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In this digital age, most people convert documents to a PDF format for better readability, portability, and security. However, PDF files are not easily editable, and sometimes we need to convert them back into an editable format, like Microsoft Word. Whether you want to make minor changes to text or reformat the entire document, converting PDFs to Word format can save you a lot of time and effort.
Converting PDF to Word is a common task, and many people often struggle with finding the best method to do so. There are various free and paid tools available in the market, and it can be a daunting task to choose the right one that fits our needs. In this guide, we’ll share with you the best and easiest ways to convert PDF to Word on Mac for free.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Convert PDF to Word
PDFs are designed to be read-only documents, allowing you to share information with others without the worry of them making any unwanted changes. However, there are times when you need to make changes to a PDF. Perhaps you need to add new content, correct a typo, or reformat the document to suit your needs. In such cases, converting PDFs to Word format can save you a lot of time and effort.
Here are some reasons why you might need to convert PDF to Word:
- You need to make changes to a PDF document, but you only have the PDF file.
- You want to extract text, images, or tables from a PDF document for use in other applications.
- You want to reformat the document to suit your specific needs.
- You want to share the document with someone who does not have a PDF reader application installed on their computer.
Method 1: Using Google Docs
Google Docs is a free online word processing and document management tool that you can use to create, edit, and share documents online. One of the best features of Google Docs is that it can also be used to convert PDFs to Word format. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open your web browser and go to Google Docs.
- Sign in using your Google account credentials or create a new account if you don’t have one already.
- When you’re signed in, click on the "File" menu and select "Open".
- Click on the "Upload" tab and select the PDF file you want to convert.
- Once the file is uploaded, right-click on it and select "Open with" -> "Google Docs".
- Google Docs will open the PDF file in a new tab in the editor interface.
- Click on "File" -> "Download" -> "Microsoft Word (.docx)" to download the converted file in Word format.
Pros:
- Google Docs is a free and reliable method to convert PDF to Word.
- No software installation required as it is a web-based application.
- Easy to use and straightforward process.
Cons:
- Requires a Google account to use the software.
- Sometimes can change the formatting of the document.
- Slow speed when converting large files or multiple files at once.
Method 2: Using Preview on a Mac
If you’re a Mac user, you can use Preview to convert your PDFs to Word format. Preview is the default image viewer and PDF reader that comes pre-installed on all Mac computers. Here’s how to use it:
- Open the PDF file you want to convert in Preview.
- Click on "File" -> "Export as PDF" from the top menu.
- In the "Export" dialog box, select "Format" as "Microsoft Word".
- Enter a name for the Word file and choose a save location.
- Click on "Save" to convert and save the file in Microsoft Word format.
Pros:
- Preview is pre-installed on all Mac computers so no need to install additional software.
- Allows for easy conversion of PDF to Word format.
- Processes individual files quickly and efficiently.
Cons:
- Can’t handle batch conversions.
- The formatting may be altered during conversion.
- Not supported on non-Mac computers or devices.
Method 3: Using Smallpdf.com
Smallpdf is a free online tool that offers a range of PDF-related services, including converting PDF to Word format. Here’s how you can use it to convert PDFs to Word format:
- Go to Smallpdf.com.
- Click on "Choose Files" and select the PDF you want to convert.
- Smallpdf will upload and convert the file to Word format.
- Download the converted file by clicking "Download" or "Download All" to download all the converted files at once.
Pros:
- Fast, reliable, and easy to use.
- No software installation required.
- Allows for batch conversions.
Cons:
- Smallpdf is not entirely free. Some features are for premium users only.
- Watermark may be added to the converted file in the free version.
- File size limitation per conversion.
What to Do If You Can’t Convert PDF to Word
In some cases, certain PDF files can’t be converted into Word format due to various reasons. Here are some fixes if you can’t convert your PDF to Word format:
- Try using another PDF to Word converter tool.
- Check if the PDF is a scanned/image-based document instead of a text-based document. If it’s image-based, it can’t be converted to Word format.
- Make sure that the PDF file is not protected by a password that prevents copying or printing.
- Try to optimize the PDF file size before uploading it to the converter tool. Large file sizes can cause issues during the conversion process.
- If all else fails, you may try to recreate the document from scratch using Microsoft Word.
Bonus Tip
One useful trick to get an editable version of a PDF is to use OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software. OCR can recognize text in an image-based PDF and convert it into an editable text-based document. There are several OCR software available online, including Adobe Acrobat, Google Drive, and Readiris. This is especially useful if the PDF you want to convert is an image-based document and not a text-based document.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I convert a password-protected PDF to Word format?
A: No, you cannot convert a password-protected PDF to Word format unless you have the password to access the document.
Q2: Will my Word document look the same as the original PDF?
A: Not always. The formatting of the Word document may be different from the original PDF, especially if the PDF contains complex formatting.
Q3: Can I use online PDF to Word converter for confidential documents?
A: It’s not recommended to use online PDF to Word converter tools for confidential documents due to potential privacy and security issues. It’s best to use offline software that offers more security and privacy features.
Q4: Can I convert multiple PDFs to Word format at once?
A: Yes, you can use batch conversion if the PDF to Word converter tool supports it.
Q5: Which is the best method to convert PDF to Word?
A: That depends on your preferences and needs. Each method has its pros and cons, so it’s best to choose the one that suits your specific requirements.
Final Thoughts
Converting PDF to Word is a common and essential task for anyone dealing with documents. With so many tools available, it’s easy to get confused about which one to use. Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into the best methods for converting PDF to Word on Mac for free and some tips on what to do if the conversion fails. Remember that each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s up to you to choose what fits your needs best. Instantly converting PDF to Word can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on more important tasks.