How to Convert a PDF to Word or Excel
A PDF is built to look the same everywhere, not to be edited. Converting it back to Word or Excel always involves some guessing about the layout. Knowing that makes the result easier to accept.
Check what kind of PDF you have
Try to select a sentence with your mouse. If it highlights, the PDF contains real text and converts well. If nothing highlights, it is a scan, and you must run OCR PDF first to create text.
PDF to Word
- Open PDF to Word and choose your file.
- Press Convert to Word.
- Open the .docx and fix spacing, tables and pictures where needed.
Headings and paragraphs are detected from font size and spacing. Complex magazine layouts will need cleanup.
PDF to Excel
PDF to Excel works best on statements and reports where columns line up. Numbers are stored as real numbers so you can add them up. Check totals against the PDF.
Tips for better results
- Start from the original file if you still have it.
- Use a clean, high resolution PDF.
- Always proofread numbers after converting.