How to convert PDF files

Question

I understand that I have to change my PDF files into word or lose them? If so how do I do this?

Answer 1

You may have received an email recently advising you that Microsoft Publisher is being discontinued in October and you should save Publisher files in some other format (PDF, Word, PPT, etc.). This has nothing to do with existing PDFs.

Answer 2

Dear Ralph,

You do not have to convert your PDF files to Word to keep them. Existing PDFs will not be deleted or lost simply because they remain in PDF format. Convert a PDF only if you need to edit its contents in Word. If you just want to read a PDF, open it directly wherever it is stored, for example by double clicking it in your Documents folder. To convert a PDF using Word:

1. Make a backup copy of the PDF.
2. Open Microsoft Word.
3. Select File > Open > Browse.
4. Find and select the PDF.
5. Word will explain that it will create an editable copy. Select OK.
6. When the file opens, select File > Save As.
7. Choose Word Document (.docx) and save it.

Word creates a converted copy and leaves the original PDF unchanged.

One thing worth knowing before you start: conversion works best with PDFs that are mostly text, such as business, legal, or scientific documents. The converted file may not match the original page for page, since lines and pages can break in different places. If the PDF is mostly charts or graphics, the page may come through as an image and the text will not be editable. That is another good reason to keep the original PDF rather than replacing it.

For reference:

Opening PDFs in Word | Microsoft Support

Edit a PDF | Microsoft Support

If you have a moment, could you share where you came across the idea that PDFs need converting or would be lost? If it was a message on screen or an email, it may be referring to something else entirely, and I would rather check than have you convert files unnecessarily. Looking forward to your reply.

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Answer 3

@Ralph Umphress

Do you need further assistance with this?

Was your question prompted by a message that you received regarding the discontinuation of Publisher (as Suzanne guessed)? Or are you asking for some other reason?

A bit more context will make it easier for us to provide helpful advice.