How to convert a PDF to an editable Word document on a Mac
Preview cannot turn a PDF into Word. The free ways that work on a Mac, what layout to expect, and how to convert without uploading the file.
You need to edit a PDF someone sent you, so you want it as a Word document. Preview cannot do this, and many of the converters at the top of search results upload your file to a server.
The quick free way: copy the text
- Open the PDF in Preview and press Command A, then Command C.
- Paste into a new Word or Pages document.
You get the words, without the layout. Headings, columns and tables usually need tidying by hand. If nothing pastes, the PDF is a scan; see make a scanned PDF searchable first.
If you have Microsoft 365
Word itself can open many PDFs and turn them into editable documents. Results depend on the layout, so check tables and columns.
What to expect from any converter
- Plain letters, reports and contracts convert well.
- Magazine layouts, forms and complex tables rarely convert cleanly.
- Scans need text recognition first.
The one click way
Simply PDF's Convert turns a PDF into a Word document on your Mac. Headings, bold words, lists, links and page breaks come across, and the file never leaves your Mac.
Questions
Can Preview convert a PDF to Word?
No. Preview can copy the text out, but it cannot save a PDF as a Word document.
How do I convert a PDF to Word without uploading it?
Copy the text into Word for simple documents, open the PDF in Microsoft Word if you have it, or use a converter that runs on your Mac.
Why does the converted Word document look different?
A PDF fixes every word's position on the page, while Word flows text. Complex layouts cannot always be rebuilt exactly.