How to convert files into Word Documents Step-by-Step Instructions

Word-based documents (with an extension of .doc (or .docx extension) are used extensively for editing, sharing and working on content. But what happens if you’ve documents in a different format such as TXT, PDF, or an image, and you have to convert it to the format of a Word document?

If you’re editing PDFs from the past or scanning printed content or simply want to reformat these files. This article will help you transform various file types into Word documents. Word document in a short and easy way.

Let’s take a look at the most well-known methods tools, tips, and techniques to assist you in doing it.

Why Convert to Word Format?

Here are some reasons for you to convert your files to Word documents: Word document:

Edit content at your leisure

Make use of Word’s formatting tools

Track changes or collaborate with others

Add headers, footers and as well as references

Let the file be available to anyone else

File Types You Can Convert to Word

With the appropriate tools, you can transform the following types of files to Word documents:

PDF files

Text files (TXT)

Rich Text Format (RTF)

Images (JPG PNG, JPG) made using OCR

Web pages (HTML HTM)

Spreadsheets (XLSX)

Let’s take a look at the steps in detail!

Method 1: Convert PDF to Word Using Microsoft Word

Did you know that Microsoft Word itself can convert PDFs into editable Word documents?

 

Steps:

Open Microsoft Word.

Click on File > Open.

Select and browse the PDF file you want to download.

Word will display a prompt telling you that it is about to convert the PDF into editable Word document. Click OK.

[Insert Screenshot: Microsoft Word PDF import dialog]

 

The document you converted will open within Word. Then, you can edit and save the document as .docx.

Insert Screenshot: opens with editable Word format[Insert Screenshot: PDF opened in editable Word format

 

Note: Formatting can vary slightly based on the nature of the PDF.

Method 2: Convert Text or RTF Files to Word

This is a breeze!

 

Steps:

Open the document files (e.g., .txt or .rtf) by using Word.

Go to File > Save As.

Select Microsoft Word Document (*.docx) to be the format for your file.

Click Save.

[Insert Screenshot in Save as a window in .docx format selected[Insert Screenshot: Save As Window with.docx format selected

 

Done! Now you have a complete Word file that has the various editing options available.

Method 3: Convert Images to Word Using OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

Have a document that you have scanned or even a picture of text? Utilize OCR programs to turn your image to a Word document.

 

Option A: Use Microsoft OneNote

Open OneNote.

Incorporate the image on the page.

Right-click on the image and choose Copy Text from Image.

Copy the text and paste it into Word.

[Insert Screenshot: OneNote OCR process]

 

Option B: Use Online OCR Tools

There are many tools that are free including:

 

OnlineOCR.net

iLovePDF OCR

Google Drive + Google Docs

For Google Drive:

 

The image can be uploaded onto Google Drive.

Right-click > Open with Google Docs.

The image will open and display editable text beneath.

Paste it in the Word document.

Method 4: Convert Web Pages to Word

Are you looking to save the content of the web in an Word file?

 

Steps:

Open the website in your browser.

Press Ctrl+P for Print dialog.

Select to save as PDF (or make use of doPDF).

After saving then open the PDF within Word (see the method 1).

You can save it as an Word document.

This method keeps the layout and formatting better than manually copy-pasting text.

Method 5 Method 5: Convert Excel and other Files to Word

While Excel isn’t designed to be directly converted to Word however, you can:

 

Copy the desired information from Excel.

Open Word and then copy into it (use “Paste Special” for better formatting).

Save the document to .docx.

You can also export your Excel document to PDF and follow the PDF conversion to Word method.

Tip: Use Online Conversion Tools (When Appropriate)

Certain trusted online tools permit rapid conversions of various formats into Word:

 

SmallPDF

PDF to DOC

Zamzar

CloudConvert

Steps (Typical Flow):

Visit the website of the tool.

Upload your file (PDF, JPG, etc. ).

Choose Word (.doc as well .docx) to be the preferred output format.

Download the Word file that has been converted. Word document.

Screenshot of the online converter upload interface[Insert Screenshot: Example of online converter upload interface

 

Be aware of sensitive or private data when you use online tools.

Bonus: Convert Using doPDF + Microsoft Word

If you’re already using doPDF, here’s a smart method to convert any type of file to Word:

 

Print your PDF document by using doPDF.

Open the PDF that you created the PDF in Microsoft Word.

Word converts it to an editable format.

Save it as a .docx.

[Insert Screenshot: Printing to doPDF > Opening in Word]

 

This technique is great if your application of choice does not have support for Word exporting directly.

Summary of Methods

File Type

 

Conversion Tool

 

Output

 

PDF

 

Word / Online Tool

 

.docx

 

TXT / RTF

 

Word Save As

 

.docx

 

Image (JPG)

 

OneNote / Online OCR

 

.docx

 

HTML

 

Browser Print + Word

 

.docx

 

Excel

 

Copy/Paste or PDF

 

.docx

Final Thoughts

Converting your files to Word documents can provide the possibility of powerful formatting and editing options which makes your content more easy to edit, share and reuse. No matter if you’re working on images, PDFs or plain text files You now have an easy way to convert your files into Word format.

 

Remember: if you begin with a format that doesn’t support directly then you can make doPDF the PDF file, and then launch it into Word to transform it into an Word document.

Need a Free PDF Tool?

Look into doPDF it’s an extremely lightweight, fast and completely free Adobe PDF Printer that can make conversion of files very simple.

 

If you have any concerns or need a custom guide to your particular file type, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!