Reasons to Convert PDFs to Word Documents

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John
February 7, 2024
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Chances are, if you have a laptop or desktop, then you have Microsoft Word. The popular software is now available online through Office 365. It’s one of the most popular pieces of software in the world and has been for decades now.

There’s a good reason for this; actually, there are several of them, for why Word remains the go-to source for document management and editing today. However, this doesn’t mean other formats like PDFs aren’t used, which means you’ll probably need to use the best pdf to word converter to help.

If you’re not sure why a PDF to Word converter is essential, here are a few reasons why you should have the tool.

Advantages of Converting PDFs to Word

Whether you prefer working on files in Microsoft Word format or it’s a necessity, you’re going to need an effective converter like pdfsimpli. So, what are the advantages of working in Word? Other than being familiar and a breeze to use, here are a few reasons why you may want to convert your PDF files.

Easy Text Editing

If your PDF file contains large blocks of text, Word is ready to make editing simple. You get a plethora of tools that make editing a breeze. Just click on the toolbar, select the function, and you’re good to go. You can add and revise text and insert images and graphics without changing the file’s original format.

Sometimes, keeping the format the same is almost as crucial as making the necessary edits. You can also easily convert the doc back to a PDF file when you’re finished.

Improve Collaboration Among Team Members

Sometimes you’re the only one working on a document; however, collaboration in the workplace is becoming more common and even encouraged.

Yes, you can give everyone access on your team to a PDF file but there can be limitations. Not everyone may be able to open a PDF or be familiar with working in the format. So, instead of spending time on a PDF tutorial course, just convert the file to a Word document.

You can easily give everyone access to the doc, work on it simultaneously, and track any changes. Word has this great editing feature that allows you and team members to leave suggestions and make edits. You get seamless collaboration without the need for constant phone calls and/or emails.

Potential Downsides of Converting PDFs to Word Docs

Just like pretty much everything in life, there’s almost always a potential drawback or two. This applies when you’re converting a PDF file to a Word doc. Don’t worry; we’re not referring to the conversion process—this part is actually a breeze. In just a couple of clicks, the PDF is an easily accessible Word document. Unfortunately, its easy accessibility is a potential drawback.

PDF files typically have more robust security, and this can be crucial depending on the industry you’re working in. Some industries have strict cyber security protocols that you must always meet. This process may include converting files to docs, even in Office 365.

One example is the healthcare industry, where HIPPA applies. Yes, word does come with a few security features, but they’re not up to industry standards. This is something to consider before you start converting PDF files.

Not all PDF files are easy to convert to Word. Even the best conversion software has limitations. Complex PDFs may not always translate correctly into Word. A common issue is with formatting. Instead of a well-laid-out document, you get combined paragraphs, wrong margins, and, basically, a document that looks a mess. Complex graphics like charts and tables can also present a challenge during conversion.

The tables and charts may be misaligned, and this means wasted time spent making the necessary corrections.

When to Use a PDF to Word Conversion Tool

There will probably be times when it’s best to use Word instead of a PDF. An example is when you plan on reusing an image. With Word, you can easily extract and reuse an image. PDFs make this significantly more difficult since the image is embedded in the file, and it’s a pain to extract as a result.

In other words, copy and paste isn’t an option. If you’re writing a document that contains mostly text, Word is typically the best option. You can take advantage of the format’s spelling and grammar tools, something missing from PDFs. Word docs are also easier to edit, and this can be a game changer.

Don’t forget, the same tool that converts your PDFs to Word docs can also do the opposite. When you’re finished, you can easily convert a Word doc back to a PDF file.