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3 Ways to Open PDF in Word Professionally

Can you open a PDF in Word? Well, if you have a PDF you want to open in Word, you may consider the different ways to do it. There are several methods you can use, but you need to choose the easiest. Below are three convenient methods on how to open a PDF in Word and begin editing it.

Can You Open a PDF in Word?

The latest version of Word supports opening and editing PDF documents directly and the earlier versions will need the help of a PDF converter.

  • For the version of Microsoft Word 2010 and earlier, you can't open PDF in Word directly and you'll need a third-party PDF converter.
  • If you are using the latest versions of Microsoft Word (Word 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021), you are able to open the PDF in Word directly without converting.

Method 1. How to Open PDF in Word 2010 and Earlier

It is now easy to open PDF in Word by converting using UPDF. Unlike most of the other converters, the app ensures that the format of the original file is not lost. This saves time since you just need to perform a few corrections after the conversion and the conversion is done instantly. Download it now to start the conversion right away!

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convert feature of updf

Consistency, accuracy, and security are the major pillars of this PDF converter. It is an all-in-one PDF solution with annotation, editing, and encryption features together. This makes it a time saver especially if you work in a busy office environment where you need to perform a lot of actions on PDF documents. Your document security is also guaranteed the tool enhances data security and privacy at all times. Your files are never shared with third parties without your permission. Follow these steps on how to open a PDF as a Word document with UPDF.

Step 1: Open the PDF Document

You can open the PDF file you want to convert into the program's interface by either dragging and dropping it or clicking the "Open File" button.

open a pdf document

Step 2: Choose the output format

UPDF has a formats panel located on the right side. But you should click the "Export PDF" button first.

Click the format you want to convert the PDF file and then select the options provided. In this case, choose "Word" as your desired format.

open pdf in word by exporting

Step 3: Convert and Open the PDF File in Word

Setting the page range of the conversion is also possible. You have the option to convert odd pages, all pages, even pages, or custom pages.

Tap the "Export" button to start the conversion. The converted files get saved and the folder is displayed on your screen. You can now open the PDF in Word.

can i open a pdf in word

Extra Tip: How to Open a Scanned PDF in Word

When you find your document is a non-editable scanned PDF file, you may wonder if is it possible to turn it into an editable Word format. Don't worry. UPDF features Optical Character Recognition you can use to convert all image-based or scanned PDFs into editable forms such as Word. It also allows for high-accuracy conversion with the support of 38 languages for OCR recognition. Follow the guide below and you can open the scanned PDF in Word and make it editable:

  • After opening the scanned PDF in UPDF, click the "OCR" icon on the right toolbar.
  • In the new window, you need to choose "Searchable PDF" in the document type area.
  • Now you can select the layout, document language, image resolution, and page range for the OCR recognition.
  • After setting up all the parameters, you're ready to click the "Perform OCR" button at the bottom of the pop-up window. Now, select a folder to save the PDF file.
open scanned pdf in word

After performing OCR, the document will open in UPDF automatically, and you can click "Export PDF > Word" to convert the file into Word format. You will find that all the texts become editable in MS Word.

After learning the process of using UPDF, you will find that UPDF is powerful and user-friendly enough that even a new user can master it quickly. Download it now and begin to improve your productivity now! Another good news is that it is now on sale and you can get a 57% discount now. Don't miss it.

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Method 2. How to Open PDF in Word Directly (Word 2013 and Later)

1. Open PDF in Word Directly

It's possible to open a PDF file in Word directly and do all the edits you want. Here are the simple steps on how to open a PDF file in Word directly.

open pdf in word
  • Step 1: Install Microsoft Word on your PC if you don't have it and open the application. You can install Microsoft Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013.
  • Step 2: Now open a blank or new file. From the various templates and options provided, open a blank document.
  • Step 3: On the upper left-hand corner of the app, click the file option. After clicking the file, it opens a drop-down menu on the left side of the window. Here you have a wide range of options provided.
  • Step 4: Now click "Open". Here you get a menu full of contents. The menu lists the various sources from where you will be able to open your documents in Word. For instance, you find recent documents, documents shared with you, OneDrive, this PC, and other options.
  • Step 5: Now you can choose the source where you have saved the PDF file you want to open in Word. For instance, if you have saved it on OneDrive, click on it. If you have saved it on your flash drive you need to click on the computer.
  • Step 6: When you select the PDF, you can now open it in Word format.
  • Step 7: Now click "OK" and allow your PDF document to open. It may take several minutes. This depends on the size of the file and its features. That is it; your PDF is open in Word.

Disadvantages of opening PDF in Word Directly

  • If there are visuals and other elements included in the opened document, it may not open effectively. The Word document may not entirely look like the original PDF. Thus, if you want to have a Word document look exactly like the original PDF, this is not the right method to use.
  • If the PDF document has graphics and charts, the entire page may show like an image. In this case, you cannot edit the text. So, if your major objective of opening PDF to Word is to make edits, you should look for another alternative method.
  • At times, Word fails to detect an element. Thus, the Word version does not look like the original file.

How to avoid losing the original format

Some of the elements that will not convert well include footnotes, endnotes, PDF tags, page borders, frames, font effects, or tracked changes. With the challenge of converting or editing these elements as you open PDF in Word directly with MS Word, it is advisable to open the PDF document with a professional PDF Converter like UPDF. Try it by clicking the button below, it allows you to convert PDF documents twice a day for totally free!

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Method 3. How to Open PDF in Word as an Attachment

If your purpose in opening a PDF in Word is not to edit it, by only want to mention it as an attachment. You can open PDF in Word as a PDF attachment from wherever you have stored the files. This helps make work easier since you do not have to go through a lot of conversion steps. Here are the simple steps you need to follow.

Step1: Insert PDF into Word

  • Open the Word documents
  • Inside the document, go to "Insert" and then "Object". When you get to the object dialogue box, click the tab "Create from file" and then "Browse".
how to open a pdf as a word document

Step 2: Open PDF in Word

  • Check the PDF file you want to insert and then tap "Insert". Your PDF will be opened in Word successfully. In case you have selected the display icon, your PDF file will appear as an icon. On the other hand, if you leave it blank, the first page of your PDF file will be displayed. Now you are done.

Disadvantages of attaching PDF in Word as an attachment

Although the process makes your work easier, there are some disadvantages involved in the process.

  • With a PDF that is not more than a page, the Word program cannot insert it. This means that large PDFs are problematic when using this method.
  • You cannot span the object you insert. This is also why Word will only show the first page of the PDF documents you are inserting.

FAQs on How to Open a PDF as a Word Document

1. Why Can't I Open a PDF in Word?

Not all Microsoft Word versions support opening PDFs in Word. Only the latest versions from Word 2013 and later have the feature. If you are using older versions such as Word 2010 or earlier, you need to convert PDF to Word with UPDF first.

2. Can I Open a Scanned PDF in Word?

In Word 2013 and later, yes. Simply open the file in Word and click "OK". However, since it is not a professional OCR software, sometimes you will find that some text is missing, or some text is in image format which is non-editable. We suggest you use UPDF to turn scanned PDF into editable Word professionally.

3. Can I Open a Password Protected PDF in Word?

Protected PDFs are allowed to be open in Word, however, you will have to verify your identity by entering the password. If you don't know the password, you can try aJoysoft to unlock the PDF password first.

Conclusion

Overview, the best option for opening PDF in Word is to convert it directly with UPDF, and this will keep the original formatting of the PDF document. Not only does it have a PDF conversion function, but it also has reading, annotating, organizing, and editing PDF features. Try it Now!

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