4 Ways to Convert PDF to Word on Mac

On MacBook devices, you have four reliable options to save PDF as a Word document: PDF Paw, Preview, Automator, and Google Docs. Let's explore each method in detail.

Worried about Word document security? We understand — uploading your files online can feel risky. To keep your data safe, always check if the converter has SSL certification, server-side encryption, and AES security. Spoiler: PDF Paw does. So, you can convert with confidence, knowing your files are protected.

Formatting preservation is another common concern — some converters mess up layouts, leaving misaligned text or missing images. Here's how to maintain formatting integrity:

• Research before choosing: Check platforms like Trustpilot to see what real users say about formatting accuracy
• Use OCR for scanned PDFs: This converts text from images into an editable format, allowing you to copy, edit, and search within the document
• Review your converted file: Check key details like text formatting, spacing, title styles, and overall layout
• Handle images manually: For pixel-perfect image placement, consider adding them to the Word file yourself

Pro tip: If you want something simpler but still flexible with formatting, RTF (Rich Text Format) is a good alternative to Word. It's lighter and easier to use but doesn't have all the advanced features that Word offers.

Here's the fastest and most reliable method to convert your PDF to Word format:

1. Visit our PDF to Word converter tool
2. Drag & drop your file into the upload area
3. Wait a moment — converting your file from PDF to Word takes mere seconds
4. Download complete! Your file is now downloaded to your device and saved in your PDF Paw account

PDF Paw stands out for its superior formatting preservation and lightning-fast conversion speed, making it the preferred choice for professionals and casual users alike.

Mac's built-in Preview app offers a basic conversion method for simple documents:

1. Right-click your PDF file and select Open With → Preview
2. Select the text you want to copy and press Command+C
3. Open a blank document in Pages or Microsoft Word
4. Paste the text using Command+V
5. Save your file as DOC or DOCX format

Note: This method works best for simple, text-heavy documents without complex formatting or images.

macOS Automator is perfect for batch processing multiple PDFs:

1. Open Automator from your Applications folder
2. Choose Workflow as your document type
3. Drag & drop your PDF into the designated area
4. In Actions → Library → PDFs, select Extract PDF Text
5. Drag this action to the right panel below your PDF
6. Select Rich Text to preserve basic formatting
7. Define your save location
8. Click Run to automatically extract text from your PDF

Remember: You'll still need to copy the extracted text into Word and save it as a DOC/DOCX file.

Google Docs provides a completely free solution for basic PDF to Word conversion:

1. Open Google Drive in your web browser
2. Click New → File Upload
3. Upload your PDF file
4. Right-click the uploaded file and select Open with → Google Docs
5. Edit your document as needed
6. Download as Word: Go to File → Download → Microsoft Word (.docx)

This method works well for simple documents but may struggle with complex layouts and formatting.

When dealing with multiple PDFs that include various graphics and text elements, opting for a specialized tool like PDF Paw is your best bet. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Our recommendation: For simple, text-based PDFs, Preview, Automator, or Google Docs can handle the job effectively. However, to preserve formatting and layout of complex PDFs with images, tables, and advanced formatting, dedicated tools like PDF Paw are advisable. We focus on speed and precision, aiming to elevate your document management process to new heights.