How to open a PDF in Word? [2023]
Jackson Kustec
jackson@macro.com
According to the PDF Association, PDFs are more popular than other content formats such as docx, xlsx, and epub. However, PDFs are not user-friendly and as flexible as Word files, especially when you want to open them on your laptop.
If you don’t open PDFs properly on your device, you risk altering images and tables, affecting their readability.
In this article, you’ll learn how to open your PDF document in Word.
Can you open a PDF in Word?
💡Note: If you have a Microsoft Word version earlier than the 2013 version, it does not support PDFs.
While you can’t edit a PDF on a Microsoft Word version before 2013, versions from 2013 onwards can be used to edit PDFs directly.
❗If you’re using an earlier version of Word, we suggest updating the software to a later version or opening the PDF directly through an online tool.
How to open a PDF in Word (Windows)?
If you use Microsoft Word 2023, you can open your PDF in Word and edit it easily.
Here is a step-by-step guide (PDF in Word’s 2013 version and above) 👇
Step #1: Open Word document
To make sure that you have the most updated Windows version, open a Word document, choose “File” from the top left corner, and then click either “Account or Help” on the left nav bar.
You'll see your Office version and information under Product information , on the right side of the window.
Step #2: Click “Blank document " to start from scratch
Open Word and click “Blank document” from the various document template options.
Step #3: Click “File"
You will see several options on the top of the app, such as File and Insert . Click on File, and it will bring up a drop-down menu. From the options in the drop-down menu, click on “Open".
Step #4: Click “Open"
When you click on “Open", it will bring up a list of storage spaces on your PC, such as Downloads, Documents, OneDrive, Recent, etc.
Step #5: Click “Download" and save your PDF
Pick the storage location where your PDF is saved, locate your document, click on it, and open it.
For instance, if you downloaded it and it's saved under Downloads, click on Download and browse for your documents.
Step #6: Select the PDF and open it in Word.
Step #7: Click “Open"
Once you’ve checked you have the correct document, click “Open", and your document will be ready to view.
Sometimes, it is best to have a PDF open and read your PDF in an online PDF tool so that no image, table, or any other elements are distorted.
Other times, when you don’t want to lose essential document items like footers, notes, etc., a PDF editing tool would be an ideal option.
How to open a PDF in Word without Microsoft Word
You can open a PDF in Word without using Microsoft Word. However, you have to use an online tool instead.
Macro is an AI-powered Word and PDF editor tool that helps you navigate documents faster and more effectively.
The Macro Word Editor is a Macro feature that enables you to open a PDF in Word format and view your documents without any distortion.
The Macro Word Editor will soon be launched, which will allow you to edit your documents as well. Look out for this awesome feature.
In the meantime, you can view your PDF in Word using the PDF viewer, which is an easy process. And you can do this with Macro’s free plan.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to view your PDF in Word without Microsoft Word.
Step #1: Visit the website at Macro.com and sign up for your plan.
NB: As you sign up for your plan, Macro automatically downloads the app version that is most compatible with your PC for seamless performance.
When the Macro plan is installed on your device, create an account with your work email. A verification code will be sent to your email. Check your email, input the code, and you’ll be taken to Macro’s home page.
Step #2: Click “Word Editor"
There is a list of options on the left-hand side. Look for Word Editor and click on it; it will take you to the page below.
Step #3. Click on "Home". Afterwards, click "Open a PDF or DOCX file."
Step #4: Choose storage location
When you click “Open" , you will see a list of storage spaces on your PC, such as:
- Downloads
- Documents
- OneDrive
- Recent, etc.
Pick the storage location where your PDF is saved, locate your document, click on it, and open it.
Step #5: View your edited PDF
Your PDF will open, and you’ll be able to view it in Word without any distortion.
Macro's free plan enables you to carry out activities with PDFs, such as comparing the original file with a revised file, adding files to merge, and exporting or organizing pages.
Read and Edit Documents Faster with Macro
When you receive a work document as a PDF and can’t open it within a few minutes, it can be a headache.
Besides opening your PDF in Word, graphics, charts, and other visuals can be distorted. The format could be different from the PDF.
If you are looking for a free tool that will enable you to read and edit your documents faster, you should sign up with Macro. You can access Macro easily on your device, giving you a smooth day-to-day operation. The Macro free plan lets you carry out most basic PDF and Word operations.
Apart from opening your PDF document, you use the PDF editor to edit your PDF on Macro. You can edit text and images easily, add page numbers, and leverage AI to review errors, among other functions.
It also integrates into Adobe Sign, DocuSign, and Hello Sign for easy document signature. This feature enables your documents to be on the same app.
Download the Macro app and start your free trial today!