How to Change A PDF into A Google Doc

It can be frustrating when you have important information in a PDF format that requires editing or collaborative work with others. This is where converting a PDF to a Google Doc comes in handy. Google Docs is a free, collaborative tool that allows you to edit and share documents with ease. Converting a PDF to a Google Doc can save you time and make collaboration more efficient.

In this article, we will explore the different methods to convert a PDF to a Google Doc and the pros and cons of each method.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

To successfully convert a PDF to a Google Doc, you will need an internet connection, access to Google Drive, and the PDF you want to convert.

What Requires Your Focus?

The conversion process may vary depending on the method you choose. You may need to pay attention to the formatting of the document, images, and text while converting. Additionally, some methods may require additional steps, such as downloading software, which requires extra focus on the installation process.

Different Methods to Convert A PDF into A Google Doc

Method 1: Google Drive Conversion

Google Drive is a cloud storage and file-sharing service offered by Google. It is also a useful tool for converting PDFs to Google Docs. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Google Drive and sign in to your account.
  2. Click on the "New" button and select "File upload."
  3. Select the PDF file you want to convert and click "Open."
  4. Once the upload is complete, right-click on the PDF file and select "Open with Google Docs."
  5. Your PDF will now be converted to a Google Doc, and you can start editing.

Pros:

  • It’s a free and straightforward method.
  • You don’t need to install any additional software.
  • It’s a quick way to convert your PDF files to Google Docs.

Cons:

  • The conversion may not be perfect, and some formatting may be lost.
  • The images and graphics may need to be manually adjusted, leading to extra work.

Method 2: Smallpdf

Smallpdf is a free online PDF converter that lets you convert your PDFs to different formats, including Google Docs. Here are the steps:

  1. Visit the Smallpdf website.
  2. Select the "PDF to Word" conversion tool.
  3. Select "Choose File" and then upload the PDF you want to convert.
  4. Once the file is uploaded, click the "Convert" button.
  5. The PDF will be converted to a Word document.
  6. Next, open the converted Word document in Google Docs.
  7. Finally, save the Word document as a Google Doc.

Pros:

  • You can convert PDFs to different formats, including Google Docs.
  • The conversion is fast and straightforward to use.
  • You can use Smallpdf for free on its website without downloading any software.

Cons:

  • Smallpdf is not a Google product, so there may be compatibility issues with the converted file.
  • The formatting may not be perfect, but it’s more accurate than Google Drive conversion.

Method 3: Adobe Acrobat Pro

Adobe Acrobat Pro is a PDF software that offers various editing features, including the ability to convert PDFs to different formats. Here’s how to use Adobe Acrobat Pro to convert PDF to Google Doc:

  1. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro.
  2. Select "File" and then "Export To" and then "Microsoft Word" and then "Word Document."
  3. Choose the desired location and filename for the converted file and click "Save."
  4. Once the conversion is complete, open the converted file in Google Docs.
  5. Finally, save the Word document as a Google Doc.

Pros:

  • You can convert PDFs to different formats, including Google Docs.
  • The formatting and layout stay intact while converting.
  • The conversion process is reliable and offers more editing features than other methods mentioned here.

Cons:

  • Adobe Acrobat Pro is not free and requires a paid subscription.
  • The software is not as easy to use as other free alternatives mentioned earlier.

Why Can’t I Convert My PDF into A Google Doc?

  • Your PDF file may contain images that Google Docs cannot convert to a Google Doc. In this case, you may need to extract the image and add it to the Google Doc manually.
  • The PDF file may be password-protected. In this case, you will need to remove the password or enter the password to convert the file.
  • The PDF file may have complicated formatting that the conversion process cannot replicate in the Google Doc. In this case, you may need to adjust the formatting manually.

Implications and Recommendations

Converting a PDF to a Google Doc can be a useful tool for collaborative work and enables easy editing. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that some formatting may not appear correctly in the Google Doc.

We recommend that you try different methods of converting your PDF to a Google Doc and see which one fits your needs the best. If you need to convert PDF files regularly, consider investing in a paid PDF converter software like Adobe Acrobat Pro, which offers more features and stability.

5 FAQs about PDF Conversion to Google Docs

Q1: How do I convert my PDF to a Google Doc?

A: There are different ways to convert a PDF to a Google Doc, including using Google Drive, Smallpdf, or Adobe Acrobat Pro. We recommend trying several methods to determine the best fit for your needs.

Q2: Can Google Docs handle large PDF files?

A: Yes, Google Docs can handle large PDF files, but it may take longer to convert them to a Google Doc. We recommend breaking large PDF files into smaller sections to make the conversion process more manageable.

Q3: Will the formatting of my original PDF be preserved after conversion?

A: The formatting of the original PDF may not be preserved after conversion, depending on the method you use. We recommend checking the formatting of the Google Doc after conversion to ensure that it fits your needs.

Q4: Can I convert a scanned PDF to a Google Doc?

A: Yes, you can convert a scanned PDF to a Google Doc, but it will require additional software to recognize the text in the scanned PDF.

Q5: Is it possible to convert a password-protected PDF to a Google Doc?

A: It is possible to convert a password-protected PDF to a Google Doc, but you will need to remove the password or enter the password to convert the file.

In Conclusion

Converting a PDF to a Google Doc is a useful tool for collaborative work and enables easy editing. There are different methods to accomplish this, including using Google Drive, Smallpdf, or Adobe Acrobat Pro. We recommend trying several methods to determine the best fit for your needs. Remember that while the conversion process may not be perfect, it can save you time and make collaboration more efficient.