PDF files are excellent for sharing documents because they keep everything looking the same. But editing them is not so easy. Especially if you need to make some changes or want to update something again, then converting a PDF into a Word document is the best solution.
In this article you will find out how to change a PDF into a Word document both on your computer (offline) and on the internet (online). We will give you step-by-step instructions and some good tools you can use.
Why Convert PDF to Word?
Before we proceed to the steps, here are some reasons why people like to change PDF files into Word documents:
- PDFs are primarily read-only and uneditable
- Word documents are easily editable, formatted, and shared
- Converting PDFs saves time compared to copying by hand
- Convert scanned documents into editable files (with OCR)
Whatever your needs, an efficient PDF conversion method makes document work easier.
What to Check Before Converting PDF to Word
Check the following requirements before you start converting your PDF:
Type of PDF
- Regular text-based PDF: Digitally created (best conversion quality)
- Scanned PDF: You need to perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
Internet Access
- Online tools require a stable internet connection and are unsafe for confidential data.
- Offline tools do not require internet access and are more private
File Size & Sensitivity
- Online tools have limitations on file size
- Confidential files are more secure when using offline tools
How to Convert PDF to Word Offline
Offline PDF to Word conversion is the most suitable option when you require improved accuracy, privacy, and functionality.
Advantages of Offline PDF Conversion:
- Secure for confidential files / Enhanced Data Security
- Internet connectivity is not required
- No file size limits
- Faster processing for large files
- Formatting is improved
- Batch operations can be performed
Method 1: Using Dedicated PDF Editor Software
For users who are searching for an offline and more accurate method of PDF conversion, Systweak PDF Editor has an excellent PDF to Word conversion tool for Windows users.
How to do it:
Step 1: Download and install Systweak PDF Editor .
Step 2: Open Systweak PDF Editor and open the document that you want to convert into Word
Step 3: Go to Convert > Convert to > PDF to Word.
Step 4: Click on Convert to Word. After conversion, your file will be automatically saved in the folder.
This is an excellent tool for users who have large PDF files, formatted documents, and scanned PDF files. The scanned files can be converted using OCR technology, and it doesn’t need an internet connection.
Method 2: Convert PDF to Word Using Microsoft Word
There are some users who don’t know that you can simply open your PDFs in Microsoft Word.
Steps:
- Open Microsoft Word
- Click Open > Browse, and open the PDF you need to convert.
- The prompt will show asking for the conversion of the PDF into Word, select Ok. Word will then convert your PDF file into an editable document
- Save it as a Word document
This surprisingly works well for PDFs created digitally.
Method 3: PDF to Word Conversion (For Scanned PDFs)
If the PDF you are working with is a scanned PDF that is image based PDF, then you need to perform an OCR first.
Steps:
- Download the PDFgear desktop version and open the application.
- Open the PDF in the Editor, and it detects the scanned PDF itself. Click on Perform OCR.
- Now select the Language Recognition and click on Apply and save the document.
- Go to Tools and click on Convert to and select PDF to Word. And click on Convert.
- The document will be converted into Word and saved in the original folder.
The scanned document would become editable once Optical Character Recognition is done, and all of this would depend on the scanned PDF document.
How to Convert PDF to Word Online
Online PDF to Word converters are preferred because they are fast, free (to some extent), and do not require any software installation.
Advantages of Online PDF to Word Conversion
- No software installation required
- Can be used on any device (Windows, Mac, mobile)
- Can be used occasionally
Disadvantages of Online PDF to Word Conversion
- There are size limitations for files
- Internet dependence
- Privacy concerns for confidential files
- Batch operations are not allowed
Method 1: Using iLovePDF (an online PDF Converter)
This is the most widely used online tool for conversion.
How to Convert PDF to Word Online:
- Open a reliable online PDF to Word converter like iLovePDF.
- Upload your PDF file
- Click on “Convert to Word” or “PDF to DOC/DOCX”
- Wait for the process to complete
- Download the Word file
Most of the online converters can handle basic formatting like paragraphs, headings, and tables.
Method 2: Convert PDF into Word using Smallpdf
Smallpdf is also a trustworthy online PDF editor tool for converting a PDF into Word.
Follow the given steps to convert a PDF to Word using Smallpdf:
Step 1: Open your browser and search for Smallpdf.
Step 2: Open Smallpdf and click on Convert.
Step 3: Now, click on Choose files and upload the PDF you want to convert into Word.
Step 4: After uploading is done, select Word from the right panel.
Step 5: Select what type of conversion you want as per your requirement and click Convert.
Step 6: At last, download the Word document.
Method 3: Convert PDF to Word Using Google Docs
Google Docs is a good free alternative if you have unformatted PDFs.
How-to:
- Upload PDF to Google Drive
- Right-click on file → Open with → Google Docs
- Google Docs will convert a PDF to editable text
- File → Download → Microsoft Word (.docx)
This is best done on PDFs that have a lot of text and not much formatting.
When Should You Use Online Tools?
- Small PDFs
- Non-confidential documents
- Quick edits or one-time conversions
Online vs Offline PDF to Word Conversion: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Online Tools | Offline Tools |
| Internet Required | Yes | No |
| File Size Limit | Often Limited | Handles Large Files |
| Privacy | Less Secure | More Secure |
| OCR Support | Limited | Advanced |
| Formatting Accuracy | Moderate | High |
| Batch Operations support | Often No | Handles multiple files at once |
Tips for Better PDF to Word Conversion Results
- Use OCR on scanned PDFs
- The DOCX format is more compatible
- Remove scans before conversion
- Check the converted file for formatting issues
- Don’t compress PDFs before conversion
The tips provided herein will provide guidance on the right and safe way of doing this conversion without compromising the quality of the document.
Common Problems While Converting PDF to Word (and Fixes)
Formatting Problems
Solution: Utilize offline tools that have the ability to maintain the format.
Missing Text or Images
Solution: Leverage the OCR feature or use high-quality PDF files.
Garbled Fonts
Solution: Reinstall the fonts or use another tool.
Conclusion: Which PDF to Word Method Should You Choose?
Choosing between offline and online PDF to Word conversion tools depends on your specific needs like security, convenience, file size, and document complexity.
❖ Choose Offline PDF Conversion If:
You should go with offline tools like Systweak PDF Editor or Microsoft Word if:
- Your document contains sensitive or confidential information
- You don’t have reliable internet access
- You’re working with large or complex files
- You need advanced features like OCR or batch processing
- You want maximum formatting accuracy
Offline conversion offers greater privacy, control, and reliability, making it ideal for professionals and businesses.
❖ Choose Online PDF Conversion If:
Online tools such as Smallpdf or ILove PDF are better when:
- You need a quick, one-time conversion
- The document is not sensitive
- You don’t want to install software
- You’re using multiple devices
Online conversion is fast, simple, and convenient, especially for everyday tasks.
FAQs: PDF to Word Conversion
Q: Is the formatting of the document affected while doing the conversion from PDF to Word document?
A: Maybe; there could be some slight differences in the formatting, particularly in complicated files.
Q: Is doing the conversion online of the documents safe?
A: It depends on the tool you use and the type of document you’re uploading. But for the documents that are non-confidential and do not have your personal information that you don’t want to share. For such documents, converting them offline is always safe.
Q: Is it possible to convert scanned PDFs into Word files?
A: Yes, you can convert scanned PDFs to Word by using a tool that has an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) feature.
Q: What is best to convert PDFs to Word: Online or Offline PDF Tools?
A: Online conversion is suitable for simple tasks. But offline conversion is preferable when more precise and confidential files are involved or when handling large files and allows repetitive tasks.