PDF to Word using Convert Tool in Adobe Acrobat

Today’s blog post shows how to convert a PDF into a Microsoft Word document using the Convert tool in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.

This feature can be easy to miss, especially if you are used to looking under export options. The newer Acrobat interface places the Convert tool right at the top of the toolbar, and it gives you a straightforward way to export your PDF.

Video Guide

Start with the Convert Tool

Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. At the top of the Acrobat toolbar, select Convert.

From there, Acrobat gives you several conversion options, including:

Microsoft Word
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Image formats
Other file formats

To create a Word document, choose the Microsoft Word option and select Convert to DOCX.

Before you convert the file, open the settings. This step matters because the settings affect how editable and accessible the Word document will be.

Choose the Right Conversion Settings

The settings menu lets you control how Acrobat handles the conversion.

You can choose whether to:

Retain flowing text
Retain page layout
Include comments
Bring images into the Word file
Recognize text when needed

In our video example, we experimented with the layout settings to see which option produced the better Word document. At first, Retain page layout seemed like the right choice because it tries to keep the Word file looking like the original PDF.

After converting the file, that option created a problem. Acrobat placed much of the content into text boxes throughout the Word document. Text boxes are completely inaccessible to screen readers.

So we went back, changed the setting to Retain flowing text, and converted the PDF again. This second option created a better starting point for making the document accessible. The table and links carried over appropriately. The file still required cleanup, though. Heading styles did not come through, and our check boxes came through as an image.

Apply Accessibility to the Word Document

After conversion, treat the Word file as a starting point. Acrobat can get the content into Word, but you still need to review the file to ensure accessibility.

Check the converted file for:

The Convert tool in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC gives you a quick way to export a PDF to Microsoft Word. For the best editing experience, use Retain flowing text instead of Retain page layout. Then review the Word document for accessibility.

Let me be your champion for inclusion. I offer tailored solutions (and self-paced courses!) to ensure your documents meet and exceed compliance expectations. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!