When you need to make a few changes to a PDF but don't have access to the original fileknowing how to save PDF as Word can come in handy.
PDF format is commonly used for storing read-only materials and various ready-for-printing papers. On the contraryMicrosoft Word files are applied for continuous working on content.
Converting from PDF to Word is an easy process that enables you to edit the content of the original document without needing to retype everything.
In the following articlewe present you with 6 free methods of PDF to DOC conversion. Each one has obvious benefits. Pick the one that suits you the most!
Method 1. PDF Candy
We have a free solution that works perfectly in any browser. PDF Candy is great as a service for last-minute tasks as it can change format within seconds. All you need to save PDF as Word online is an Internet connection and a browser. Our service runs on every OSon computers and smartphones with equal results.
How to turn a PDF to a Word document using PDF Candy
- Go to PDF to Word converter.
- Select the PDF you want to turn to text by clicking on "+Add file" or dragging and dropping it into the browser.
- Click "Convert PDF" to initiate the process. Note: The output file will be a DOC one. In case you need a DOCXuse PDF to DOCX tool instead.
- Once the conversion is doneyou can either download the document or share it with a link or QR code. Or upload it to Dropbox or Google Drive.

Benefits:
- Fast conversion. The export PDF to Word process only takes a few secondsmeaning there is no lengthy wait for your output.
- High quality. The converted documents are of high quality and accurately keep the layout of the original PDFs.
- Easy-to-use interface. The website has a very friendly interface which makes it easy for anyone to utilize without any prior experience or knowledge.
- Free service. This online service offers PDF converter for free.
- Security. All uploaded files are automatically deleted after two hoursensuring your data remains secure and confidential.
- Compatibility. Supports Windows 10 and Windows 11MacOSAndroidand OS.
- Autonomy. Can turn PDF to Word on most popular browsers – MozillaSafariOperaChromeetc. .
It makes this online service an ideal choice when you need to convert a PDF into Word quickly and safely without spending any money or compromising your data's security.
Method 2. PDF Candy Desktop
PDF Candy Desktop is a great PDF software for transforming PDFs into Word documents. This way is preferable because it is fastermore secureand easy to use. It can also be employed to editcompressand split PDFs.
How to transfer from PDF to Word with PDF Candy Desktop
- Download and install PDF Candy Desktop.
- Launch the program and select the "PDF to Word" option from the main menu. Ordrag and drop the PDF on the tool icon.
- Click "Add file"and find the PDF(s) you wish to convert.
- Choose "DOC/DOCX" in the output format dropdown menu.
- Pick the page range you desire to switchand check "Split" if needed.
- Specify the destination folder and press the "Convert" button located at the bottom of the screen and wait until the process is completed.

Pros:
- Convert file from PDF to Word in a minute.
- Beginner-friendly interface.
- Secure PDF to DOC conversion.
- Variety of instruments such as password protectionOCR and others.
- Support for multiple languages.
- Batch conversions available.
- Free for personal use.
- Available for Windows 1011and earlier.
Method 3. Google Docs
Google Docs is Google Drive’s text editor. Like the rest of Google toolsit works online. It is easy to utilize and can convert PDF to Word for freeunlike Microsoft. Nonethelessit requires a Google account and an Internet connection.
How to save PDF as Word with Google Docs
- Go to Google Drive and log in to your Google account.
- Click on "+New" and choose the PDF from your files or drag and drop it on the page.
- Once you uploaded the PDFright-click on it and hit "Open with". Then choose "Documents".
- Google Drive will export PDF to Word. Then open it and let you edit it in Google Docs. Save it as Word.

Pros:
- It's free! Google Drive has strong features that make it straightforward to change PDF to Word.
- You can use Google Drive from any device with an internet connectionmaking it accessible for all.
Cons:
- Papers must be uploaded to the cloud storage service before they can be convertedwhich can take time depending on your internet connection.
- The conversion process requires extra steps if you want to alter anything or revise the document after it's been converted.
- Not all file types are supported by this online PDF converterso you could have to find an alternative solution if yours' isn't supported.
- The quality of the converted material may not be as good as the originalespecially if there are images or complex formatting.
Method 4. Microsoft Office
Do you desire to save a PDF as Word format? You can easily do so by means of Microsoft Word. So if you ever need to work with a PDFMicrosoft Word is your go-to tool for transforming it into an editable paper quickly and easily!
How you can use Microsoft Office for PDF to DOC conversion:
- Open the PDF in Microsoft Word by right-clicking on it. Follow "Open With">"Word".
- Select "OK" to convert the document.
- Edit the resulting file and then save it.

Pros:
- It possesses speed and simplicity.
- You can edit the content in the output after you change PDF to Word.
- The text is searchable and selectable in the new draft.
Cons:
- It is not possible to preserve imagesobjectsor some formatting after PDF to Word conversion.
- You may not be able to save the converted file as an editable format like *.docx.
- Unwanted line breaks may appear during conversion.
- Some text may appear different from the original PDF due to font issues.
Method 5. Adobe Acrobat
Are you looking for an easy way to turn PDF to Word document? Adobe Acrobat DC Pro is the ideal solution for converting your PDF to Word. Additionallyyou can use other features of Acrobat such as password protectionredactionand more.
How to convert PDF into Word with Adobe Acrobat
- Launch the program and open the PDF you want to convert.
- Select the "Export PDF" option from the right-hand side of the window.
- Choose "Microsoft Word" from the dropdown list of file formatsthen click "Export".
- Pick a location to keep the new one and click "Save".
- The conversion process will begin. The fresh archive will be generated in seconds.

Pros:
- Quick PDF to DOC conversion.
- Text formatting is preserved.
- Can convert multiple files at once.
- Can edit and comment on the PDFs prior to conversion.
Cons:
- PDF conversion is not always accurate.
- Could necessitate editing beyond the conversion process.
- Can be expensivedepending on the subscription plan chosen.
- May require additional software for certain features.
Method 6. PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange Editor is a lightweight software for Windows developed by Tracker Software. It’s best known for offering an impressive range of professional features — including advanced annotationOCRand document manipulation — while remaining fast and efficient.
How to turn PDF to Word with PDF-XChange Editor
- Launch the application.
- Open the PDF you want to convert.
- Go to "File" → "Export" → "Export to Microsoft Word Document..."
- You’ll now see a configuration window. Here's you can adjust page rangeOCR settingslayoutand more.
- Choose .docx or .doc as the output format. Click "Export".

Pros:
- Does a solid job at reconstructing complex formattingincluding columnstablesheadersand footnotes.
- You can decide between fixed layout (better visual match) or flowing text (easier editing).
Cons:
- The software can misplace elements like wrapped imagestext boxesor non-standard fonts.
- Runs only on Windows. macOS and Linux users must use alternatives.
Reasons to convert a PDF to a Word document
PDFs are fine and all — great if you never want anyone to mess with your files. But editing them? Total pain. Seriouslyunless you’ve got some fancy (and often expensive) softwareyou’re stuck. Swapping a PDF for a Word doc makes life easier.
Here are some of the benefits:
- Easy Editing. You open a Word fileand — you can fix typosmove stuff aroundadd a unicorn emoji if that’s your vibe. No weird workaroundsjust Microsoft Word (or even Google Docsif you’re cheap like me).
- Improved Formatting. PDFs love to break your formatting when you copy-paste. Convert to Wordthoughand stuff generally stays put. Fontstablesimages—all right where you left them.
- Compatible with More Software. If you need to share your document with someone who doesn't have the same software as youconverting PDF to a Word ensures compatibility.
- File Size. PDFs get big fastespecially if you’ve got lots of pictures or graphics. Word docs are usually way lighterso you’re not waiting for an email to send for an hour.
- Better Accessibility. Creating DOC from PDFs makes them more accessible for people with disabilities. This is because screen readers and other assistive technologies can't read PDFs as easily as they can read Word papers.
By transforming your PDFs to Word documentsyou can enjoy all these benefits and create professional-looking files quickly and easily.
PDF vs Word: comparison table
| Feature | Word | |
|---|---|---|
| File Type | Portable Document Format | Word Document (DOC/DOCX) |
| Editing | Difficult to modify without special software | Fully customizable in Word or compatible editors |
| Size | Generally more compact for text-heavy files | Largerespecially with multimedia elements |
| Cross-platform Support | Accessible on nearly all devices without specialized tools | Requires specific software for full functionality |
| Appearance | Consistently maintains fontsimagesand layout | Can change based on device or software version |
| Security | Offers encryptionpassword protectionand restrictions | Features are available but less comprehensive |
| Primary Use | Best for finalized contentformsand contracts | Ideal for draftingmodifyingand organizing documents |
FAQ
Q: Can I copy text from a PDF?
A: Oh yeahsnagging text from a PDF is totally doable. You could convert the whole thing to Word — or seriouslyjust use a PDF text extractor and yank out the bits you need. Easy.
Q: Is there a way to switch multiple PDFs into Word format quickly?
A: If you’ve got a ton of PDFs and you’re not about to turn them one by one (because who has time for that?)look for an online converter or a desktop app that lets you do batch conversions.
Q: Is it possible to transform an Excel file into Word?
A: Yeahyou can swing it. Pop open your Excelhit “File,” then “Save As,” and pick “Word Document.” Might not be perfectbut heyit gets the job done.
Q: How can I insert my signature into a PDF file?
A: To digitally sign a PDFopen the file with the PDF Signer and follow the guidance to add your signature image or handwritten one.
Q: Will the formatting be preserved during the conversion?
A: The formatting may not be perfectly preservedespecially if the PDF is complex or contains advanced formatting.
Q: Can I convert a scanned PDF to Word?
A: Yepbut you’ll need OCR software for that. It can read the scanned stuff and turn it into realeditable text. Magicbasically.
Q: What if my PDF contains images? Will they be converted as well?
A: Yeswhen converting a PDF containing images to Wordthe pictures will also be included in the resulting document.
How to save a PDF as a Word: bottom line
As you seethere are many options allowing you to convert a PDF to DOC. Select the one that is best for you based on your needs! Take note of the original formatting of the PDF while saving it in Word formatas some details may be lost or changed.
By abiding by our guidelinesyou can securely and productively convert file from PDF to Word with no problems. Keep these points in mind and you'll have your desired results in no time!