Convert a PDF file to Word

Method 1: Using Microsoft Word (Desktop)

This is the easiest way if you already have the Word application installed. Word will automatically convert the PDF into an editable document. 

  1. Open Microsoft Word.
  2. Select File > Open.
  3. Browse for your PDF file. Locate the folder where your PDF is saved and select it.
  4. Confirm the Conversion. A message will appear stating that Word will now convert your PDF into an editable Word document. Click OK.
  5. Edit and Save. Once the conversion is complete, review the file for any formatting shifts. Go to File > Save As and choose Word Document (docx) to save your new file. 

Method 2: Using Adobe Acrobat (Paid Subscription)

Adobe Acrobat Pro offers high-quality conversions that typically preserve the original layout better than other methods. 

  1. Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
  2. Click Export PDF. You can find this tool in the right-hand pane or under the "Tools" tab.
  3. Choose Microsoft Word as your export format and select Word Document.
  4. Click Export. If the PDF contains scanned text, Acrobat will automatically run text recognition (OCR).
  5. Save the file. Name your new Word file and click Save. 

Method 3: Using Adobe Acrobat Online (Free)

If you don't have the software installed, you can use the official Adobe PDF to Word Converter in your browser. 

  1. Drag and drop your PDF file into the converter drop zone on the website.
  2. Wait for the conversion to complete automatically.
  3. Download your file. You may be prompted to sign in with an Adobe, Google, or Apple account to download the finished document. 
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