What is pdf format in word

Word for Microsoft 365 Word 2021 Word 2019 Word 2016 Word 2013 More…Less

To open a PDF file without converting it to a Word document, open the file directly wherever it’s stored (for example, double-click the PDF file in your Documents folder).

However, if you want to edit the PDF file, go ahead and open it in Word. Word makes a copy of the PDF, converting it to a Word document and attempting to match layout of the original PDF. You always have the original PDF file, in case you don’t want to keep the version that Word converts.

Converting from PDF to Word works best with files that are mostly text—for example, business, legal, or scientific documents. But when you open a PDF file in Word, it might not look exactly the way it looked as a PDF.

If the PDF contains mostly charts or other graphics, the whole page might show up as an image. When that happens, the text can’t be edited.

Sometimes, Word doesn’t detect an element, and so the Word version doesn’t match the original PDF file. For example, if Word doesn’t recognize a footnote, it treats the footnote as regular text and might not put it at the bottom of the page.

Document elements that don’t convert well

Some elements are known to be problematic when converting from PDF to Word format. If your PDF includes these, you might want to open it directly rather than converting it to a Word document:

  • Tables with cell spacing

  • Page colors and page borders

  • Tracked changes

  • Frames

  • Footnotes that span more than one page

  • Endnotes

  • Audio, video, and PDF active elements

  • PDF bookmarks

  • PDF tags

  • PDF comments

  • Font effects, like Glow or Shadow (in the Word file, the effects are represented by graphics)

How does conversion work?

PDF is a fixed file format, which means the file stores the location of text, pictures, and vector graphics on a page, but not necessarily the relationships among them. Most PDFs don’t include information about structural content elements, such as paragraphs, tables, or columns. For example, PDF stores a table as a set of lines without any relationship to the content inside the table cells.

Different programs represent the same content using different structures in PDF files. For example, a PDF might contain invisible text, graphics, and images. It might use different text boundaries. But you can’t see those differences when you look at the PDF in a reader.

When you open a PDF file in Word, Word uses a system of complex rules to figure out what Word objects (like headings, lists, tables, etc.) best represent the original PDF and where to put those objects in the Word document.

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Quickly open and edit a PDF file in Microsoft Word


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  • Word 2013 and Later
  • |

  • Word 2010 and Earlier (Adobe Acrobat Online)
  • |

  • Word 2010 and Earlier (Adobe Acrobat Desktop App)
  • |

  • Q&A
  • |

  • Tips

Trying to view a PDF in Microsoft Word? In Word 2013 and later, including Microsoft 365, you can easily open a PDF directly! Once you open the PDF in Word, it will be converted to a document that you can edit. If you’re using an older version of Word, you’ll need to use an online converter or additional software to convert the PDF to a Word document. This wikiHow guide will show you how to open a PDF in Microsoft Word for editing on your PC or Mac.

Things You Should Know

  • In the latest versions of Word, including Word 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013, you can open a PDF and edit the text.
  • In Word 2010 and earlier, you’ll need to use a 3rd party PDF to Word converter to create a Word document.
  • One of the best PDF to Word converters is Adobe Acrobat’s free online tool.
  1. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 1

    1

    Open Microsoft Word on your PC or Mac. This method uses Word to convert the PDF into a Word document.

    • If you’re using Windows, you’ll find Microsoft Word in the Start menu. On a Mac, it’ll be in your Applications folder.
    • This method will work in any modern version of Word, beginning with Word 2013 through Microsoft Office 365.
  2. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 2

    2

    Click Open. This is an option in the left menu. A new page with a list of files will appear.

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    Click a file source. If the PDF file is on your computer, click Computer. If the PDF file is on a flash drive or other external drive, click on that drive.

  4. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 4

    4

    Select the PDF document. Find and open the PDF file from its location on your computer.

    • In later versions of Word, the file navigation is done within the Word app rather than a file dialog window. Clicking the PDF will immediately open it.
  5. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 5

    5

    Click OK or Open in the dialog box. After opening a PDF, you will be notified that the process may take a while to complete. Depending on the size of the PDF file and the number of graphics in the File, the process will take longer.

    • Be aware that if you have many images in the PDF, there is a chance that Word will not be able to properly format the document. It will still open, but may not look identical.
  6. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 6

    6

    Enable editing. If you downloaded the file from the web, you may be notified that editing is not enabled. This is a security measure that Word takes to prevent your computer from being infected by a virus.

    • If you trust the source, click File in the upper-left corner of the window, then click Enable Editing in the yellow box.
  7. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 7

    7

    Edit the document. You can start editing the document just like you would any other Word document. You’re ready to cross out some words or remove blank pages.

    • When you’re done, you can export the document as a PDF:
      • Click the File tab.
      • Click Export in the left menu.
      • Click Create PDF/XPS Document.
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  1. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 8

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  2. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 9

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    Click Convert. It’s in the menu bar at the top of the page.

  3. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 10

    3

    Click PDF to Word. It has a blue page icon.

  4. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 11

    4

    Upload the file to the converter. To do so:

    • Click Add a file from your device.
    • Select the PDF and click Open.
  5. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 12

    5

    Click Export to DOCX. This will convert the PDF file to a Word document. It will open in the online editor.

    • You can click the drop down menu under «Export to» to change the file type to .doc or .rtf.
  6. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 13

    6

    Download the converted file. To do so:

    • Click the Download file button. It’s the downward arrow icon in the top right of the online editor menu.
    • Choose a file location and click Save.
  7. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 14

    7

    Double-click the downloaded file to open it. This will open the converted Word document in Microsoft Word. You’re done!

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  1. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 15

    1

    Download Adobe Acrobat reader. Adobe Acrobat costs money, but you can get around this by downloading a free trial. You can also use Adobe’s free online converter using the above method.

    • Get Adobe Acrobat reader at https://www.adobe.com/acrobat.html. Adobe created the PDF so you can get the best PDF tools from it.[1]
    • You will need to enter in some information such as your name and email. Be sure to uncheck the option which notifies you through email about new Adobe products and information.
    • Alternatively, there may be an extension that you can use within Microsoft Word that would allow you to edit PDF.[2]
  2. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 16

    2

    Open Acrobat Reader. The process is slightly different depending on if you are Mac or PC user.

    • For PC users:Click the Win key, type «Acrobat Reader,» then press Enter.
    • For Mac users:Open Finder from your dashboard, search for «Acrobat Reader» in the search box, then open the program.
  3. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 17

    3

    Upload a document. To convert a PDF document, you will first need to open a PDF document in Acrobat Reader.

    • Click the File tab in Adobe Acrobat.
    • Click Open and select the PDF.
  4. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 18

    4

    Convert the document. This will create a Word document from your PDF document.

    • Click the «Export PDF» button on the right side of the window.
    • Choose your version of Word,
    • Click the Export button.
    • Name the converted file and select DOC or DOCX in the file options.
    • Click Save. You’re done!
  5. Image titled Open PDF in Word Step 19

    5

    Open your new Word document. Find and open the newly created word document from wherever you decided to save it.

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Add New Question

  • Question

    Can I convert a scanned PDF to a Word document for editing?

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    Staff Answer

    In the most recent versions of Word, yes. Simply open the file in Word and click “OK” on the dialogue box stating that the document will be converted to Word format. Keep in mind that there might be some formatting or transcription errors in the new document that you will have to fix manually.

  • Question

    How do I convert a PDF to Word without Acrobat?

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    Staff Answer

    In the most recent version of Word, you can do this directly from Word itself. Simply open the PDF file in Word and confirm that you’d like to convert it. Otherwise, there are a variety of third-party PDF to Word converters that you can download or use online.

  • Question

    Why can’t I open a PDF in Word?

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    Staff Answer

    It’s possible you’re using an older version of Word that doesn’t support PDF files. This feature isn’t available in any version of Word before Word 2013.

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  • Make sure you convert to the right Word format for your computer. Older Word files (before 2007) are generally in DOC format, whereas the newer ones are in DOCX.

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About This Article

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Introduction:

PDF has been widely used in our daily lives and work. It can be opened on almost all browsers and operating systems. Usually, most people will download a dedicated PDF tool to read and edit PDF files, such as Adobe Reader or Acrobat. However, have you ever thought that Microsoft Word can open PDF files? Yes, it’s true; you can open PDFs in Word!

summary

With over three decades of development, Microsoft Word has become the most famous and outstanding word processor in the world. With the inception of Microsoft Word 2013, it also enables opening PDF documents, despite being designed for Word documents.

Since its debut, you no longer need to download other PDF processors or pay for them. After all, some users don’t want to go to the trouble of installing any third-party software. So, if you have Microsoft Word on your device, you can use it to open PDF files directly.

Wondering how to open a PDF file in Word? Don’t worry, you’ll find all the information you need in this post.

How to Open a PDF in Word (Losing Formatting)

Opening a PDF file in Word is not as difficult as you may have thought. As described above, you don’t have any additional extensions or tools, simply because Microsoft Word enables you to open a PDF in Word directly.

Steps for opening a PDF in Word on Windows 11:

Step 1. Launch Microsoft Word on your device;

Step 2. Click File > Open;

Open PDF in Word file tab

Step 3. Select Browse to open a new window;

Open PDF in Microsoft Word

Step 4. Locate your target PDF files and click Open at the bottom of the navigation bar;

Step 5. You will see a notification window that tells you Word will start converting your PDF file. By agreeing to this conversion, Word will automatically transform the PDF documents, and the file may not look exactly like the original PDF. If you don’t mind the consequences, just click OK;

Microsoft Word note window

Step 6. When Word opens your PDF file successfully, you have managed to open a PDF in Word, and you can even edit it wherever you want as well.

Note: PDF files can only be opened in Microsoft Word 2013 and later versions. Check whether you have the right edition installed before starting to open PDF files.

In fact, this method only applies to the standard PDF document, which has no complicated multi-media content. To be specific, it is workable when your PDF contains only text and images. Otherwise, if there are table, frame, annotation, audio, and video elements in your PDF files, the converted Word documents will be presented in a messed-up layout.

That’s why we’ve offered a better way to help you open a PDF in Word if your PDF files contain various interactive elements.

How to Open a PDF in Word without Losing Formatting

Word isn’t a dedicated PDF converter at all. You definitely don’t want misformatted PDF documents that lead to a bad reading experience. Here, SwifDoo PDF can help to open a PDF in Word without losing formatting.

Convert a PDF to Word with SwifDoo PDF

It’s never easy to open a PDF in Word without changing the format. However, you may convert PDFs to Word before opening them in Microsoft Word. And, luckily, SwifDoo PDF, a completely free PDF application, can assist you in converting PDF files to other file formats and vice versa. It preserves the file’s original layout. Furthermore, it provides a 15-day free trial, during which all functionalities are accessible. Let’s see how to convert a PDF file to Word in SwifDoo PDF:

Step 1. Download and install SwifDoo PDF;

Free Download

Step 2. Launch this software and open your PDF file within it;

Step 3. Click Convert in the top navigation bar, then select PDF to Word;

Convert PDF with SwifDoo PDF

Step 4. There will be a new pop-up window that shows the details of the conversion. You need to click Start in this step.

Convert PDF to Word without losing formatting

The conversion will take only seconds, and your file will be opened in Microsoft Word automatically once the conversion is completed. By this means, you can open a PDF in Word without changing its format easily. Of course, if you don’t want to download too many programs on your device, you can use SwifDoo PDF online converter to make it.

How to Easily Insert a PDF into a Word Document [2023]

How to Easily Insert a PDF into a Word Document [2023]

In some cases, users may need to add a PDF to a Word document for further explanation. See how to readily insert PDF into Word without any errors.

READ MORE >

Open a PDF in SwifDoo PDF Directly

As mentioned before, SwifDoo PDF is an all-in-one PDF tool that can help you handle all issues regarding PDF files. So why not use SwifDoo PDF directly?

Though it’s very convenient to use Microsoft Word on most occasions, it does have some limitations. Maybe you won’t have any problems with Word documents. However, it’s better to download dedicated tools for better processing other file formats.

Opening a PDF document with SwifDoo PDF requires no effort. You only need to download and install it on your device. After that, it’s very easy to open the file, and it won’t take you long.

How to open PDF files with SwifDoo PDF:

Step 1. Launch SwifDoo PDF on your computer;

Step 2. Click Open in the left navigation bar;

Open PDF in SwifDoo PDF directly

Step 3. Go to the folder that contains your PDF file and click Open in this pop-up window.

With only three steps, you can open a PDF file without hassle. In fact, no matter what tool you use, you can’t avoid these steps. What’s more, SwifDoo PDF is far more than a PDF reader, and you can use it for more advanced requirements.

SwifDoo PDF — Your Ultimate Solutions for PDF Documents

  • The best PDF to Word converter
  • Opening PDF in Word without a hassle
  • A fully-fledged PDF, high-capability PDF editor

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/7/XP

The Bottom Line

Microsoft Word is indeed a powerful office tool, which can also be used to open a PDF file. However, as we’ve mentioned, Word cannot display multimedia content or scanned PDF documents. After all, you can’t expect Word to perform as good as dedicated PDF tools.

To open PDF in Word, it’s highly suggested that you use SwifDoo PDF as your go-to tool. It can help keep all formatting in your PDFs without any changing.

Download for PC

In this article, I am going to show that you how you can open and edit PDF document in Microsoft Word 2016. In the later versions of “Office”, you will not be able to convert “Portable Document Files” inside word and start editing it. It’s possible in Microsoft Office 2016, 2013, and 2010. In our today’s article, I am going to work Word 2016 which the latest version of “Office” right now. First, it’s better to know what is PDF files.

What is PDF Document?

According to Wikipedia, site, the Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format used to present documents in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems. Each PDF file encapsulates a complete description of a fixed-layout flat document, including the text, fonts, graphics, and other information needed to display it. In 1991, Adobe Systems’ co-founder John Warnock outlined a system called “Camelot” that developed into PDF. Now let’s get started that how to open and edit PDF document.

How to Open and Edit PDF Document?

Open Microsoft Word 2016 or the later versions of “Word” then select your PDF file. If you don’t have the PDF file for practice Download it from here.

To open a PDF file. Go to the file tab then choose the “Open” option from the left-hand side. Select the PDF file where it is located.

How to Open PDF Files

How to Open PDF Files

Now an error or a warning message will appear. Word will now convert your PDF to an editable “Word document”. This may take a while. The resulting “Word document” will be optimized to allow you to edit the text, so it might not look exactly like the original PDF, especially if the original file contained lots of graphics. Now what you are going to do is; click on “OK” button.

Warning Message

Warning Message

Now edit the PDF document according to your own wish. Any kind of formatting you can apply. Once you are satisfied with what you have done. Click on the “File Tab” then click “Save As”. Choose the format PDF then click save button.

Edit PDF Files

Edit PDF Files

Another Method: How to edit PDF with ease?

It’s worth noting that editing PDF text with Word 2016 in plain text is a very simple and fast way, but most of the time your PDF files are not limited to this simple layout, it will also include some forms, images and others. Then Word 2016 may cause some typographical confusion so that more extra work is added, and even you can’t restore the original layout. So you need a professional PDF editor to help you.

How to Open and Edit PDF Document in Word 2016?

Edit PDF Documents

PDFelement 6, a versatile PDF editor with a Word interface. Unlike other PDF editors, it doesn’t require a lot of effort to learn how to use it, so you can easily edit the PDF and save it in the original PDF file format without formatting risks. Its editing features include the following: text, images, links, pages, watermarks, backgrounds, headers, footers, etc.

How to edit PDF using PDFelement?
Step #1: Download it and open the software. See the screenshot:

How to Open and Edit PDF Document in Word 2016?

Open PDF Document

Step #2: Open your file and Go to “Edit ” tab, you will find lots of option for editing as your desired.

How to Open and Edit PDF Document in Word 2016?

Edit Document

Note: After editing, you can save as any formats which you want. Such as PDF, Word, PPT, HTML, Image, TXT, EPUB and more.

This is a PDF software that not only has powerful editing capabilities but also includes creation, conversion, annotation, merging, protection, signature and more. How to upgrade to the Pro version can also meet the high-level requirements of OCR, batch conversion, compressed files and data extraction required by business people. You can Download PDFelement for Free.

Conclusion

This was how you can open and edit PDF document in Microsoft word 2016. If you have a question regarding opening and editing PDF document in Microsoft Word 2016 or the later versions. Thanks for being with us.

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How to Insert a PDF Into a Word Document

When you need to compile two different types of files

Updated on September 19, 2022

What to Know

  • Embed: Open Word, select Insert > Object (in the Text group) > Object > Create from File > Browse. Locate the PDF, and select OK.
  • Text-only: Open Word, select Insert > Object (in the Text group) > Text from File. Locate the PDF, then select Insert.
  • Copy the text: Open the PDF, drag to select the text. Right-click and choose Copy Without Formatting. Then paste into a Word document.

This article explains how to insert a PDF into a Word document as an embedded object, as a linked object, or as text only. These instructions apply to Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, Word 2010, and Word for Microsoft 365.

How to Insert a PDF Into Word Document as an Embedded Object

After you embed a PDF file in Word, the first page of your PDF appears in the document. Since an embedded object becomes part of the document after it is inserted, it’s no longer connected to the source file. Any changes made to the original PDF in the future will not be reflected in the Word document.

To insert your PDF this way, follow these steps:

  1. Place the cursor in the Word document where you want to insert the PDF as an object.

  2. Select the Insert tab.

  3. Click the object icon in the Text group, then select Object from the drop-down menu.

  4. Click the Create from File tab in the dialog box that appears.

  5. Select Browse, then locate the PDF file. Then click OK to embed the file in the document.

  6. It will appear on the selected page of the Word document.

How to Insert a PDF Into Word as a Linked Object

Inserting a PDF file as a linked object means it appears as the first page of the PDF, but it’s also linked to the original file. You can opt to display an icon instead of a preview. Either option will open the PDF file when selected.

Any changes to the PDF source file will be reflected in the Word document when using this method.

  1. Place the cursor in the Word document where you want to insert the PDF as a linked object.

  2. Select the Insert tab.

  3. Click the object icon in the Text group, then select Object from the drop-down menu.

  4. Select the Create from File tab.

  5. Select Browse and locate the PDF file.

  6. Select Link to File to insert the PDF as a shortcut to the source file.

  7. Select Display as Icon to insert an icon representing the file instead of a preview.

    Select Change Icon if you want to display a different icon for the PDF file. Select Browse to locate the icon you would rather use, then select OK.

  8. Select OK to add the PDF to the Word document.

  9. The PDF icon or preview will appear in the Word document.

How to Insert Text From a PDF Into Word

This approach only inserts the text from a PDF directly into the Word document.

Word converts the PDF into an editable text document. The result might not look the same as the original PDF, especially if the file includes graphics or text formatting.

  1. Place the cursor in the Word document where you want to insert the text from a PDF file.

  2. Select the Insert tab.

  3. Select the drop-down arrow next to Object in the Text group, then select Text from File.

  4. Open the PDF file and select Insert.

  5. Make sure PDF Files is selected and click OK.

  6. Select OK if you get an alert that the conversion process might take a long time.

  7. After Word converts the PDF to text, it will appear in the document.

How to Copy a PDF Into Word

Copying the text from the PDF file and pasting it into a document is a straightforward way to insert a bit of text into Word.

These instructions explain how to copy text from a PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can also consider using another tool, such as a free PDF reader application, although the steps required might differ.

  1. Open the PDF file.

  2. Right-click the document in the primary window and choose Select Tool from the menu that appears.

  3. Drag to select the text you want to copy.

  4. Right-click the selection, then select Copy With Formatting.

  5. Open the Word document. Place the cursor in the Word document where you want to paste the text from the PDF file.

  6. Paste the copied text from the PDF file into the Word document.

    Pasting from a PDF sometimes imports artifacts including embedded line breaks. Especially for longer pastes, you’ll probably have to tweak the resulting text in Word to ensure it’s typographically accurate.

Insert PDF Content as an Image in Word

Convert the PDF into a static image and insert it into a Word document.

The contents of the PDF will not be editable, nor will they change if the source file is updated using this method.

  1. Use a conversion tool to convert a PDF file to a JPG file. Alternatively, if the PDF is a single page, use the Windows Snipping Tool to capture the contents of the file and save it as a JPG.

    Save the JPG file in a location where you can easily find it to insert in your Word document, such as your desktop.

  2. Open the Word document and place the cursor in the document where you want to insert the image.

  3. Select the Insert tab.

  4. Select Pictures. Then choose This Device from the drop-down menu.

  5. Open the location where you saved the JPG version of your PDF file and choose Insert.

FAQ

  • How do I insert a multi-page PDF into a Word document?

    You’ll need to save each page of the original PDF as a separate PDF file. Open the PDF in a PDF reader (like Adobe Acrobat), then select Print and choose Print to PDF as your printer. Next, under Pages, select the text box option beneath All and type in 1 and select Print. Choose a location to save the page to, then repeat the process replacing the «1» with 2, 3, and so on until you’ve saved all the individual pages you need.

  • How do I add a PDF to a Word document as its own page?

    In Word, select Insert > Object > Create from File > choose the PDF file > select Okay. Once the PDF is added to the Word document, manually adjust its size and positioning until it fills the page of the document.

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