How to Convert PDF to Word (and Word to PDF)

To convert a PDF to Word, extract its text and layout into an editable .docx file. To convert Word to PDF, render the document into a fixed-layout PDF. Both can be done in your browser, so the file does not need to be uploaded.

Quick answer

• PDF to Word: open PDF to Word, add the PDF, download the .docx.
• Word to PDF: open Word to PDF, add the .docx, download the PDF.

Why conversion is not always perfect

A PDF records where every piece of text and every image sits on a page. Word works the opposite way: text flows and reflows as you edit. Converting from PDF to Word means guessing the flow from fixed positions, so results depend on the document.

Document type	PDF to Word result
Simple text with headings	Usually clean
Multi-column layouts	May need manual tidying
Tables	Often recognised, check merged cells
Decorative or heavily designed pages	Layout can shift
Scanned pages	No text until OCR is applied

Step by step: PDF to Word

1. Check the PDF is text-based. Try selecting a word or pressing Ctrl+F. If nothing can be selected, see the OCR section below first.
2. Open PDF to Word and add the file.
3. Convert and download the .docx.
4. Open it in Word, LibreOffice or Google Docs and review it before editing.

Scanned PDFs need OCR first

If you cannot select text in your PDF, it is probably a scan, which is just a picture of text. Run OCR PDF to add a searchable text layer, then convert it to Word. OCR accuracy depends on scan quality: straight, high-contrast pages at a reasonable resolution give the best results, and every OCR result should be proofread.

What to check after converting

• Headings and fonts. Styles may be approximated if a font is not installed.
• Tables. Look for merged or split cells and missing borders.
• Lists and numbering. Numbers can turn into plain text.
• Images. Check position and wrapping.
• Headers, footers and page numbers. These can land in the body text.
• Special characters. Check currency symbols, accents and maths.

Fixing common layout problems

• Text jumps to the next page. Fonts differ slightly; adjust font or spacing, or reduce margins.
• Columns merge into one. Insert a section break and set columns in Word.
• Odd line breaks inside paragraphs. Use Find and Replace to remove stray paragraph marks.
• Need only the text. PDF to Text gives a clean plain-text copy that is easier to paste.

Word to PDF: what to expect

Word to PDF produces a fixed-layout file that looks the same on any device, which is why PDF is the standard for sharing and signing. Fonts that are not installed on the device doing the conversion may be substituted, so check line breaks and page breaks on the result. After converting, you can protect it with a password or sign it.

Which direction should you work in?

Situation	Best approach
You have the original Word file	Edit the Word file, then export to PDF
You only have a PDF and need big edits	Convert to Word
A word or number needs fixing	Edit the PDF text directly
You need to fill a form	Use a form filler, no conversion needed

Privacy when converting documents

Documents you convert are often CVs, contracts and reports containing personal information. A browser-based converter reads and processes the file on your device without sending it anywhere. You can check this with the airplane-mode test in Is it safe to use online PDF tools?

Tips for a better result

• Convert the original when you can. If you still have the Word file, export it to PDF rather than the reverse.
• Proofread after PDF to Word. Check numbers, tables and special characters.
• Compress afterwards if needed. Use Compress PDF on large PDFs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert a PDF to a Word document?

Open PDF to Word, add the PDF and download the .docx.

Why does my converted Word file look different from the PDF?

PDF stores fixed positions while Word reflows text, so complex layouts and unusual fonts may shift.

Can I convert a scanned PDF to Word?

Run OCR first to add a text layer, then convert.

Is converting Word to PDF lossless?

Layout, fonts and images are preserved, but the PDF is no longer easily editable.

How can I tell if my PDF is scanned or text-based?

Try selecting or searching for text; if you cannot, it is likely a scan.

Can I edit a PDF without converting it to Word?

For small changes, edit the text directly in a PDF editor.

Summary

Convert text-based PDFs directly, OCR scans first, and keep your original Word file when possible. Browse all conversion tools.