Convert a PDF File Natively in Microsoft Word
by Avantix Learning Team | Updated October 9, 2021
Applies to: Microsoft® Word® 2013, 2016, 2019 or 365 (Windows)
You can convert a PDF to Word natively in Microsoft Word for free. You don't need to download or use any third party programs (like Adobe Acrobat Pro). If you have Microsoft Word 2013 or a later version, you can convert a PDF (portable document format) file to Word with a couple of clicks and edit the PDF in Word.
Recommended article: How to Keep Text Together in Microsoft Word
Do you want to learn more about Microsoft Word? Check out our virtual classroom or live classroom Word courses >
Converting a PDF to Word
To convert a PDF to Word (natively using only Word):
- In Word, click the File tab in the Ribbon and select Open.
- Double-click This PC. A dialog box appears.
- Navigate to the location of the PDF file.
- Click the PDF file and click Open or double-click the file. The PDF file will open in Word and a dialog box appears indicating that reformatting may occur and line and page breaks may not appear as expected.
- Click OK.
- If the document opens in Protected View, click Enable Content and then click OK again.
- Reformat the document as necessary.
The following dialog box appears when you open a PDF and after enabling content:
Issues and limitations
Documents that were originally created in Microsoft Word and then saved as a PDF tend to convert fairly well.
Tables may not convert as expected and may need to be reformatted.
Documents that were scanned as a PDF will likely convert as an image, not an editable document.
Be sure to check for page breaks in the wrong location and to run a spell check.
Subscribe to get more articles like this one
Did you find this article helpful? If you would like to receive new articles, join our email list.
More resources
14+ Word Selection Shortcuts to Quickly Select Text
How to Add Page Numbers Word Documents (Step-by-Step)
How to Create, Edit, Use and Save Templates in Microsoft Word
10 Microsoft Word Navigation Shortcuts for Moving Around Faster
How to Create a Table of Contents in Microsoft Word (Insert, Format and Update a TOC)
Related courses
Microsoft Word: Intermediate / Advanced
Microsoft Excel: Intermediate / Advanced
Microsoft PowerPoint: Intermediate / Advanced
Microsoft Word: Long Documents Master Class
Microsoft Word: Styles, Templates and Tables of Contents
Microsoft Word: Designing Dynamic Word Documents Using Fields
Our instructor-led courses are delivered in virtual classroom format or at our downtown Toronto location at 18 King Street East, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (some in-person classroom courses may also be delivered at an alternate downtown Toronto location). Contact us at info@avantixlearning.ca if you'd like to arrange custom instructor-led virtual classroom or onsite training on a date that's convenient for you.
Copyright 2023 Avantix® Learning
You may also like
How to Indent the Second Line of a Paragraph in Word (3 Ways)
You can indent the second line of a paragraph in Microsoft Word using the Ruler, the Paragraph dialog box or a keyboard shortcut. You can indent or outdent the second line of a paragraph.
How to Generate Random Text in Word
If you are creating a Microsoft Word document, template or mockup and you want to create placeholder text, you can generate random text using the built-in RAND function or LOREM function (which generates Latin or Lorem ipsum text).
How to Insert a Watermark in Word (like DRAFT)
You can insert a watermark in the background of one or more pages in a Microsoft Word document. Common watermarks are text such as DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL but you can also add a picture watermark.
Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, Microsoft Office and related Microsoft applications and logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in Canada, US and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of the registered owners.
Avantix Learning |18 King Street East, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5C 1C4 | Contact us at info@avantixlearning.ca
