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Convert PDF to Word

Learn to convert PDF to Word or Word to PDF with Microsoft Word—no extra tools or downloads needed.
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Getting started with PDF to Word conversions

PDF and Word files each serve a purpose—one’s made for editing, the other for sharing. Knowing when to switch can help you save time, avoid formatting issues, and keep things moving. Let’s take a quick look at what each format is best for.

PDF

  • Best for sharing documents that shouldn’t be altered.
  • Keeps layout, fonts, and images exactly the same across devices.
  • Often used for forms, contracts, and official records.
  • Works well when you want a file to be view-only.

Word

  • Ideal for writing and revising text.
  • Easy to make changes or add comments.
  • Lets you adjust layout, formatting, and styles.
  • Perfect for drafts, assignments, and ongoing work.

Why you might need to convert your files

There are plenty of everyday reasons to convert between PDF and Word. For example, you might need to edit a PDF you can’t type in, submit a form in a different format, or share a finished file that won’t change.

Edit locked PDFs

Need to update a class syllabus or contract that came as a PDF? Converting it to Word lets you make quick changes without any downloads or installs.

Submit documents in the right format

Some schools or offices ask for Word files so they can review or add to them. Turning a PDF into a Word doc makes it easy to meet those requirements.

Share polished, final versions as secure PDFs

When your document is ready to share, saving it as a PDF helps keep everything in place. It’s a simple way to make your file look clean and professional.

Microsoft Word takes the hassle out of converting files. It’s built into many devices, so you can manage your documents quickly and securely without needing extra apps.

PDF when you’re finished. Word when you’re still working.

How to convert a PDF file to Word

Opening and converting a PDF to Word is simple with Microsoft Word—no extra apps or tools needed. Whether you're on your computer or using Word for the web, you can switch formats in just a few clicks.

Step-by-step instructions

On a desktop

  1. Open Microsoft Word.
  2. Select File > Open, then choose your PDF.
  3. Word will automatically convert the PDF into an editable Word document.
  4. Review the file and start editing.

On the web

  1. Go to Word for the web.
  2. Upload your PDF file from your computer or cloud storage.
  3. Word will convert the file so you can make edits online.
  4. Save or download when you're done.

What to expect during conversion

Most of your text and formatting will carry over, but you may notice small layout changes, especially with images or multi-column designs.

Fortunately, revisions are easy to make. When the conversion is complete, text becomes fully editable, making it easy to update or revise your content.

How to convert a Word document to PDF

Saving a document as a PDF is a great way to lock in formatting, prevent accidental edits, and share your work in a professional format. With Microsoft Word, you can create a polished PDF version of your file in just a few steps, right from the same workspace.

Step-by-step instructions

On a desktop

  1. Open your document in Microsoft Word.
  2. Click File, then choose Save As or Export.
  3. Select PDF as the file format.
  4. Save your new PDF to your desired folder.

On the web

  1. Go to Word for the web and open your document.
  2. Click File, then select Save as PDF.
  3. The PDF will download to your device automatically.
  4. Share, print, or store it as needed.

Convert your PDFs right from Word

Microsoft Word has a PDF converter built right into the program. With just a few clicks, you can convert any Word document to PDF (or PDF to Word!), keeping your layout and design exactly how you want it. No need for separate apps or online tools.

How to edit a PDF file with Microsoft Word

Turning that static PDF into something you can actually work with is as simple as clicking and typing. You can update text, delete or add paragraphs, adjust formatting, or insert new images—all in a familiar editing environment.

To begin, open the PDF in Word. This creates a copy and converts the content into a format you can edit. Once you’re done, simply save your changes—either as a Word document or as a new PDF. It’s that simple.

Limitations of converting Word docs and PDFs

Not all PDFs convert perfectly. If the original file has complex layouts, graphics, or custom fonts, some elements may shift or lose precision during the conversion.

Editing a PDF works best with files that are mostly text. Files like scanned book chapters or copier-style manuscripts may not convert cleanly and could require more cleanup.

Real-world editing examples

You don’t always need a full rewrite—sometimes a quick update is all it takes. Here are a few simple ways people use this feature to save time:

  • Correcting names or typos in a form—Quickly fix small errors without redoing the entire document.
  • Adding missing information to a PDF—Fill in details like addresses, phone numbers, or notes.
  • Updating dates or locations on a flyer—Make time-sensitive edits to event materials before re-sharing.
  • Editing a class syllabus or event schedule—Adjust assignments, deadlines, or contact info with ease.
  • Filling out PDF forms without printing—Type directly into forms and send them digitally—no need to print and scan.

Real-life examples of converting PDF to Word

PDF and Word conversions aren’t just about changing file types. They help people solve everyday challenges. From saving time to improving clarity, here’s how different users put these tools to work:

Students

Students can benefit a lot from file conversion. For example, a student reviewing a 10-page PDF syllabus could convert the PDF to Word and then highlight deadlines and add comments, all without printing or retyping a thing.

Professionals

Professionals often draft in Word for flexibility, then convert to PDF to protect formatting and deliver a clean, consistent file. It’s the best of both worlds—easy editing when you need it, polished presentation when you don’t want anything to shift.

Families

Family life comes with a mountain of forms—school enrollment, medical paperwork, camp applications. File conversion makes it easier to handle them all. Just convert a PDF to Word, fill it out electronically, add a signature, and save it as a clean, shareable PDF.

Small businesses

Small business owners can convert their files to stay in control. For example, a shop owner might edit invoices or marketing materials in Word, then send locked PDFs to clients to keep everything as polished and professional as possible.

How to keep your files secure during conversion

Why security matters

When you're working with personal, academic, or business documents, protecting your information matters. Some online PDF converters require you to upload files to third-party servers, where control over your content can be unclear. That’s a risk you shouldn’t have to take.

The Microsoft advantage

With Microsoft Word, your files stay in trusted hands. Whether you're converting on your desktop or through Microsoft 365 online, your documents remain on your device or in the secure Microsoft cloud.

You also keep control of formatting, version history, and file access. No surprise edits, no privacy risks—just a smooth, secure experience from a tool built to handle your most important documents.  

Start converting PDFs and Word documents with Microsoft 365

Microsoft Word has built-in tools to convert PDF to Word and back again, without extra apps, risky upload sites, or formatting headaches. It’s a secure, built-in solution that works across your devices.

Students can edit class materials with ease. Families can fill out and share forms digitally. Professionals can create polished documents that stay consistent when shared. And small business owners can send invoices or contracts that look clean and stay secure.

Microsoft Word gives you the tools to handle it all—quickly, safely, and with confidence.

Put Microsoft to work for you

Ready to simplify your document tasks? Try Microsoft Word for free—or dive deeper into editing and file conversion with built-in tools that keep your work secure.

Related resources

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Online document editing

Edit Word docs and PDFs right from your browser.
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FAQ

  • You can convert a PDF to Word for free using Microsoft Word. Open it in Word, select File > Open, and choose your PDF. Word will convert it into an editable document—no extra apps or online tools required.
  • Open Microsoft Word and select the PDF file you want to convert. Word will automatically change it into a Word document so you can edit, save, or reformat it as needed.
  • Yes. Microsoft Word has a built-in PDF converter. Just open the PDF in Word, and it will automatically convert the file to an editable Word document.
  • Yes—Word includes a built-in PDF converter. You can open a PDF file in Word to edit it or save a Word file as a PDF without using any other tools.
  • Open the PDF in Microsoft Word. It will convert the file into an editable document, allowing you to make changes like updating text, adding notes, or filling out forms.
  • To edit a PDF, open it in Microsoft Word. Word will convert it into a format you can edit—just like a regular document. Make your changes, then save it as a Word file or export it back to PDF.

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