The easiest way to convert a PDF to Word is to open it in Microsoft Word. Click File > Open, choose the PDF, and click OK when Word says it will convert the file to an editable document. Then save it with File > Save As and choose Word Document (.docx). If you don’t have Word, upload the PDF to Google Drive, open it with Google Docs, and download it as a .docx file. For complex layouts, Adobe Acrobat’s Export PDF tool usually keeps formatting best.
Which method should you use?
| Method | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Word (desktop) | Included with Word | Text-heavy PDFs, quick edits |
| Google Docs | Free | Simple documents, no Word installed |
| Adobe Acrobat | Paid (free trial, limited free online tool) | Complex layouts, tables, and scanned PDFs |
| Word for the web | Free with a Microsoft account | Opening a PDF from OneDrive in the browser |
Method 1: Convert a PDF with Microsoft Word
- Open Word and click File > Open > Browse.
- Select the PDF and click Open. You may need to change the file type filter to All Files or PDF Files.
- Click OK on the message that Word will convert the PDF.
- Review the document. If it opens in Protected View, click Enable Editing.
- Click File > Save As, choose Word Document (*.docx), and save.
You can also right-click the PDF in File Explorer and choose Open with > Word.
Method 2: Convert with Google Docs (free)
- Go to drive.google.com and upload the PDF with New > File upload.
- Right-click the PDF and choose Open with > Google Docs.
- Click File > Download > Microsoft Word (.docx).
Google Docs keeps the text but often drops images and complex formatting, so it works best for simple documents.
Method 3: Convert with Adobe Acrobat
- Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat (Pro or Standard).
- Click Export a PDF (or All tools > Export a PDF).
- Choose Microsoft Word > Word Document and click Convert or Export.
- Choose where to save it.
Adobe also offers a free online PDF to Word converter on its website with limited daily use. Avoid uploading sensitive documents to unknown converter sites.
Converting a scanned PDF
A scanned PDF is just a picture of text, so it needs OCR (optical character recognition). Word’s conversion sometimes handles simple scans, and Acrobat’s export runs OCR automatically. Google Docs also runs OCR when you open a scanned PDF, as long as the scan is clear.
Tips for better results
- Check headers, footers, tables, and page breaks after converting. These are the most likely to shift.
- If fonts look wrong, the original fonts may not be installed on your PC. Replace them with similar ones.
- Password-protected PDFs must be unlocked by the owner before they can be converted.
- For a PDF that only needs a signature or small change, editing it in a PDF editor may be faster than converting.
Related: Copy a table from a PDF to Word.
Related: Convert a Word document to JPEG.
Related: Convert LaTeX to Word.
Related: Convert a picture to text in Word.
Related: Export OneNote to Word.
Related: Convert WordPerfect to Word.
Related: Open a PDF in Google Docs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert a PDF to Word for free?
Yes. Google Docs is free, and Word for the web can open PDFs saved in OneDrive with a free Microsoft account.
Why does the converted document look different?
PDFs are designed for fixed layouts. Word rebuilds the layout with editable text boxes, tables, and paragraphs, so some spacing and graphics can change.
How do I convert a Word document back to PDF?
In Word, click File > Save As and choose PDF, or File > Export > Create PDF/XPS.
Can I convert a PDF to Word on my phone?
Yes. The Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat mobile apps can both convert PDFs, though some features need a subscription.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.