Convert a PDF to a Word Document (Free, in Word)

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Microsoft Word can open a PDF and turn it into an editable document. No converter or upload needed: File → Open, choose the PDF, and click OK. It works in Word 2013 and later.

WhereWord → File → Open → the PDF
Works inWord 2013 and later, Microsoft 365
Best forText-based PDFs

Steps

  1. In Word, go to File → Open → Browse and choose the PDF. Or drag the PDF into an open Word window.
  2. Word warns that converting may take a while and the layout may change. Click OK.
  3. Edit the document, then save it as a Word file.
Word File, Open, Browse
Choosing a PDF file to open in Word
Word message about converting the PDF
PDF opened as an editable Word document
Dragging a PDF into Word

Copy tables into Excel

Click the move handle at the top-left of a table → Ctrl + C → paste into Excel.

Copying a table from the converted document into Excel

For many tables, or a PDF you receive every month, Power Query’s From PDF is faster and refreshable. Or use the free PDF to Excel tool.

Back to PDF

File → Save As → choose PDF, or press F12.

Saving a Word document as PDF

Things to know

  • Complex layouts, such as columns, text boxes and forms, may shift. Check page breaks and tables.
  • Scanned PDFs are images. Word tries to read the text, but the result usually needs heavy correction.
  • Password-protected PDFs must be unlocked first.

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