Updated
To convert a PDF to Word, drop it here, press Convert to Word and download a DOCX you can edit. Documents that started life in a word processor usually come back close to the original, with paragraphs, tables and images in place.
Typical reasons to convert: an old contract needs updating and only the PDF survives, a report's tables have to be reused, or a CV arrived as a PDF and needs corrections.
How to convert a PDF into a Word document
- Put one PDF, or several, into the drop zone.
- Press Convert to Word.
- Give it a moment while each page is analyzed.
- Save the DOCX and edit it in your word processor.
Why a PDF has to be rebuilt
A PDF stores the position of every character on the page. It has no idea which lines belong to one paragraph or which boxes make up a table. The converter studies how each page is laid out and rebuilds that structure: flowing paragraphs, real tables and images in place, all editable.
What converts well, and what needs a touch-up
Files that began in a word processor, such as memos, CVs and proposals, convert best. Text reflows as normal paragraphs, headings stay the same size, and plain tables become proper Word tables. Tables with ruled lines are recognized more reliably than borderless ones, which can end up as separate text boxes.
Busy layouts are harder. Pages with lots of text boxes, several columns, or text on top of pictures may move around. Some typefaces are replaced with lookalikes from the fonts on your computer. Plan on a quick read-through and a few small fixes.
Scanned PDFs need OCR first
A scanned page is a photo of text. The converter sees a picture rather than words, so that picture is what lands in the Word file. Put the scan through OCR first to turn it into real text. Not sure whether a PDF is scanned? Try to select some text in your reader. If nothing highlights, it is a scan.
Converting a batch of PDFs
Several PDFs can go in together, and the DOCX files come back one by one or as a single ZIP. Without an account, a batch takes up to 5 files of up to 50 MB each, and you get 20 server jobs a day. With a free account, batches go up to 10 files and the allowance to 50 jobs. Pro, at EUR 7.99 a month or EUR 59 a year, converts batches of up to 500 files, accepts files up to 500 MB and has no daily allowance. For one large job without a subscription, credits work: one credit covers 25 files, and credits never expire.
Every page gets analyzed, so long documents take longer than short ones.
Where your PDF is converted
On our servers, not in your browser. Each PDF travels to us over an encrypted connection and is converted in Germany. We delete the PDF and the finished Word file automatically within two hours.
FAQ
Can the DOCX be edited outside Word?
Yes. DOCX is the usual Word file type, and other common word processors read it too.
How are password-protected PDFs handled?
Take the password off with Unlock PDF, then convert the open copy.
How do I convert only a few pages?
Use Split PDF to make a file holding just those pages, and convert that one.
Is there a quicker route when only the words matter?
Yes. PDF to Text skips the layout and hands back the words in a .txt file.