How to Convert PDF to Word Without Losing Formatting

Converting PDF files to editable Word documents is one of the most common document conversion tasks. Whether you need to update a contract, edit a report, or repurpose content, knowing how to convert PDF to Word efficiently can save you hours of manual retyping.

Why Convert PDF to Word?

PDF (Portable Document Format) is excellent for sharing and viewing documents, but editing PDFs can be challenging without specialized software. Converting to Word (DOCX) format allows you to:

• Edit text freely - Make changes directly in your word processor
• Reformat content - Adjust fonts, spacing, and layout
• Collaborate easily - Use track changes and comments
• Repurpose content - Copy sections for new documents

Methods to Convert PDF to Word

Method 1: Online PDF Converter (Recommended)

Online converters like Apps66 offer the fastest and most convenient way to convert PDFs:

1. Visit the PDF to Word converter
2. Upload your PDF file by drag-and-drop or clicking to browse
3. Enable OCR if your PDF is scanned (contains images of text)
4. Click Convert and download your Word file

This method requires no software installation and works on any device with a web browser.

Method 2: Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word can open PDF files directly:

1. Open Microsoft Word
2. Go to File → Open
3. Select your PDF file
4. Word will convert it automatically (with some formatting changes)

Note: Word's built-in converter may struggle with complex layouts.

Method 3: Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat Pro offers professional-grade conversion:

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro
2. Click Export PDF in the right panel
3. Choose Microsoft Word as the export format
4. Click Export

This is the most accurate option but requires a paid subscription.

Tips for Better Conversion Results

• Use high-quality PDFs - Documents created digitally convert better than scanned ones
• Enable OCR for scans - This extracts text from images
• Check formatting after - Some manual adjustments may be needed
• Keep fonts simple - Standard fonts convert more reliably

Common Conversion Issues and Solutions

Tables Not Converting Properly

Complex tables may need manual adjustment. Try converting to HTML first, then to Word.

Missing Fonts

If the original PDF uses fonts not installed on your system, Word will substitute similar fonts.

Images Not Appearing

Ensure images are embedded in the PDF, not linked. Very high-resolution images may be compressed.