PDF (Portable Document Format) is a widely used file format that preserves the layout and appearance of a document across different platforms and devices. However, PDF files are not easy to edit or modify, especially if they are scanned or protected. Sometimes, you may need to convert a PDF file to a Microsoft Word document (DOCX) for editing or sharing purposes. In this article, we will show you how to do that using online tools and software.
Online Tools for Converting PDF to Word
There are many online tools that can help you convert PDF files to Word documents for free. Some of the most popular ones are Adobe Acrobat, Smallpdf.com, and PDF2DOC.com. Here are the steps to use these tools:
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is the official tool from the creator of the PDF format. It offers a high-quality conversion that preserves the formatting and layout of the original PDF file. You can use Adobe Acrobat online for free without any registration or watermark. Here is how:
- Go to https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/online/pdf-to-word.html
- Click the Select a file button or drag and drop your PDF file into the drop zone.
- Select the PDF file you want to convert to DOCX format.
- Watch Acrobat automatically convert the file from PDF to an editable Word document.
- Download the converted Word document or sign in to share it.
Smallpdf.com
Smallpdf.com is another popular online tool that can convert PDF files to Word documents quickly and easily. It also supports OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology that can extract text from scanned PDF files and convert them to editable Word documents. You can use Smallpdf.com for free without any watermark or email registration. Here is how:
- Go to https://smallpdf.com/pdf-to-word
- Upload or import your PDF file to the converter.
- Select the conversion option you need. Choose “With OCR” for scanned PDFs—this is a pro feature.
- Download or share your converted Word file.
PDF2DOC.com
PDF2DOC.com is a simple and fast online tool that can convert PDF files to DOC or DOCX format. It does not require any installation or registration. You can convert up to 20 PDF files at a time and download them as a ZIP archive. Here is how:
- Go to https://pdf2doc.com
- Click the Upload Files button or drag and drop your PDF files into the box.
- Wait for the conversion process to finish.
- Download each file individually or click Download All to get them all in a ZIP archive.
Software for Converting PDF to Word
If you prefer to use software instead of online tools, you can also download and install some programs that can convert PDF files to Word documents on your computer. Some of the most popular ones are Wondershare PDFelement, Nitro Pro, and Foxit PhantomPDF. Here are the steps to use these software:
Wondershare PDFelement
Wondershare PDFelement is a powerful and versatile software that can create, edit, convert, protect, sign, and share PDF files. It also supports OCR technology that can recognize text from scanned or image-based PDF files and convert them to editable Word documents. You can download a free trial version of Wondershare PDFelement from https://pdf.wondershare.com
Here is how:
- Launch Wondershare PDFelement on your computer.
- Click the Open File button and select the PDF file you want to convert.
- Click the Convert tab and choose To Word from the toolbar.
- Select the output format (DOC or DOCX) and the output folder.
- Click the Settings button if you want to customize some options, such as OCR language, layout mode, etc.
- Click the Save button to start the conversion.
Nitro Pro
Nitro Pro is another powerful and professional software that can create, edit, convert, protect, sign, and share PDF files. It also supports OCR technology that can recognize text from scanned or image-based PDF files and convert them to editable Word documents. You can download a free trial version of Nitro Pro from https://www.gonitro.com
Here is how:
- Launch Nitro Pro on your computer.
- Click the File tab and choose Open from the menu.
- Select the PDF file you want to convert.
- Click the Home tab and choose Convert from the toolbar.
- Select To Word from the drop-down menu.
- Select the output format (DOC or DOCX) and the output folder.
- Click the Options button if you want to customize some options, such as OCR language, layout mode, etc.
- Click the Convert button to start the conversion.
Foxit PhantomPDF
Foxit PhantomPDF is a comprehensive and reliable software that can create, edit, convert, protect, sign, and share PDF files. It also supports OCR technology that can recognize text from scanned or image-based PDF files and convert them to editable Word documents. You can download a free trial version of Foxit PhantomPDF from https://www.foxitsoftware.com
Here is how:
- Launch Foxit PhantomPDF on your computer.
- Click the File tab and choose Open from the menu.
- Select the PDF file you want to convert.
- Click the Convert tab and choose To MS Office from the toolbar.
- Select Word from the drop-down menu.
- Select the output format (DOC or DOCX) and the output folder.
- Click the Settings button if you want to customize some options, such as OCR language, layout mode, etc.
- Click the OK button to start the conversion.
Conclusion
Converting PDF files to Word documents can be useful for editing or sharing purposes. There are many online tools and software that can help you do that easily and quickly. Some of them also support OCR technology that can extract text from scanned or image-based PDF files and convert them to editable Word documents. You can choose the best option for your needs and preferences. We hope this article has helped you learn how to convert PDF to Word. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below.