Smallpdf is an online tool that helps you fix PDF issues, from unlocking your PDF files to converting them to other file formats. However, most people find it challenging to convert their PDF files to Word documents using the platform.
So, how do you successfully convert PDF to Word free using SmallPdf? In this article, we will show you the steps to do this with SMallpdf. Let’s get to it.
How to Convert PDF to Word Online using Smallpdf
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to convert PDF to Word free using Smallpdf:
Step 1: Visit the Smallpdf homepage and click "PDF to Word Converter" tab.
Step 2: Click the “ Choose file” button to upload your PDF file
There are two ways you can do this. You can click the “Open” button on your file explorer window to upload the selected PDF file or drag and drop the PDF file on the tool’s interface as shown below:
Alternatively, you can click the drop-down arrow to upload PDF file from your device or a cloud storage platform.
Clicking the drop-down arrow button opens more options to upload the PDF file from Dropbox or Google Drive, as shown above.
Step 3: Once the file upload is complete, the file name will appear on the tool’s interface alongside two boxes, as shown below. Select “Convert selectable text.”
Step 4: Click the “Continue” button to convert the PDF file to Word.
Step 5: Click the “Download” button to obtain the converted file. You can also generate a link to share with others by clicking on the "share" button.
How to Convert Scanned PDF to Word Online using Smallpdf OCR
Smallpdf OCR converts all the text in your PDF file, including text from scans and photos, into editable Word format. Here is a step-by-guide on how to convert your scanned PDF into a Word document using Smallpdf OCR:
Step 1: Go to the Smallpdf homepage and select "PDF to Word Converter."
Step 2: Upload the PDF file you want to convert via drag-and-drop Click anywhere on the tool’s blue interface. This automatically opens your file explorer window. Then select the PDF file, drag and drop it on the tool’s interface as shown below:
Step 3: Since you want to convert a scanned PDF file to a Word document, select the second option, “Convert text from scans.” As seen in the screenshot below, this feature with OCR is a pro feature ( it’s not free).
If you are already on a paid version of the software, click "Continue" to start the conversion process. Then, wait a few seconds for the OCR conversion to finish. Finally, download the editable free Word file.
How to Convert Convert PDF to Word using Smallpdf Desktop App
With the Smallpdf desktop app, you can carry out almost all the tasks the Smallpdf web platform can do. This includes converting PDF files to Word documents on a Windows PC. Below is a step-by-step guide on how you can carry out this task using the Smallpdf Desktop App:
Step 1: Visit the Smallpdf “Download” page with any browser of your choice.
Step 2: Scroll down, you will see “Our Desktop Apps." Under “Our Desktop Apps," click the download button under the Windows App.
Step 3:Double-click the Smallpdf.msi file in your downloads folder and install it. Then, wait for the installation process to complete.
Step 4:Once the installation completes, tick the “Launch Smallpdf application” box. Then click on the “Finish” button as shown below. This automatically opens the Smallpdf app.
Alternatively, you may skip ticking the “ Launch Smallpdf application” box. Just go ahead and click the “ Finish button.” When the setup box closes, go to your desktop and double-click the Smallpdf icon to launch the app.
Step 5: Go to Tools and Click “PDF to Office.”
Step 6: Click the “ Add files” button or the + symbol on top to upload your PDF file.
Then select the PDF file and upload it by dragging it into the toolbox as shown below:
Step 7: Under "Select type of conversion," choose "Word." Other file formats like PowerPoint and Excel are also available. So ensure you select the right file format to get desired output.
Step 8: Under “File location,” select where to save your converted file.
Step 9: Click the “Convert” button at the bottom. This is a pro feature, so you can only convert and get your converted file after subscribing to the premium version.
Keep this in mind:
You can convert as many PDF files as you like into Word documents. Just drag and drop each of them into the toolbox as shown below:
Pros and Cons of Converting PDF to Word with Smallpdf
Smallpdf is an efficient tool for converting PDF files to Word. If you are unclear whether Smallpdf is the best tool for your project, here are the benefits and drawbacks of utilizing this tool:
Pros:
Without installing any software or apps on your computer or device, you can convert PDFs to Word using Smallpdf PDF to Word Converter online free.
Smallpdf comes with a simple user interface designed to streamline and hasten the conversion process.
You can access Smallpdf from any platform, including Windows, Linux, Mac, as well as mobile devices.This makes it convenient to convert PDF files to Word documents using any device.
Smallpdf is compatible with cloud storage platforms. This enables users to import files saved on those platforms.
Cons:
Undoubtedly, Smallpdf is a PDF converter free online tool. But features like the OCR are not available on the free version. Users will have to pay for the premium version to use the OCR feature (this feature converts all PDF text from scans and photos into editable Word format).
Smallpdf lacks extensive security features. Thus, it is not the best tool for files containing sensitive information.
Conversion process can be stalled if internet connectivity is poor. This is because the platform is solely online.
Best Alternative——WPS Office
WPS Office is a modernized powerful office tool with a built-in PDF converter. This allows users to easily convert their PDF documents to Word and other file formats. It also provides users with numerous essential tools for creating and editing documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
Both Smallpdf and WPS Office offer a variety of tools and features for its users to choose from. However, WPS Office is the best alternative that provides free essential tools and is compatible with various platforms.
Users can also upgrade from the free to paid version to enjoy additional premium features. Therefore, WPS is a highly recommendable tool for users to meet their productivity needs. So why not Download WPS Office now to experience the outstanding benefits of its tools and features?
FAQ
Q1: Will the formatting of my PDF be preserved after conversion to Word?
After the conversion, you tend to lose the quality and format of the original PDF file. However, PDFelement is a PDF-to-Word transformar that helps you preserve the formatting of your original PDF file after conversion to Word. Here are the steps you can follow to achieve this using PDFelement:
Step 1: Download the PDFElement APP on your PC and install it. After installation, launch the APP and upload the PDF document you wish to convert to Word.
Step 2: Click on the "Convert" tab. Then select "To Word". Go ahead and choose where to save the file after the PDF-Word conversion process.
Step 3: Open the converted Word file to check the format and quality. You will see that the Word document preserves every font and format from the original PDF document.
Q2: Can I edit the converted Word document in Smallpdf?
Yes, you can by using the Smallpdf online tool. Here is a quick guide on how you can do this:
Step 1: When the conversion process completes, click on the drop-down arrow button. This opens options for “Download," “Save to Smallpdf,” “Save to Dropbox,” and “ Save to Google Drive.”
Step 2: Click on “ Save to Smallpdf.”
Step 3: Once the saving process is successful, a small notification box will pop up, notifying you the file is now saved in Smallpdf. Underneath, you will see the “Go to Document” link. Open the link, and your converted Word document opens.
Step 4: Make the necessary edits and export to your device when you finish.
Keep this in mind: this is a pro feature. So, to edit the converted Word document, you will pay for the Smallpdf Premium version.
Q3: Does Smallpdf support batch conversion of PDF files to Word?
Yes, it supports batch conversion of PDF files to words. Converting multiple PDF files at once by using the batch processing feature saves effort and time.
Summary
With Smallpdf, you can easily convert your PDF files to Word. However, it comes with its limitations, such as limited essential editing tools, limited extensive security, and so on. But WPS Office is an ideal tool for files containing sensitive information. It provides all the best essential tools you need to meet your productivity needs.
