Buzz
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to convert a PDF file into an editable document using Google Docs on your computer. However, it's important to note that Google Docs will modify the PDF's formatting and remove any images. If maintaining the original formatting is crucial, Google Docs may not be the best tool for editing your PDF.
Steps
- If the PDF you're looking to edit is image-based (or contains multiple images) or has been locked with a password, you won't be able to edit it in Google Docs.
Open Google Docs. Go to https://docs.google.com/ using your computer's web browser. This will bring up the Google Docs page if you're already logged in.
- If you're not logged in, click on Go to Google Docs in the center of the page, then enter your email and password when prompted. If you're automatically prompted to log in, simply continue the process without additional clicks.
Click on the Upload option at the top of the displayed window.
Click on the Select a file from your computer button, which is the blue button at the bottom of the window. This action will open a new window allowing you to choose the PDF file.
Select the PDF file. Click on the PDF file you want to upload to Google Docs. If the PDF file is not in the currently open folder, you can click on the folder containing the PDF on the left side of the window.
Click on the Open button at the center-bottom of the window. The PDF will begin uploading to Google Docs, and once the file is visible, you can proceed further.
Click on the Open with option at the top of the page. A new menu will appear here.
Click on the Google Docs in the displayed menu. The PDF file will open in a new Google Docs tab, allowing you to freely edit the text as needed.
Edit the PDF file. You can modify, add, or delete content just as you would with a standard Google Docs document.
- The formatting of the PDF may change depending on its original source before being opened in Google Docs.
Download the edited PDF file. Click on File, select Download as from the menu, and choose PDF Document from the dropdown. This will convert the text back into a PDF and save the file to your computer.
- Alternatively, you can select Microsoft Word instead of PDF if you want to save the PDF as a Word document for future editing.
Tip
- You can edit PDF files without altering the original format by using other programs besides Google Docs.
Warning
- While you can install applications to convert PDF files to Word for Google Drive, these apps do not support converting images in the PDF or its formatting into editable Word text.
- You cannot convert a PDF file into text within Google Drive and Google Docs on a mobile device.
