How to Convert PDF to Word with ModernPDF
Upload your PDF
Drag your PDF into the converter or click to select it. The file stays in your browser the entire time.
Automatic conversion
ModernPDF extracts text, headings, paragraphs, tables, and images from the PDF and reconstructs them in Word format. This typically takes a few seconds.
Download your Word file
Download the .docx file and open it in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any compatible editor. Edit freely.
What Gets Converted
ModernPDF extracts and converts text content and paragraph structure, heading hierarchy, basic table layouts, embedded images, font styles (bold, italic, underline), and list formatting. The output is a clean, editable .docx file you can work with in any word processor.
Tips for Better Results
Digitally-created PDFs (from Word, Google Docs, or InDesign) convert best because they contain structured text data. Scanned PDFs are essentially images, so you should run OCR first to extract the text before converting to Word.
Complex layouts with multiple columns, text boxes, or overlapping elements may require some manual cleanup. Simple, single-column documents convert with near-perfect fidelity.
Alternative Methods
Adobe Acrobat Pro
Acrobat's Export PDF feature produces excellent Word conversions but requires a paid subscription starting at $12.99/month.
Google Docs
Upload a PDF to Google Drive, then open it with Google Docs. It converts automatically but often loses formatting, especially with tables and multi-column layouts.
Microsoft Word
Word can open PDFs directly (File → Open → select PDF). The built-in converter is decent but struggles with complex formatting and can be slow with large files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the formatting be preserved?
ModernPDF preserves text styling, paragraphs, headings, and basic table structures. Complex layouts with multiple columns or overlapping text boxes may need minor adjustments in your word processor.
Can I convert scanned PDFs to Word?
Scanned PDFs contain images rather than extractable text. For best results, use ModernPDF's OCR tool first to create a searchable PDF, then convert that to Word. This two-step process yields much better results.
Is the conversion private?
Yes. With ModernPDF, the entire conversion happens in your browser using JavaScript. Your PDF is never uploaded to any server, making it safe for sensitive documents.