PDFs are a fantastic file format for sharing information because of their universal compatibility and consistent formatting across devices. However, editing a PDF is not as straightforward unless you created it. That’s why many people and teams prefer to convert PDFs into Google Docs—where they can easily edit, collaborate, and share their work without hassle.
In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through three methods to convert a PDF to Google Docs. Whether you’re on Windows or Mac, by the end of this article, you’ll know how to use Google Drive, Adobe Acrobat, and Microsoft Word to convert your PDFs into editable Google Docs.
1. Using Our Online PDF to Docx Converter
Converting PDFs into editable Docx files is often necessary, especially when you need to make quick edits or collaborate with others. Using an online tool offers significant advantages over traditional third-party apps like Microsoft Word. With our Online PDF to Docx Converter, you can perform conversions directly in your web browser, making it incredibly convenient and accessible across multiple platforms—whether you’re on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, or iOS.
There’s no need to download or install any software, which not only saves time but also ensures you’re using the latest version of the tool with no compatibility issues. Plus, the online tool is designed to be user-friendly, offering a seamless experience no matter what device you’re using.
1. First, open your web browser and navigate to our free Online PDF to Docx Converter Tool. You can do this by typing or copying and pasting the following URL into your browser’s address bar: https://pdftopdf.io/pdf-to-word/.
2. Once you’re on the converter page, you’ll see a “Choose File” button prominently displayed. Click this button to open a file explorer window where you can navigate to the PDF file stored on your device.
If your file is saved online, you have a couple of other options: click the Dropbox icon to import your PDF directly from your Dropbox account, or paste the URL of the online PDF file in the provided field.
3. After you’ve selected your PDF file, the tool will automatically start the import and conversion process. This might take a few seconds, depending on the size of your file. Once the conversion is complete, you’ll notice a success message on the screen saying, “Your file is now converted.” A download button will also appear.
This indicates that your PDF has been successfully converted to the Docx format, which is compatible with Google Docs. Simply click the download button to save the converted file to your device, and you’re all set to open it in Google Docs for editing.
2. Convert PDF to Google Docs on Google Drive
Google Drive offers a simple and free way to convert your PDFs into Google Docs. Here’s how you can do it:
1. If you haven’t already, sign in to your Google account and head over to Google Drive. If you’re new to this, just open your web browser, type in drive.google.com, and press Enter.
2. To upload your PDF, you have two options:
- Drag and Drop: Simply drag your PDF file from your computer and drop it onto the Google Drive homepage.
- Using the New Button: Click on the “New” button located in the top-left corner of your Drive homepage. From the dropdown menu, select “File Upload,” then choose your PDF file from your computer and click “Open.”
3. Once your PDF is uploaded to Google Drive, locate the file in your Drive. Right-click on the file, select “Open with,” and then choose “Google Docs.”
4. Google Docs will take a moment to process the PDF. Once done, your document will open in Google Docs. You will now have an editable Google Docs version of your PDF on your Drive homepage.
Note: This method is straightforward, but it doesn’t always maintain the original formatting of your PDF. Complex elements like tables, lists, or footnotes may need some manual adjustment after the conversion.
3. Convert PDF to Google Docs Using Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat provides a more accurate conversion, particularly if you want to retain much of the original formatting from your PDF. This method involves converting the PDF to a Word document first and then uploading it to Google Docs.
1. Open your web browser and navigate to the Adobe Acrobat online PDF to Word converter.
2. Drag your PDF file into the converter window. Alternatively, click on “Select a file,” browse your computer for the PDF file, and upload it.
3. Adobe Acrobat will convert your PDF into a Word document. You’ll need to sign in to your Adobe account (or create one if you don’t have one) to download the converted file.
4. Now, go back to Google Drive. Just like in Method 1, upload the Word document to Drive by either dragging and dropping it on the homepage or by using the “New” button to select “File Upload” and choose the Word document.
5. Once the Word document is uploaded, right-click on it, select “Open with,” and choose “Google Docs.”
6. Google Docs will convert the Word document into a Google Docs, which will appear in your Drive homepage after a brief moment.
Note: This method generally preserves the formatting better than the first method. However, keep in mind that you can’t select specific portions of the PDF for conversion, and batch conversion of multiple files can be cumbersome.
4. Convert PDF to Google Docs Using Microsoft Word
If you already have Microsoft Word installed, you can use it to convert your PDF into a Google Docs. This method also involves converting the PDF to a Word document first, which you can then upload to Google Docs.
1. Start by launching Microsoft Word on your computer. If you don’t have it installed, you’ll need to purchase or subscribe to Microsoft Office.
2. Click on “File” in the top-left corner of the Word window.
3. Select “Open” from the dropdown menu. Browse your computer for the PDF file, select it, and click “Open.”
A pop-up will appear, notifying you that Word will convert the PDF into an editable Word document. Click “OK.”
4. After Word converts the PDF, you’ll see it as a new Word document. Go to “File” again, then click “Save As.”
Choose a location on your computer, select “Word document” as the file type, and click “Save.”
5. Open Google Drive and upload the newly saved Word document by either dragging and dropping it on the homepage or by clicking on “New” and selecting “File Upload.”
6. Once the file is uploaded, right-click on it, select “Open with,” and choose “Google Docs.”
7. Google Docs will quickly convert the Word document into a Google Docs. The converted document will appear on your Drive homepage.
Note: This method, like the Adobe Acrobat method, maintains much of the original formatting. However, it’s not ideal for batch conversions, and you can’t selectively convert parts of the PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I convert a scanned PDF to Google Docs?
Yes, but the results may vary depending on the quality of the scan and whether the PDF contains selectable text. Google Drive can handle basic OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to convert text from scanned images, but complex layouts may not convert well.
Is there any free alternative to Adobe Acrobat for converting PDFs to Word?
Yes, there are several free alternatives like Smallpdf and PDF2Go that can convert PDFs to Word documents. However, the accuracy of conversion and formatting retention may vary.
Does the PDF file size affect the conversion process?
Larger PDF files may take longer to upload and convert, and some free online tools may have file size limits. For best results, ensure your file size is within the limits of the tool you are using.
Can I convert password-protected PDFs to Google Docs?
You will need to remove the password protection from the PDF before converting it. This can usually be done through PDF software like Adobe Acrobat or online PDF tools.
Why does the formatting of my PDF change after conversion?
PDF and Word/Google Docs use different formatting engines, so some elements like fonts, images, and layouts may not translate perfectly. Manual adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired format.
Converting PDFs to Google Docs can be a straightforward process if you know the right tools and methods to use. Whether you choose to convert directly through Google Drive, use Adobe Acrobat for better formatting retention, or opt for Microsoft Word, each method has its pros and cons. By following the detailed steps provided, even a beginner can successfully convert PDFs into editable Google Docs with ease.
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