How to Convert PDFs: The Complete Guide (2025)

PDF (Portable Document Format) is one of the most commonly used file formats for sharing and storing documents. However, there are times when you need to convert a PDF into another format or vice versa. Whether you want to edit, extract content, or make your file more accessible, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about converting PDFs in 2025.

Why Convert PDFs?

Before diving into the methods, let’s explore the common reasons for converting PDFs:

• Editability: Converting a PDF to Word or another editable format allows you to modify the content easily.

• Compatibility: Some file formats work better with certain applications (e.g., Excel for spreadsheets, PowerPoint for presentations).

• Extracting Data: Converting a PDF to text or Excel can help with data analysis and reuse.

• Compression: Some formats may reduce file size, making sharing and storage easier.

Popular PDF Conversions & How to Perform Them

1. Convert PDF to Word (DOCX)

Best Tools:

• Microsoft Word (Built-in feature)

• Adobe Acrobat Pro

• Online tools (Smallpdf, ILovePDF, PDF2Doc)

Steps:

1. Open Microsoft Word and click File > Open.

2. Select your PDF file.

3. Word will automatically convert the PDF into an editable document.

4. Save it as a .docx file.

Online Alternative: Upload your PDF to an online converter, click “Convert to Word,” and download the file.

2. Convert PDF to Excel (XLSX)

Best Tools:

• Adobe Acrobat Pro

• PDFTables

• Online tools (Smallpdf, ILovePDF)

Steps:

1. Open Adobe Acrobat and go to Export PDF.

2. Choose Microsoft Excel as the output format.

3. Click Export, then download the Excel file.

3. Convert PDF to PowerPoint (PPTX)

Best Tools:

• Adobe Acrobat Pro

• Smallpdf

• Online tools (ILovePDF, Zamzar)

Steps:

1. Upload your PDF to a converter.

2. Select Convert to PowerPoint.

3. Download the converted PPTX file.

4. Convert PDF to Image (JPG, PNG)

Best Tools:

• Adobe Acrobat (Export as Image)

• Smallpdf

• Online tools (ILovePDF, Zamzar)

Steps:

1. Upload your PDF.

2. Choose Convert to JPG or PNG.

3. Download your images.

5. Convert PDF to Text (TXT or OCR)

Best Tools:

• Adobe Acrobat Pro (OCR feature)

• Google Docs (OCR feature)

• Online OCR tools (OnlineOCR, Smallpdf)

Steps:

1. Upload your PDF to Google Drive.

2. Open it in Google Docs.

3. Click File > Download as TXT.

6. Convert Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Images to PDF

Best Tools:

• Microsoft Office (Save as PDF)

• Adobe Acrobat

• Online tools (Smallpdf, ILovePDF)

Steps:

1. Open the file in its respective application.

2. Click File > Save As.

3. Select PDF as the output format.

Choosing the Right PDF Conversion Tool

Here’s a quick comparison of popular PDF conversion tools:

Tool	Free Version	Offline Mode	Batch Conversion	Best For
Microsoft Word	Yes	Yes	No	Basic PDF to Word conversion
Adobe Acrobat Pro	No (Paid)	Yes	Yes	High-quality, professional conversions
Smallpdf	Yes	No	Limited	Quick online conversions
ILovePDF	Yes	No	Yes	Various PDF conversion types
Google Docs	Yes	No	No	Free OCR and PDF editing

Tips for Successful PDF Conversion

• Use High-Quality PDFs: Low-quality scans may result in poor conversion accuracy.

• Check Formatting: Some conversions may alter formatting; double-check your file after conversion.

• Use OCR for Scanned PDFs: Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is needed for converting scanned PDFs into editable text.

• Secure Your Data: Use trusted tools, especially for confidential documents.

Conclusion

Converting PDFs is a simple but powerful process that can enhance productivity and ease document management. Whether you’re using Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or online tools, there’s a method that suits your needs. Try different tools and choose the one that works best for you in 2025!