How to Convert a PDF to Word

The Adobe Acrobat suite of programs uses the Portable Document Format, or PDF. Users often convert Microsoft Word documents to PDF to protect files from changes and ensure that they retain their exact original appearance. There may come a time when you need to convert a PDF document back to Word. You can do so by submitting the PDF to a website offering file conversion services or by altering the settings for saving a document.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

File Conversion Website

1. Access a website that allows you to convert a PDF to Word documents (see Resources). Keep in mind that many such services require you to create a paid account in order to use advanced services such as priority conversion or conversion of large files. Consult individual websites' service descriptions for details.

2. Press the "Browse" button. The "File Upload" dialog box will appear, allowing you to select and upload a file stored on your computer. Highlight the PDF you wish to convert and click "Open."

3. Use the input and output fields to indicate that you wish to convert a PDF document to a Word (.doc) file.

4. Enter your email address into the appropriate field.

5. Read and agree to any terms and conditions.

6. Click "Convert." You will receive a link to the Word document via email.

Altering "Save As" Settings in Adobe Acrobat

7. Open the PDF document in Acrobat Professional or 7 Standard.

8. Select "Save As" from the "File" menu. The "Save As" dialog box will appear.

9. Identify the "Type" pop-up menu if using Windows or the "Format" menu if using Mac. Select the "Microsoft Word Document" option from the menu.

10. Click "Save." Access the Word document, launch the Word application and select the document name from the "Open" menu.

Tips & Warnings

• Change the settings according to which Acrobat converts PDF documents to Word. After launching Acrobat, select the "Preferences" option from the "Edit" menu if using Windows or from the "Acrobat" menu if using Mac. Identify the "Categories" list located on the left half of the dialog box. Select "Convert From PDF." Scroll through the "Converting from PDF" list and select "Microsoft Word Document." Use the right-hand window to check whether Acrobat will downsample images, include comments or maintain columns when carrying out the conversion. To make changes, click on "Edit Settings."

References

• Converting PDF Documents to Microsoft Word
• How to convert a PDF file to Word, Excel or JPG format
• Adobe and PDF

Resources

• Zamzar Free Online File Conversion
• PDF Converter