Convert a PDF File Natively in Microsoft Word
by Avantix Learning Team | Updated September 14, 2023
Applies to: Microsoft® Word® 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 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
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Convert 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.
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More resources
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