a page. A scan needs a different route, described below.
A good workflow for editing a document
- Convert the PDF with PDF to Word.
- Open the DOCX and fix the layout problems described below.
- Make your changes.
- Save the result as a new PDF with Word to PDF, so you keep the original file untouched.
What to check after converting
- Fonts: an unusual font may be replaced. Select all and set a standard font if the text looks uneven.
- Columns and text boxes: multi-column layouts and text wrapped around pictures are the most common trouble spots.
- Tables: check that rows and columns line up, especially tables with merged cells.
- Headers, footers and page numbers: these sometimes end up as ordinary text in the body.
- Line breaks: a few lines may break differently from the PDF, which is normal.
When the PDF is a scan
Turn the pages into images with PDF to JPG, then use Image to Text to read the words, and paste the text into a new Word document. You will need to rebuild the layout yourself, but you will not have to retype the words.
Google Docs can also open some PDFs for editing. In Google Drive, right-click the PDF and choose Open with, then Google Docs. It works best on plain text pages.
Use editing responsibly
Convert and edit documents you wrote or have the right to change, such as your own CV or a template. Do not alter documents issued by someone else, such as certificates, invoices or contracts, because changing them can be a serious problem.
Frequently asked questions
Will the formatting be identical to the PDF?
Simple documents come very close. Complex designs usually need some manual tidying, so treat the result as a strong starting point.
Can I convert a scanned PDF?
A scan converts as pictures. Use Image to Text first if you want editable text.
Is my PDF kept on your server?
No. It is deleted automatically once your download is ready, and within an hour at the most.
How can I tell if my PDF is a scan?
Try to select a word or search for it. If nothing highlights, the page is a picture and needs text recognition before it can be edited.
Why does the layout look different in Word?
A PDF fixes every letter in place, while Word flows text. Complex designs need some manual tidying after conversion.
Can I edit a PDF without converting it?
Small changes are possible in some PDF editors, but for real editing a Word version is usually easier and cleaner.
What is the size limit?
PDFs of up to 100 MB can be converted.