How to convert a PDF file to Word?
The format of Microsoft Word documents is fairly universal, but the Adobe Acrobat PDF file format may be even more popular, at least in some circles. If you need to convert a PDF file to Word, here’s how to do it.
The problem with PDF files is that, unless you own Adobe Acrobat Pro, the tool used to make and edit PDF files, it can appear difficult to get a PDF file into Microsoft Word format so that you can edit it and share it with others in an easily editable format. It is really not that difficult, and you should be able to do it for free. There are free desktop applications that will get the job done for you, which is probably be the way to go if you need to do a lot of conversions. Otherwise, if you just need on or even an occasional conversion from PDF to Word, you are probably better off with one of the Web sites that specializes in these conversions.
If you are a frequent converter, one of the thing that you probably want to look for is a desktop tool that will do conversions in batches. Probably the best of these is Smartsoft’s Free PDF to Word converter, available here. Please note that it is a Windows-only solution, and that the free download is a stripped-down version of their paid programs. Regardless, it does a good job of doing basic conversions of the type you want: PDF to MS Word. Downloading and installing this program is exactly like the download and installation process for any other Windows program.
The tool works on all recent Windows versions and will convert PDF files into either Word 2003 or Word 2007 format, either of which can be read by any Word version after the one that you export to. All in all, it is a very useful conversion program. Use is straightforward. Just select the files you want to convert (yes, you can batch process them), select the desired output format (either of the Word version format noted above), select a folder in which to put the converted documents, and click on the “Convert” command button. Use Your version of word to open the converted files and edit away to your heart’s content.
For an online service for just the occasional conversion, the place to go is PDFtoWord.com. The site only allows you to convert one file at a time, but you can convert multiple files serially. The site is truly easy to use. Click on “Choose File” and select a PDF file from your local file system. Then select which kind of file that you want to export, a .doc file or an .rtf file. You will usually select the Word option. Then type in your email address so that the converted file can be sent to you and click on the “Convert” command button. The converted file will be emailed to you. Another great file conversion site is Zamzar.com, which converts a huge number of file types, including audio and video, to other file types, and of course does PDF to Word conversions.
All of these worked well for us, but as always your mileage may vary. Happy converting!
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July 31st, 2010
Nuance, the makers of Dragon NaturallySpeaking, make a PDF conversion product for around $50 called ‘PDF Converter’ and it works well for conversion to Word, Excel, etc. I’d recommend it :)
July 31st, 2010
Thanks Denise, I have not tried that software but understand that it is, as you say, excellent. Thanks for reminding us all that it is out there at a good price!