How to Change A PDF to Word Mac

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Converting PDFs to Word documents is a useful skill, especially if you work with documents frequently. You might need to edit text, add images or modify the layout of the PDF, and the easiest way to do that is by converting it to a Word document. There are several ways to convert a PDF to Word, but not all of them offer the same quality or convenience. In this article, we will explore four methods for converting PDFs to Word documents on a Mac, and provide additional tips and FAQs to help you get started.

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The Challenge of Converting PDFs to Word on Mac

Converting PDFs to Word documents on Mac can be a challenging task, especially if you do not have any experience with PDF converters. Some of the most common challenges that people face when converting PDFs to Word on Mac include:

  • The output file does not preserve the original formatting or fonts of the PDF.
  • The output file contains errors or missing elements, such as images or tables.
  • The conversion process can take a long time, especially for large PDFs.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before you start converting PDFs to Word on Mac, there are a few things you should prepare for:

  1. A PDF converter software or app. You can use either a free or paid version, depending on your needs.
  2. A stable internet connection. Some PDF converters require an internet connection, while others do not.
  3. A Mac computer or laptop. The methods we will discuss are specifically for Mac users.

4 Methods to Convert PDF to Word Mac

Here are four methods for converting PDFs to Word on Mac:

Method 1: Using Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is a popular PDF editing tool that also offers PDF to Word conversion. The software is available on a subscription basis, and can be used on both Mac and Windows. Here’s how to convert a PDF to Word using Adobe Acrobat:

  1. Open Adobe Acrobat on your Mac.
  2. Click on the "File" menu, and select "Open" to open the PDF file you want to convert. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the PDF file into the Adobe Acrobat window.
  3. On the right-hand side, click on "Export PDF".
  4. Select "Microsoft Word" as the export format, and click on "Export".
  5. Choose where you want to save the Word document, and click on "Save".
  6. Wait for Adobe Acrobat to convert the PDF to Word, which may take a few minutes depending on the size of the file.

Pros: Adobe Acrobat offers one of the most accurate and reliable PDF to Word conversions, and preserves the formatting and layout of the original PDF.

Cons: Adobe Acrobat is a paid software, which may not be suitable for those who only need to convert PDFs occasionally. Additionally, the conversion process can be slow.

Method 2: Using Online PDF Converters

There are many online tools that offer PDF to Word conversion for free. These tools allow you to upload your PDF file to the website, and then download the converted Word document. Here’s how to use an online PDF converter:

  1. Open the website of an online PDF converter, such as SmallPDF or PDFtoWord.
  2. Upload your PDF file by dragging and dropping it onto the website, or clicking on the "Upload PDF" button.
  3. Select "Word" as the export format, and click on "Convert".
  4. Wait for the website to convert your PDF to Word, and then download the Word document to your Mac.

Pros: Online PDF converters are free and do not require any software installation, making them a convenient option for occasional users.

Cons: Online PDF converters may not preserve the formatting or layout of the original PDF, and can be less accurate than desktop software. Additionally, some online PDF converters may have file size limits or require a stable internet connection.

Method 3: Using Google Docs

Google Docs is a free online word processing software that also offers PDF to Word conversion. Here’s how to use Google Docs to convert a PDF to Word:

  1. Open Google Drive on your Mac, and create a new Google Doc document.
  2. Click on "File", and select "Open".
  3. Select the "Upload" tab, and upload the PDF file you want to convert.
  4. After the file is uploaded, right-click on it and select "Open with" > "Google Docs".
  5. Google Docs will automatically convert the PDF to Word, and open it in a new document.

Pros: Google Docs is a free and convenient option for those who already use Google Drive. The software is also accessible from any device with an internet connection.

Cons: Google Docs may not preserve the formatting or layout of the original PDF, and can be less accurate than desktop software. Additionally, the conversion process may take longer for larger PDF files.

Method 4: Using PDF to Word Converter App

PDF to Word Converter is a Mac app that offers PDF to Word conversion in batch mode. The software can convert multiple PDF files to Word at once, and offers various export formats. Here’s how to use PDF to Word Converter:

  1. Download and install PDF to Word Converter from the App Store.
  2. Open the app, and drag and drop the PDF files you want to convert into the app window.
  3. Select "Microsoft Word" as the export format, and choose where you want to save the Word documents.
  4. Click on "Convert", and wait for the app to convert the PDFs to Word.

Pros: PDF to Word Converter is a dedicated app that offers batch conversion and various output formats.

Cons: PDF to Word Converter is a paid app, which may not be suitable for occasional users. Additionally, the app may not preserve the formatting or layout of the original PDF in some cases.

Why Can’t I Change A PDF to Word Mac: Reasons and Fixes

There are several reasons why you might not be able to change a PDF to Word on Mac. Here are some of the most common reasons and fixes:

  1. The PDF file is password-protected, which prevents it from being edited or converted. Remove the password protection using PDF editing software before attempting to convert the PDF.
  2. The PDF file is scanned or contains images instead of text. OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software can help you convert scanned PDFs to Word.
  3. The PDF converter software is outdated or incompatible with your Mac. Update the software or try a different converter app or website.

Additional Tips: Tips for Converting PDFs to Word on Mac

Here are a few additional tips to help you convert PDFs to Word on Mac more easily:

  1. Use PDF editing software to adjust the layout and formatting of the PDF before converting it to Word.
  2. Avoid converting PDFs to Word repeatedly, as this can cause formatting or layout issues.
  3. Save the Word document in .docx format to ensure compatibility with newer versions of Microsoft Word.

5 FAQs About Converting PDFs to Word on Mac

Q1: Are there any free PDF to Word converters for Mac?

A1: Yes, there are many free online PDF converters that can convert PDFs to Word on Mac. Some examples include SmallPDF, PDFtoWord, and Zamzar.

Q2: Can I convert a scanned PDF to Word on Mac?

A2: Yes, you can use OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software to convert scanned PDFs to Word on Mac. Some popular OCR software options include Adobe Acrobat, OmniPage, and ABBYY FineReader.

Q3: Does Adobe Acrobat offer batch PDF to Word conversion on Mac?

A3: Yes, Adobe Acrobat can convert multiple PDFs to Word in batch mode, making it a convenient option for those who need to convert many files at once.

Q4: Can I convert a password-protected PDF to Word on Mac?

A4: No, a password-protected PDF cannot be converted to Word until the password protection is removed. Use PDF editing software to remove the password protection before attempting to convert the PDF.

Q5: Can I convert a large PDF file to Word on Mac?

A5: Yes, most PDF converters for Mac can handle large PDF files, although the conversion process may take longer for larger files. Consider using an online converter or uploading the PDF to a cloud storage service to save time and bandwidth on your Mac.

Conclusion

Converting PDFs to Word on Mac can be a convenient way to edit or modify PDF documents. There are several methods for converting PDFs to Word, including Adobe Acrobat, online converters, Google Docs, and dedicated software apps. Each method has its own pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your needs. With the tips and FAQs provided in this article, you should be able to convert PDFs to Word on Mac with ease.