When you need to share a document online, there is no better format than PDF, although when you need to make some changes to it, problems arise. In the following guide we explain in detail how to convert a PDF into a Word document and make all the changes you need.
Convert with Adobe Acrobat
Using Acrobat is the best way to ensure that the conversion result is as accurate as possible. However, you will need to have a paid version of Acrobat to use this method. Although Adobe offers a free seven-day trial of Adobe Acrobat Document Cloud (DC), it’s designed to prevent you from signing up repeatedly, so view it as a one-time option.
If you want to convert regularly, you’ll need to pay for the full version, which costs about $15 per month as part of an annual plan, or as part of an Adobe Creative Cloud package. You cannot use Acrobat Reader DC to convert PDFs.
Step 1: Open the PDF document you want to convert in Adobe Acrobat. Depending on your settings, PDF files may automatically open in Acrobat. Alternatively, if you already have Acrobat open, click the Tools tab at the top.
Step 2 – On the right panel, find and select the Export PDF option . There is also a shortcut found under Create & Edit in the Tools panel.
Step 3 – On the next screen, select Microsoft Word . By default, this converts it to the new .docx format. If you need the older .doc format, click the Circle next to Word 97-2003 Document.
Step 4 – In both cases, you can click on the Gear symbol and change four specific settings: layout, comments, image, and text recognition. When you’re done, click the OK button .
Step 5 – Click the export button to finish.
Adobe will automatically run text recognition for any text scanned during this step. It doesn’t always work, but for most eligible texts, it’s an ideal solution. Note that you may need to do a quick reformat on your new Word document.
Step 6 – Set a name for the new Word file and save it to a location of your choice.
Convert with Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a great way to convert PDF files to Word documents, if you have a subscription. However, he considers that the format is not always the most appropriate and the text is sometimes imprecise. In that sense, if you have Acrobat or don’t mind trying an online converter, we suggest using options if the file is unusable. Other solutions may be more accurate.
Step 1 – To get started, open Word and click Open on the left. This will open a new window – look at the menu bar on the left, where the File options are probably under Information . Select Open , which is located above the Information section .
Step 2 – Locate the PDF you want to convert using one of the three locations listed below the Personal and Other Location names : OneDrive , This PC , or Browse .
Step 3 – Select the PDF you want to convert, just like you would a Word file. The application will display a notification warning that it will convert the PDF into an editable Word document. It may take a while and may not look exactly like the original PDF. If everything is OK, tap OK .
The application will convert the PDF document to a Word file and open it. Review the formatting and make sure you can edit the document, without the graphics or text behaving strangely.
Although not all of them have conversion tools, you can also check out the best alternatives to Microsoft Office.
Convert with web apps
How to convert a PDF to a Word document with web applications.
There are various services available on the web that convert PDF documents to Word files. If you don’t have access to Acrobat or Word, you can try one of these freemium programs . Just upload the file, choose the conversion method you prefer, and start the process. These apps can send the PDF files to a variety of places, from email to cloud storage.
Nitro PDF to Word
This converter will send the Word file via email to the address of your choice. You can download a desktop app, which is free for 14 days, or use the web service for free.
FormSwift PDF Editor
FormSwift is one of the best apps. You can save the files in PDF or DocX formats and perform a direct conversion after all the editing you need to do. In addition, it allows you to send the resulting documents by email. It has a free trial version.
Smallpdf
Smallpdf is fast, simple and free: everything you need in one handy web application. It also allows you to upload and export directly to cloud storage solutions, such as Dropbox or Google Drive. For privacy, Smallpdf removes any uploaded files from the servers after one hour.
LightPDF
LightPDF is the best document converter. Not only does it convert the PDF document to a Word file, but you can also convert it to PNG, JPG, PPT or TXT and then back to PDF, and it’s free. When you’re done using the tools to convert your files, the converter automatically removes the original files from the upload folder.
