Google Docs can open a PDF by converting it into an editable document. It works best on text-heavy PDFs; layouts, columns and images may shift. Scanned PDFs are converted with text recognition, so check the result.
Quick Answer
Upload the PDF to Google Drive, right-click it and choose Open with, Google Docs. Docs creates an editable copy and keeps the original PDF.
How to Open a PDF in Google Docs
- Go to Google Drive and click New, File upload, then pick the PDF.
- Right-click the uploaded PDF.
- Choose Open with, then Google Docs.
- Docs creates a new editable document with the same name.
- Review the formatting and fix any shifted text or images.
- Download it as a Word file or PDF from File, Download when done.
PDF Conversion Tips
| PDF type | Result |
|---|---|
| Text-based | Converts well |
| Scanned image | Text recognized; check accuracy |
| Complex layout | Columns and images may move |
| Forms | Fields become plain text |
| Large files | Very large PDFs may not convert |
Get the Best Conversion
Google’s own Drive help on converting PDFs gives these guidelines for scanned or image-based files:
- Keep the file at 2 MB or smaller; split or compress larger PDFs first.
- Text should be at least 10 pixels high, so scan at a decent resolution.
- Pages must be right side up; rotate them before uploading.
- Common fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman convert most accurately.
- Sharp images with even lighting and clear contrast give the fewest errors.
What Survives the Conversion
According to Google, bold, italics, font size, font type and line breaks are likely to carry over, while lists, tables, columns, footnotes and endnotes are not likely to be detected. Plan to rebuild tables and lists by hand, or, for table-heavy PDFs, try converting the PDF to Google Sheets instead.
Just Need to Read or Comment?
If you don’t need to edit the text, skip the conversion. Double-click the PDF in Google Drive to open it in the built-in viewer, where you can read, search, print and add comments without changing the layout. Converting is only worth it when you need to rewrite or reuse the content.
Troubleshooting
- No Open with, Google Docs option: make sure the file is a PDF under the conversion size limit.
- Garbled text: the PDF may be low-quality; try a clearer scan.
- Only the first pages converted: Google converts a limited number of pages; split long PDFs.
- Other routes: how to convert a PDF to Word in Google Drive and how to edit a PDF on Windows.
Related: Convert a PDF to Google Sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this change the original PDF?
No. Docs creates a separate copy.
Can I do this on a phone?
Yes, with the Drive app and Open with, Google Docs on some devices; a computer works best.
Is it free?
Yes, with a Google account.
Can I turn the doc back into a PDF?
Yes, File, Download, PDF.
Summary
- Upload the PDF to Drive.
- Right-click, Open with, Google Docs.
- Check the formatting.
- Edit as needed.
- Download in the format you want.
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.