How to Convert PDF to Google Docs in 3 Simple Ways

Have you ever wondered how to convert PDF to Google Docs? Although Google follows its own file formats in Drive, it is fully compatible with Microsoft Word files, which means it's relatively easy to convert a PDF document into a file that can be opened in Google Docs without any changes in formatting or loss of content integrity.

Here, we'll show you three ways to convert your PDF to Google Docs including paid, free, and online methods. Continue reading and trying to choose the one method you need.

Part 1. How to Convert PDF to Google Docs on Windows and Mac (Without Losing Formatting)

Many tools in the market support converting PDF to Google Docs on Windows and Mac. However, you will find few of them can convert PDF to Google Docs without losing formatting. No worry, we will show one great tool that can do this job. That is UPDF.

UPDF is an exclusive PDF tool to help you convert PDF files into editable formats such as the Google Docs-supported Word file type. It also converts PDF into an array of other useful formats such as Excel, PowerPoint, HTML, Text, XML, PDF/A, and image files. And it not only supports converting PDF files. This tool also can convert scanned PDFs to Word. Get UPDF from the below button.

Let's look at how UPDF can convert PDF to Google Docs-supported formats on Windows and Mac:

Step 1: Import a PDF Document

You can import a PDF file easily with a simple drag-and-drop motion or use the "Open File" option on the home screen.

Step 2: Convert PDF to Google Docs Supported Format

In the right-side panel, click the "Export PDF" icon and select the "Word" option on the pop-up menu.

Then click "Export" in the pop-up window and select a folder to save the converted file.

Step 3: Upload to Google Drive

You can now upload the file to a Google Drive location using the "New" → "File upload" option in Drive.

Step 4: Open and Edit with Google Docs

The file can be opened and edited in Google Docs, which fully supports the Word format. You can right-click the uploaded Word file and then click "Open with > Google Docs".

You may feel confused about why you should use UPDF to convert PDF to Google Docs instead of other tools. Here are the reasons:

• Format Consistency: When using UPDF to convert PDF to Google Docs, the output can be the same as the original.
• Fast Bulk Conversion: Save time by processing multiple files at one time. It allows you to convert multiple PDFs to Google Docs at one time.
• File Security: Your files are protected with advanced encryption to keep them safe throughout the import, conversion, and download process.
• Advanced Features: You can not only convert PDF to Google Docs but also edit PDF, create PDF, translate PDF, summarize PDF, create and edit fillable PDF forms, etc.

UPDF is what you need? You can download the software via the below button to try it for free.

Video guide on How to Convert PDF to Google Docs on Windows

Also Read: How to Open a PDF in Google Docs? (A Quick and Easy Guide)

Part 2. How to Turn PDF into Google Docs Online Using Google Drive

You may want to convert PDF to Google Docs online so that you do not need to download any software on your computer for a simple conversion. In such cases, you can use Google Drive to convert PDFs to Google Docs online directly. Follow the below steps.

Step 1: Upload the PDF to Google Drive

Open Google Drive with your browser. Click on "New" at the left top and choose "File Upload" to upload a PDF to Google Drive.

Step 2: Open With Google Docs

When the PDF file is uploaded, you can click the three dots at the end of the PDF file. Click "Open With" > "Google Docs".

Step 3: Convert PDF to Google Docs Successfully

Google Drive will start to convert PDF to Google Docs. And when the process ends, the file is opened in Google Docs format. And it is saved in Google Drive automatically.

Part 3. How to Change PDF to Google Docs Free Using Microsoft Word

UPDF and Google Drive are two great ways to convert PDF to Google Docs. We also have you covered the third way. You can use Microsoft Word and follow the below guide to convert.

Locate the PDF file on your computer. Right-click on it to choose "Open With > Word". You will get a notification that Word will convert your PDF to editable Word format and it will not keep your original format. You can click "OK" to confirm the process to convert PDF to Google Docs.

Part 4. Which Method is Better for Converting PDF to Google Docs

There are three methods to convert PDF to Google Docs, but which one is better? Our answer is UPDF and you will know the reasons after checking the below comparison table.

It is easy to conclude that UPDF is better than Google Drive and Microsoft Word as it can help you keep the original format and deal with all files in bulk. Moreover, it has many other PDF-related features like creating, editing, compressing, etc. and it is integrated with ChatGPT which can help you translate, summarize, explain, write, and rewrite your file. It has a free trial version, you can download it via the below button. And if you want to use the pro version, you can buy it at a low price via the UPDF pricing page.

Part 5. FAQS About Converting PDF to Google Docs

1. What File Types Does Google Docs Support?

Google Docs or, rather, Google Drive, supports a wide range of formats, as listed below:

• General Files: ZIP, Text, audio, video, images, markup, HTML, CSS, etc.
• Microsoft Files: Excel, Word, XML, XPS, PPT, etc.
• Apple Files: Pages, Numbers, Keynote, etc.
• Adobe Files: PDF, PSD, SVG, TIFF, AI, and so on

2. How Do I Make a PDF Editable in Google Docs?

If your PDF document is a scanned PDF or an image-based PDF, you can't make the PDF editable in Google Docs, as it doesn't have the OCR feature yet. However, you can use the OCR feature of UPDF to convert scanned PDFs into editable PDFs and then convert editable PDFs to Google Docs. Here are the steps to realize this:

• Upload scanned PDFs into UPDF and tap the "Recognize Text Using OCR" icon on the right menu.
• Select "Searchable PDF" on Document Type and set other layouts. When you have done every performance, click "Perform OCR" to convert scanned PDF into editable PDF.
• The editable PDF will be open automatically in UPDF. Now you can tap "Export PDF > Word > Export" to convert editable PDF to Google Docs supported format.

3. How Do I Convert a PDF to Google Docs without Losing Formatting?

If you want to convert a PDF to Google Docs without losing formatting, you need to use a professional PDF converter. UPDF is the best choice as it provides accurate conversion and it retains the original formatting.

Conclusion

With the three methods: UPDF, Google Drive, and Microsoft Word, you can convert PDF to Google Docs with ease. And if you need to choose one way, you can use UPDF. It can help you keep the original format and offers more advanced features. Download UPDF via the below button to start your conversion now. You can also check the objective review of UPDF on the How-To-Geek website.