How to Convert a PDF to Linux Doc

Linux is an open-source operating system alternative to the Mac and Windows platforms. Due to its relatively small user base, the Linux software community is smaller than the development communities for either PCs or Macs. Thus, solutions to common issues, such as converting a PDF to a document on Linux, can be more difficult than on other platforms. However, there are software workarounds. Learn how to convert a PDF to a Linux document in order to edit the PDF and maximize your productivity.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Startup your Linux system by turning on your computer or, if Windows is your default operating system, rebooting your computer into Linux.

2. Launch your Linux web browser, such as Firefox or Galeon, by double-clicking on its icon on your Linux desktop or by clicking the "Menu" button in the lower left-hand corner of the screen.

3. Visit the official Adobe Reader download website (link in the Resources section). Under the drop-down menu that reads "Select an OS," select "Linux - x86 (.rpm)."

4. Select your language in the "Language" menu and click "Continue." Wait for the download to finish. Depending on the speed of your Internet connection, this may take several minutes due to the file's large size.

5. Open the installation file and follow the on-screen prompts to install Adobe Reader on your Linux system.

6. Open the Adobe Reader program. Click "File" in the top menu bar and select "Open." Choose your PDF file in the dialog box and click "OK." The PDF will now be displayed in the Adobe Reader window.

7. Click "File" and select "Save As Text." Name the file and save it to your computer's hard drive. Adobe Reader will automatically convert the PDF to a text-based document that can be opened and edited by the Linux word processing program of your choice (e.g. Open Office).

Resources

• Download Adobe Reader for Linux