How to Convert PDF to Word for Free (Editable Text)
You received a PDF and need to change some words: a CV, a letter, a report or an assignment. PDFs are made for viewing, not editing, so the easiest way is to turn the PDF into a Word document. Here are the free ways to do it, and which one to choose.
First: what kind of PDF do you have?
- A normal PDF was made on a computer, for example saved from Word. You can select and copy its text. These convert well.
- A scanned PDF is a photo of paper. It has no real text inside, so it must be read with OCR first. Not sure? Read Scanned PDF vs Normal PDF.
Method 1: Convert PDF to Word with JanjuaPDF (free, private)
- Open PDF to Word and choose your PDF. On a phone, pick it from Downloads or Files.
- Press PDF to Word. The text of every page is copied into a Word document. Big text becomes headings and each PDF page starts on a new page.
- Download the .docx file and open it in Microsoft Word, Google Docs or LibreOffice.
- Edit your text, then save it again as a PDF if you need to. Our Word to PDF tool can do that too.
Best for: getting the text out quickly so you can rewrite or reuse it, especially for private documents, because the file is never uploaded.
Good to know: this method copies the text. Pictures, tables, columns and exact fonts are not copied.
Method 2: Open the PDF in Microsoft Word
If you have Microsoft Word on a computer, it can open many PDFs directly: in Word, choose File → Open and pick the PDF. Word converts it into an editable document and tries to keep the layout. Results are usually good for simple documents, while complex pages may look different from the original.
Method 3: Open the PDF with Google Docs
Upload the PDF to Google Drive, right-click it and choose Open with → Google Docs. Google turns it into an editable document. Text is kept, but some formatting and images may move or be lost.
Which method should I use?
- Private file, or you only need the text: JanjuaPDF PDF to Word.
- You want the layout kept as much as possible: Microsoft Word on a computer.
- No Word installed: Google Docs.
- You only need a few lines: just copy them. See How to Copy Text From a PDF.
- You only need to change a small thing: you may not need Word at all. Edit PDF lets you cover old text and type new text on the page.
Converting a scanned PDF to Word
- Open OCR PDF and choose the scanned file. It reads the text in the picture (English for now).
- Download the searchable PDF it creates.
- Convert that new PDF with PDF to Word.
Always check the result: OCR can misread unclear letters, especially in blurry photos.
Common problems and quick fixes
- "This PDF is password protected": unlock it with Unlock PDF using its password.
- Text comes out in the wrong order: pages with several columns can mix up the order. Fix it in Word, or use Microsoft Word to open the PDF.
- Strange symbols instead of letters: some PDFs use unusual fonts. Try OCR PDF first, then convert.
- You only need some pages: take them out first with Extract PDF Pages.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to convert PDF to Word here?
Yes. It is free, needs no account and adds no watermark.
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. The Word file is made inside your browser, so your document stays on your device.
Will my Word file look exactly like the PDF?
No. Our tool copies the text so you can edit it quickly. Pictures, tables, columns and exact fonts are not copied. If you need the same look, try opening the PDF in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, as explained above.
Why does it say no text was found?
Your PDF is probably a scan, which is a picture of text. Run it through OCR PDF first, then convert the new PDF to Word.
Can I convert a password-protected PDF?
Yes, if you know the password. Remove it first with Unlock PDF, then convert.
Can I convert PDF to Word on my phone?
Yes. It works in the browser on Android and iPhone. Open the .docx file in the Word or Google Docs app to edit it.