Key takeaways
- PDF to Word copies the text of your PDF into an editable Word document.
- Images, tables and page layout are not kept. This is a text-only tool.
- Scanned PDFs are pictures, so there may be no text to copy.
- The PDF is read in your browser and is not uploaded.
Copy PDF text into Word
When you need to reuse the wording of a report, form or article, you do not have to retype it. PDF to Word pulls out the text for you:
- Open the tool and add your PDF.
- Start the conversion.
- Download the Word document and open it in Word or any word processor.
- Check the text, especially numbers, then edit as you like.
What is kept and what is not
We think you should know before you try. This tool is built for text only.
| In the PDF | In the Word file |
|---|---|
| Paragraph text | Copied as editable text |
| Images and logos | Not kept |
| Tables | Structure not kept. Check figures afterwards. |
| Page layout and columns | Not kept |
Why a scanned PDF gives no text
A scanned PDF is a set of pictures of pages. There is no text inside it, only pixels that look like text. A tool that reads text cannot copy something that is not there, and this tool does not read text from pictures.
If you need the look of the pages
If you need pages to look the same, export them as pictures with PDF to JPG. If you need only some pages first, extract them with Split PDF and then copy the text.
Sometimes you do not need to convert at all
If you only need a paragraph, you can often select the text in your PDF viewer, copy it and paste it into Word. Use PDF to Word when you need all the text of a longer file in one go.
To understand why layout, images and tables do not carry over, and which option suits each job, read PDF to Word: why formatting gets lost and what to do instead.
Frequently asked questions
Does PDF to Word keep images and formatting?
No. It copies text only. Images, tables and page layout are not kept.
Will it work on a scanned PDF?
A scan is made of pictures, so there may be no text to copy. This tool does not read text from images.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The text is read in your browser and the file stays on your device.