How to Convert a PDF to a Word Document (.doc/docx)

When you want to convert a PDF to Microsoft Word, you have numerous options. While they all work best when the PDF file primarily contains text and each one is straightforward to use, the best method largely depends on your personal preference and the applications you're most comfortable using. Word, Adobe Acrobat, and even Google Docs feature an approach to convert PDF to DOCX.

Instructions in this article apply to Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word for Microsoft 365.

.PDF to .DOC/DOCX: How to Save a PDF as a Word Document

When a PDF file is mostly text, opening it within Microsoft Word will convert it to a DOCX file automatically.

Once the file is converted, it may not correspond perfectly with the original PDF. For instance, page breaks and line breaks could be different.

Within Microsoft Word, open the PDF file.
A message alerts that Word will convert your PDF to an editable Word document. Select OK.

If you select Don't Show This Message Again, Word will automatically convert any PDFs you open in the future.
Once the file opens, you can edit, cut, copy, or format the text. Word will automatically save the file as a DOCX file in the default document location.

How to Convert PDF to a Word Document in Adobe Acrobat

Adobe and Microsoft Office play quite nicely together. In fact, it's possible to convert a PDF in Adobe Acrobat to a Word document, an Excel worksheet, or even a PowerPoint presentation file.

Converting PDF files to Word documents and other formats is only available in premium versions of Adobe Acrobat.

Open Adobe Acrobat DC.Select the PDF file, then select Open.
Select Export in the left pane to expand the Adobe Export PDF menu.
Select Microsoft Word (*.docx) in the Convert to list.
Select Convert.
Sign in to your Adobe account if prompted. The converted document will open in Microsoft Word.

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