To convert a PDF to Word, open the PDF to Word converter, add your file and click convert. You get a DOCX file with the text of the PDF in editable paragraphs, with headings and bold text detected from the way the PDF is laid out.
It reads the text that is already in the PDF and runs in your browser, so the document is not uploaded. It does not read scanned pages, because those hold pictures, not text.
On this page
Key takeaways
- The output is a .docx file that opens in Word, Google Docs and LibreOffice.
- Paragraphs, headings and bold text are rebuilt from the PDF's text; each page ends with a page break.
- Images, tables and multi-column layouts are not carried over.
- A scanned PDF has no text to read, and the tool tells you so.
How to convert a PDF to Word in three steps
- 1
Add your PDF. Open the PDF to Word tool and drag the file in. You can add several files.
- 2
Convert. Click the button. The tool reads the text on every page and builds the document.
- 3
Download. The DOCX keeps the name of your PDF. Open it in Word, Google Docs or LibreOffice and edit as usual.
What carries over
- Text: every line of text on every page, in reading order.
- Paragraphs: lines are grouped into paragraphs wherever the vertical gap suggests a new one.
- Headings: larger text is turned into heading styles.
- Bold: lines set in a bold font stay bold.
- Pages: a page break separates each original page.
How headings and paragraphs are detected is explained in what PDF to Word converts and what it does not.
What does not carry over
The converter extracts text, not layout. Pictures, logos, tables drawn with lines, columns, text boxes and exact fonts are not recreated. A table appears as lines of text, and a two-column page is read from top to bottom. Plan a few minutes of tidying after conversion if the PDF had a complex design.
Scanned PDFs
If you cannot select text in the PDF, it is a scan, and the tool reports that no text was found. Read the words with Image to Text instead. The fix is described in PDF to Word says no text found.
When Word is not the right target
If you just need the words, PDF to Text gives a plain text file. For spreadsheets, PDF to Excel places lines into columns. To go the other way, use Word to PDF.
Privacy, size and languages
The PDF is read by a library running in your browser, so the document never leaves your device. Very long PDFs use more memory, so a phone may need a moment on a book-length file. Because the words are copied from the PDF as they are stored, any language works as long as the PDF has real text, though the Word file uses its default font rather than the original one.
PDF to Word: FAQ
How do I convert a PDF to Word?
Add the PDF to the PDF to Word tool, click convert and download the DOCX.
Is the PDF uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion happens in your browser.
Does it keep the formatting?
It keeps text, paragraphs, headings, bold and page breaks. Images, tables and columns are not recreated.
Why does it say no text was found?
The PDF is probably a scan. Scans contain pictures of pages, so there is no text to extract.
Can I edit the result in Google Docs?
Yes. Upload the DOCX to Google Drive or open it directly in Word.
Does it work on password-protected PDFs?
Unlock the PDF first with Unlock PDF, then convert it.
Can I convert several PDFs at once?
Yes. Multiple files are downloaded together as a ZIP.
What is the output format?
A .docx file, the modern Word format.
Will my images be included?
No. Only the text is extracted.
Does it work for languages other than English?
Yes, as long as the PDF contains real text. The characters are copied from the file, and Word shows them in its own default font.
Editable text in a minute
Convert, download and edit. Expect the words and headings to come across, and the visual layout to need a little work.
