How to Convert PDF to Word on Mac? [Free Method]

Pdf is the most widely used file format. It preserves layout and structure of the documents and is great for viewing and sharing the file. But there are times when you need to make changes in the file. Word format is the most preferable format in that case.

“How do I convert a PDF to Word on my Mac?” you are not alone! Many Mac users face this situation when they need to reuse the content of a PDF file without losing its original layout. 

In this guide, we have outlined multiple methods on how to convert PDF to Word on Mac using both in-build features and online tools and software.

Why You May Need to Convert PDF to Word Documents on Mac

Let’s learn about the benefits of converting PDFs to Word documents:

• ✒️Word format is better for editing and reusing content. Like, the times when you need to modify the text within a PDF document, you can convert it to Word. It will make the editing easy and allow you to reuse the content in different formats.
• 📝You can use a Word file to preserve the formatting of your file. 
• 👥Word files are often more convenient for collaboration. If you are working with others who need to edit or comment, converting the PDF to Word can simplify the process.
• 📌If you need to pull out specific details or data from a PDF, convert it to Word format. It allows you to easily search, copy, and paste the information.

These scenarios highlight the flexibility of Word documents. You need them when you wish to interact with the content more dynamically.

How to Convert a PDF to Word on Mac?

There are several methods you can try to save a PDF as Word on Mac. Below, we have discussed each option in detail. You can choose the best method for your requirements.

Use Mac’s Preview Feature to Change PDF to Word 

One of the simplest ways to convert a PDF to Word on Mac is using the Preview feature. Preview is a built-in app on macOS that allows you to view and edit PDFs.  You can extract text from a PDF and save it as a Word document using this tool.

Another good thing about Preview is that it is already available on your Mac! So you don’t need to download any additional software.

👉Here are the steps on how to convert a PDF to Word on Mac using Preview:

1. Open the PDF file in Preview by double-clicking it.
2. Now, use the cursor to highlight the text you want to extract.
3. Copy the selected text by pressing Command + C. 

4. Next, open a Word document and paste the text using Command + V.
5. Finally, save the Word document to your desired location.

This method works well for basic text extraction but may not preserve the original layout and formatting. For more complex conversions, you may want to try other methods.

Transform PDF to Word with Mac PDF to DOC Converter

If you are looking for a completely free and easy online tool to convert PDF to Word on Mac, the ONEPDF online converter is a great choice. This tool is not only user-friendly but also offers a high level of accuracy in preserving the original layout of your PDF.

It is our favorite Mac PDF to Doc converter due to its simple interface that requires no technical expertise. It has no hidden costs or premium subscriptions. You can access all of its features free of cost including merging, compressing, editing, adding watermarks, and unlocking PDFs. 

👉Follow these steps on ‘how to change PDF to Word on Mac’ using ONEPDF:

1. Visit the ONEPDF Website. Go to ONEPDF PDF to Word Converter.

2. Click the Upload button and select the PDF file you want to convert.
3. Select Word as the output format.

4. Now, Click on Convert to begin the process.
5. Once the conversion is complete, you can download your Word document.

This method is perfect for users who want a quick, reliable, and free solution without installing any additional software. For more detailed steps, you can also check this link: Turn a PDF into a Word Doc.

Use Google Docs to Change PDF to Word on Mac

Using Google Docs to convert a PDF to Word on a Mac is another effective method. This method is handy because Google’s advanced features retain the original formatting and it always keeps getting better.

Also, you can access your documents anytime and anywhere on any device with the internet.  

👉Follow these steps on ‘how to convert PDF to Word document on Mac’ via Google Docs:

1. Go to Google Drive and sign in with your Google account.
2. Click the + New button and select File Upload to upload your PDF file.
3. Once uploaded, right-click the PDF file and select Open with and then Google Docs.

4. After the PDF is opened in Google Docs, click File, Download, and then Microsoft Word (.docx) to save it as a Word document.

One major drawback of this method is that you may face issues in converting complex PDF layouts, leading to formatting issues in the final Word document. Besides, if you need a offline conversion tool, this way may not be the perfect.

Use Automator to extract the text from PDF

Automator is a built-in tool on Mac that can help you extract text from a PDF. While it does not convert the entire PDF into a Word document with preserved formatting. You can rely on this tool when you need to quickly pull out text from a PDF on your Mac.

👉Wondering how do I convert PDF to Word on Mac using Automator. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Applications and open Automator.
2. Choose Workflow as the document type to create a new workflow.
3. In the left panel, find and drag the Get Specified Finder Items action to the workflow area. Then, add the Extract PDF Text action.

4. In the Extract PDF Text action, select Plain Text or Rich Text depending on your needs. You can also choose the destination where the extracted text will be saved.
5. Click the Run button to execute the workflow. The text from your PDF will be extracted and saved in the specified location.

This method is effective for those who need the text content without worrying about the original formatting. 

Conclusion

In this post, we have explored several methods to transform PDF to Word on Mac. Whether you use built-in tools like Preview or Automator, or online solutions like ONEPDF, or Google Docs, each method offers a unique way to handle your PDF conversion needs. 

Choose the method that best fits your requirements and streamline your document management on Mac.

FAQs About Converting PDF to Word on Mac

When converting PDFs to Word documents on a Mac, many users have questions about how to maintain the original layout and the security of their files. Below we have answers to some of your common concerns:

1. How to Convert PDF to Word with the Original PDF’s Layout Being Preserved?

To keep the original layout intact when converting a PDF to Word you can use excellent tools like ONEPDF. This tool is designed to maintain the formatting, images, and overall structure of your document. With ONEPDF, you can be confident that your content will remain consistent throughout the conversion process.

2. Will My Converted Word Files Be Secure?

Yes, your converted Word files will be secure when using ONEPDF. This tool prioritizes user privacy and data security. All files uploaded for conversion are encrypted and are not stored on the servers after the process is complete. This ensures that your documents are safe from unauthorized access or misuse. You can use ONEPDF with peace of mind, knowing that your sensitive information is protected.