How to Convert PDF to Word for Free (6 Ways)

PDF is a common file format that people used to present and share documents, because its portable and cross-platform supported. However, when we need to make some changes on a PDF, we have to convert the PDF to a editable Word document.

Is there any way to convert PDF to Word in a free and quick way? The answer is yes. In this post, you'll pick up 6 easy ways to convert a PDF to Word. You can convert your PDF using free converters, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat and Adobe ExportPDF Service. Now, let’s start the step-by-step tutorial.

Before we start, please notice that there are two different types of PDF - text version, scanned version. Text version PDF is much easier to convert to editable Office format. But for canned PDF, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology is necessary for converting. Without OCR, the elements on those PDFs can not be recognized and extract to Word.

So please make sure which type your PDF file is and notice whether OCR service is needed. Therefore you can choose the right way for your converting task.

Solution 1: Use A Free Online PDF to Word Converter

One of the most convenient way to convert your PDF documents is to use an online PDF converter for free. In this way, you don't have to install any software or pay for a dine.

Step 1. Go to EasePDF

Open your web browser and type in easepdf.com, click "PDF to Word" tab.

Step 2. Upload your PDF file(s)

Click "Add File(s)" to upload your PDF file(s). There are two ways to access your document. You can upload it from your local device, or open it from your Google Drive, Dropbox or any other URL.

EasePDF supports batch conversion PDF to Word, so you can upload and process multiple files at one time.

Step 3. Convert PDF to Word

Click "Convert" button to start converting your PDF file(s). The processing time depends on your file's size, normally it only takes seconds.

Step 4. Download the converted Word document(s)

Click "Download" button to save the file(s) to your device.

Besides EasePDF, there are hundreds of online PDF converters out there, each with different functions. To choose the perfect converter to assist your daily PDF work, you might want to pay attention to these criteria: elements extraction, ayout preservation, formats option, converting speed, security, price, etc. We have an article deliberating 9 Tips for Choosing A Best PDF Converter, it might be helpful.

Solution 2: Save PDF as Word in Google Docs

Google Docs is an online word processor that helps people create and format documents. With it, you can easily create and edit Word documents online. Moreover, Google Docs can open PDF files and save as other format like docx, rtf, txt, epub, etc.

Step 1. Go to Google Docs and log in with Google account.

Step 2. Click the file icon to upload your PDF file.

You can open a file from your Google Drive or upload from your device.

Step 3. Open with Google Docs

Once the file is opened, click the little triangle tab besides "Open with Google Docs", and choose "Google Docs" on the dropdown list.

Step 4. Save PDF as Word

Click "File" on the top bar of the interface, click "Download" on the drop-down box, then choose "Microsoft Word (.docx)". The converted Word document will be downloaded to your device immediately.

Solution 3: Change PDF to Word with Microsoft Word

If you already have Microsoft Office software (2013 or above version) installed on your computer, you don't need to find another way to convert your PDF files. Microsoft Word has a built-in feature called "PDF Reflow" that allow users to change PDF format to editable Word.doc. As long as the layout of your PDF files are not complicated.

Step 1. Launch Microsoft Word, click "File".

Step 2. Open PDF on Microsoft Word

On the pop-up menu bar, click "Open". You can choose PDF files on your computer, OneDrive or other locations on web or your local device. Choose any PDF file you want to convert and click “Open”.

Step 3. Confirm and start converting PDF

Microsoft will show you a warning message: "Word will now convert your PDF to an editable Word document.This may take a while. The resulting Word document will be optimized to allow you to edit the text, sot it might not look exactly like the original PDF, especially if the original file contain lots of graphics."

Click "OK" to start the converting process.

Step 4. Check the converted Word document

Microsoft Word will automatically transfer the contents of the PDF file into a Word.doc and open it. Take a good look at the text and formatting to see if the contents you want to edit are all there.

Solution 4. Download A Desktop PDF to Word Converter

A desktop PDF to Word converter is not as convenient as online ones, but it works when you don't have an Internet connection. There are bunch of desktop PDF to Word converters like PDFeements, SmallPDF, LightPDF, PDF Candy, etc. You can free download them and try if they fits your requirements. Today we'll use PDFelement as an example.

Step 1. Open PDF file

Free download the PDFelement and install it. Launch the program and click "Open File" to choose files from your computer, or you can simply drag and drop the PDF file you want to convert into the interface.

Step 2. Perform OCR recognition (Scanned PDF only)

If your PDF file is a scanned one, you need to use OCR to recognize the texts before the conversion. For normal PDF conversion, you can skip this step and go directly to step 3.Click "Tool" on the top menu bar. Choose "OCR Text Recognition" on the drop-down menu.

Step 3. Convert PDF to Word

Once your PDF file was opened, click "File" on the top menu bar, then click "Export to" and choose "Word" as output format. Choose an output folder you want to save the converted Word document. When you're done, click "Convert" button to start the converting process. Your PDF file will be change into Word.doc in seconds.

Solution 5. Convert PDF to Word with Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is a better option when it comes to converting image-contained PDFs and scanned PDFs. When you convert scans to Word in Acrobat, the original formatting gets well maintained - even in complicated layouts. No need to spend time to adjust text and images.

Step 1. Open a PDF file in Acrobat.

Step 2. Click on the Export PDF tool in the right pane.

Step 3. Choose Microsoft Word as your export format, and then click on Word Document.

You can click on the setting cog to choose your converted Word options, such as layout, comments, image and recognition settings.

Step 4. Click "Export". Acrobat will run text recognition automatically if your PDF contains scanned text.

Step 5. Select a location where you want to save the file, name your new Word file, and then click "Save".

Adobe offers seven-day free trial of Adobe Acrobat Document Cloud (DC). You can use the trial version for one-time conversion if you don't need a plan for further usage.

Solution 6. Export PDF to Word Use Adobe ExportPDF Service

Adobe Export PDF is an Adobe Document Cloud service that lets you export PDF to Word or Excel, online or on a mobile device. Compare to expensive Adobe Acrobat Pro, Adobe Export PDF costs much lower, it only need $23.88 a year. So if you're a Adobe user and you have frequent PDF converting requirements, this is a better option then the free trial of Adobe Acrobat DC.

In conclusion, for text-heavy PDF files that don't contain much photos, we suggest choosing Google Docs and Microsoft Word (2013 and above) to convert formats to Word.doc. For PDFs with lots of graphics, using online or desktop PDF to Word converters like EasePDF, PDFCandy, Adobe Acrobat and Adobe ExportPDF is a better option.