Oct 20, 2016 In the Windows version of Word 2016 a PDF file can be opened and edited without difficulty, with all or almost all formatting, layout and graphics preserved. However when attempting to open a PDF file in the Mac version of Word 2016 a dialog box first appears giving a number of options of the file type to convert from.

Oct 15,2019 • Filed to: Mac Tutorials

When it comes to change PDF to Word format, users might search from the internet and try to convert PDF to Word online. If so, you might get bad result and take risk on your file itself. The online PDF to Word converter tool might produce low quality output, have limitations on file size, what even worse is that it cannot protect your file security. If you want a fast, secure and productive way to convert PDF to Word on Mac (macOS 10.15 Catalina), just read on to get the answer.

Method 1. The Easiest and Professional Way to Convert PDF to Word on Mac

PDFelement Pro - The Best Way to Save PDF to Word Document

PDFelement Pro is an all-in-one PDF editor and converter. It can help you convert PDF to Word and many other file formats without losing the original layout. The built-in OCR feature enables you to convert scanned PDF to Word and other format without hassle. And you can convert multiple PDF files to Word at high speed.

Why Choose This PDF to Word Converter:

• Convert PDF to Word, Excel, PPT, EPUB, RTF, and images format with original format.
• Batch convert PDF files into Word and other format in high speed.
• You can convert scanned PDF with the advanced OCR feature.
• You can easily modify texts, images and pages in a PDF.
• Easily markup PDF and annotate PDF with sticky note and hand-drawing shapes.
• If you want to create PDF from other types of file, you can also rely on this smart tool.
• Its secure function lets you to protect your PDF file with password, watermark or signature.

Easy Steps for Converting PDF to Word on Mac (10.15 Catalina included)

PDFelement Pro for Mac is fully compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 or later, including the latest macOS 10.13 High Sierra. There are more amazing features for you to explore. Below is a step-by-step guide for converting PDF to Word document on Mac computer. And you can also convert PDF to Excel and other formats. For Windows users, you can download PDFelement Pro to convert PDF to Word on Windows PC.

Step 1. Launch PDFelement Pro for Mac

After you've downloaded and installed this Mac PDF to Word converter, launch it. On the primary window, choose 'Convert PDF' from the menu to open the PDF convertion window.

Step 2. Transfer PDF to Word

Click the 'Convert' menu and select the output format as 'To Word'.Finally, click 'Convert' to turn PDF into Word. You can also customize the page range and add more files for PDF to Word conversion.

Step 3. Convert Scanned PDF to Word

If you file is image-based scanned PDF, you can turn on 'OCR' feature under the 'Edit' tap. And then click 'Convert' to change scanned PDF into Word format.

Step 4. Edit PDF before Converting (Optional)

If you want to make some changes on your PDF before converting it into Word document, you can click 'Open File' on the primary window to import your PDF. Then click 'Edit' button on the top toolbar to modify the texts and images in the PDF. To edit pages, you can choose the corresponding options 'Pages' .

If you'd like to annotate your PDF, you can click the 'Comment' button and get options for adding sticky note, text box, drawing lines/shapes and highlight. Finally click 'Save' to confirm your changes.

Method 2. Save PDF as Word Document on Mac Using iSkysoft PDF Converter for Mac

To simply convert PDF into Word on Mac, I recommend iSkysoft PDF Converter Pro for Mac, which is a simple PDF to Word Converter Mac (10.15 Catalina included) program for someone who is facing the problem of converting PDF files to formats like Word, Excel, PPT, Text, and more for better editing, saving, etc.

Why Choose This Mac PDF to Word Converter:

• This Mac PDF to Word converter can convert standard and encrypted PDF files to Word (.doc and .docx).
• It can convert PDF to Word and other formats without losing the original style and format.
• And you can use it to do batch conversion or convert only specified PDF pages.
• It comes with OCR technology which saves image-based scanned PDF to Word and other formats.

Steps to Get PDF to Word on Mac

Step 1. Run the Program and Load PDF Files

Open this Mac PDF to Word application from 'Application' folder after you have installed it. And import the PDF files you want to convert to Word format. You may drag and drop one or several PDF files to the interface of the program. Alternatively, you can go to 'File > Add PDF Files' to select the PDF files and import them to the program.

Note: You may import up to 200 PDF files to the program. If you want to add or replace some text, and make some other editing before the conversion, you can go to the guides on how to extract image from PDF, delete page from PDF, and so on. If you want to insert or modify some text before the conversion, you can follow the guide on how to edit PDF files on Mac.

Step 2. Choose the Page Range and Output Format

Click on the PDF file to highlight it, and you will see a gear icon show up. Click on the 'Gear' icon to open the output settings window. In the 'Page Range' column, you can customize the pages you want. You may specify the Page Range to convert partial PDF pages to Word pages. And then choose 'Word' format as the output format prior to convert PDF on your iMac or Macbook.

Step 3. Start to Extract PDF to Word

Click the 'Convert' button to start the conversion. When it is done, you'll get a message. Click 'OK' to open it with Microsoft Word (if available) to make sure everything is converted correctly.

Method 3: How to Convert PDF to Word on Mac Using Automator

First, you need to know that Automator is actually part of Mac OS X. Below are the simple steps that one follows in order to convert their PDF files to editable word document on MAC using Automator.

• Step 1. Open the Application folder on your Mac gadget and double click the tiny silver robot icon to launch Automator. Then a dialogue window appears that requires that you make a work flow.
• Step 2. Just below the action menu, on the first column; locate and click the 'Files and Folders' button. You are then required to click and drag 'Ask For Finder Items' from the second column and drop it to the workflow segment situated at the right-hand side of the window.
• Step 3. You will then refer back to the first column and click on the 'PDFs' button. From the second column, this time you will drag 'Extract PDF Text' and drop it under 'Ask For Finder Items' on the workflow panel. On this process you will be able to see some options that you can set. For a converted text file that retains its original text formatting, you will choose the 'Rich Text' option.
• Step 4. Finally save your work flow. Press Command – S and then provide a suitable name then click on the save button to conclude this process.
• Step 5. Now start using Automator through the workflow process you have created to convert your PDF files to word. It is as simple of just finding and selecting the PDF file that you need converted and let the Automator do the rest of the job for you.

Pros:

• It is part of the Mac OS X, users can access its valuable services directly.

Cons:

• It is messy – the rich text option only ensures that the converted file retains its original format of text and not the overall layout of the document.

Method 4: How to Convert PDF to Word on Mac Online

You can use some websites to convert PDF to Word. We will now discuss about how to turn PDF into Word using freepdfconvert. So let’s get started.

• Step 1: The first thing is to visit the website of freepdfconvert.com. After entering into the website, you see the primary page like below.
• Step 2: You see that there are many buttons like 'PDF Converter', PDF to Word' etc. As you have to convert PDF to Word, click on the 'PDF to Word' button.
• Step 3: Now you see a button named 'Select File'. By tapping on the button, you can browse for the PDF file that you need to convert.
• Step 4: Once you select the PDF file, hit the OK button of your browsing box. You see the PDF file named 'TriFold Coffe & Muffin….' has been uploaded to the website for further conversion. Now you will have to hit the 'Convert' tab for start converting. It will take some time depending on the file’s size to complete the conversion for PDF to Word.
• Step 5: Once the conversion is complete, you will see a new button named 'Downlaod'. By tapping on the button, you can go for downloading, deleting or saving to Google Docs as per your wish. By downloading the file, you are getting a Word file of your PDF file.

PDF to Word Online Converter

You can also opt to convert PDF to word on Mac online by using other online tools, below are 3 of the most common online PDF to word converters.

1. ZamZar PDF to Word Converter

ZamZar is a online PDF to Word converter that can actually convert your PDF file to a number of other file formats like PPT, xlsx and many more. Just start by selecting the PDF file or URL of its location – > Choose the format – > Then key in your email address so that you can receive the converted version of the file – > finally click on convert button.

Pros:

• No need to download.
• Easy to use.

Cons:

• It takes a long time for batch files, it can only convert one PDF file at a time.
• It requires the user to have an email address.

2. Online PDF-Converter

This is among the best PDF to Word converter online service that anyone can use. It is quite popular generally because f its versatility and ease of use. When you open the online2pdf.com website, select the PDF files you need converted (up to 20 files), select the desired output format (Word), and finally click on the convert button.

Pros:

• Allows up to a maximum of 20 PDF files.
• It is easy to use as well as edit the PDF files.

Cons:

• You can only access this resource online, basically you can never do much without the internet connection.

3. PDF to Word Converter

pdftowordconverter.net is such an excellent website to consider for your online PDF to word conversion needs. Quite an easy to use resource as compared to the ZamZar option, as it only includes two simple steps. First, you will have to choose the PDF file – >then hit the convert button, and download the converted file to your Mac device.

Pros:

• Very easy to use.
• It is no fee.

Cons:

• It is quite slow as it can only covert a single PDF file at an instance.

Method 5: Turn PDF into Word Using Google Docs

You may have already known that Google Docs has the functionality of creating as well as editing Doc files. Now you will be amazed to know that with Google Docs, you can also convert PDF into Doc file. The good news is that the service of converting PDF into Word is totally free of cost. So you can expect a good service of PDF conversion from the internet giant Google with their Google Docs. Another good thing is that the Doc file that is created or converted by Google Docs is compatible with cross platforms, so you can use the converted file on Mac, Windows, and Linux etc. Not only that, popular mobile platform Android also supports the Doc format.

Now learn the process of Google Docs to convert PDF into Doc. You should know that you will not be able to convert as Word, but Doc is also considered as one type of Word document.

As it is totally free to convert, you only need an updated browser along with a Google account (@gmail.com).

• Step 1: First of all, visit Google Docs and login. As you know that one Google account is applicable for all the Google’s products, so if you have a Gmail account, you can login with that for Google Docs.
• Step 2: You will have to tap on the tiny upload icon that is located next to the button of 'CREATE'.
• Step 3: Now from the browsing option, go for the PDF file that you would like to convert.
• Step 4: After that, in the 'Upload Settings' panel, check the option named 'Convert text from uploaded PDF and image files' along with other two options.
• Step 5: Now by choosing the 'File' option, go for the button 'Download as' where from you can download the PDF file as Doc file. This Doc file will be compatible for cross platforms.

Method 6: Turn PDF into Word Using Adobe Acrobat

Using Adobe Acrobat, you can convert PDF to Word too. Here are the processes that you will have to follow in order to achieve the conversion.

• Step 1: Open a PDF file that you will convert Word.
• Step 2: On the top menu bar, go for 'File' option.
• Step 3: From the drop down menu, you will have to go for 'Save As Other…'.
• Step 4: Then go to :Microsoft Word' and after that it will show Word Document.
• Step 5: Pressing on 'Word Document', it will show you paths for saving the PDF file as Word. Set the path and press Ok. It will be saved as Word file.

iSkysoft PDF Creator - Convert Word to PDF on Mac with PDF Creator for Mac

iSkysoft PDF Creator for Mac is an easy-to-use yet quality Word to PDF converter. With it, you can convert unlimited Microsoft Office files including DOC, DOCX, XLS， XLSX， PPT, and PPTX to PDF. It comes with many wonderful features:

Key Features:

• Convert Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to PDF easily and quickly.
• Create high-quality PDF with high resolutions and 100% original formatting.
• Import unlimited Word files and convert to PDFs at once.

Word and PDF are two of the most popular document formats in the digital world! Even then, you sometimes need to convert Word documents to PDF files, which are basically accepted everywhere. This is when you’d need a Word to PDF Converter.

In our previous article, we covered some of the best free and paid PDF editors out there. And today, we are talking about the best Word to PDF converters for Mac.

The thing with Mac is that you can rely on multiple ways to convert a Word file to PDF. You can use native options, free software, online platforms or dedicated converter tools. Understanding this, we have created a comprehensive list of the best Word to PDF converters for Mac. Some of them aren’t made specifically for Mac, but you can get the job done.

If you have a word file in the email attachment that you need to download as a PDF, simply open that file in Google Chrome, press Cmd + P to bring up the Print Menu. Change the destination to Save it as PDF. Not an intuative assumption, but it works.

Best Word to PDF Converter For Mac

There is only one effective way to convert Word to PDF in a Mac. The label native means that you don’t have to install or use third-party programs. Everything happens inside the Mac, as long as you have the Word file ready.

Converter Word To Pdf online, free

#1 Using Preview – Free Native Options

Preview is the default macOS app for opening PDF, Image and even other document files. Turns out, you can use it for converting a Word file to PDF as well. If you want to convert a Word file to PDF quickly, you can count on this method.

To use this, you have to open the Word file using Preview. You can do this by choosing Open With -> Preview from the context menu. Now, you can see the Word document on Preview. You can now go to File -> Export as PDF. Simply choose the destination and the PDF file would be saved.

Where It Fell Short

This process is quite simple but comes with a few downsides.

Preview does not let you convert Word files to PDF in bulk. You have to load all the files one by one and do the conversion. It should also be noted that Preview doesn’t offer the best view of Word file before converting. You can count on this method if you need the quickest and simplest Word to PDF conversion on Mac.

There is a few free Mac software to convert Word to PDF, you know. Some of these are in-built while you can download others. We have, however, chosen the best macOS software to do this job.

#2 Microsoft Word for Mac – Free macOS Software

This assumes that you already have Microsoft Word installed on your Mac. So, if you have created one Word document using MS Word, you can convert the file to PDF using the same software. Compared to Preview, it offers a more seamless workflow, you know.

In order to do this, you have to open the Word file using MS Word on your Mac. Now, go to File > Save As. From the next dialogue box, you can select PDF from the available options. You can also select the desired quality of PDF document. Hit the Save button and the Word file will be converted to PDF.

Where It Fell Short

Once again, you cannot convert Word documents in bulk. This method isn’t also possible if you don’t have MS Word installed. For instance, if you just downloaded a Word document from the Web, you can’t use this option much.

Alternative to MS Word on macOS

Well, there are some other options to do this too. You can use the following methods if you want the easy Word to PDF conversion.

1. You can use Pages app that is already preinstalled on Mac — to open the Word document and Export it to PDF. It’s a great option if you don’t have Word installed on the device.
2. TextEdit on Mac is also a great option. You can open the Word file using TextEdit and choose Export as PDF from the File menu. This option may not, however, render formatting and fonts correctly.

These methods are great when you need a more seamless workflow. The best part about MS Word and Pages is that you can edit the document before actually converting it.

#3 Smallpdf.com – Free Online Word To PDF converter

Smallpdf.com is one of the most effective ways to convert a Word file to PDF and do many other things. It’s actually a complete PDF editing suite that you can access online and doesn’t require your email, unlike many similar services.

Using Smallpdf is simple enough. You can open the website on a Mac browser and drag-and-drop the Word file you want to convert. In seconds, Smallpdf.com will upload the file, convert and provide you a link for download. It even lets you save the PDF file to Google Drive or Dropbox.

Where It Fell Short

Online Word to PDF converters is great. But, not everyone wants to upload confidential files to another server. This is one reason why you may not like this option. Also, this method needs a constant internet connection.

Free Download Converter Word To Pdf For Mac File

Alternatives

Of course, Smallpdf.com is not the only way to convert a Word document to PDF online. You can use Google Drive for the purpose too. You can upload the file to Google Drive, open it, and select ‘Download as PDF’ from the File option. Once again, this would want you to upload to files to a bigger fish.

So, you can count on the online methods if you are converting something not-so-confidential. On the bright side, you don’t have to install/download anything.

#4 Wondershare PDF Element – Paid Word to PDF Converters

This is the best option when you need more control over Word to PDF conversion. The only point is that you must be ready to pay for these features. Out of the hundreds of PDF suites out there, we have chosen the best few.

Wondershare PDF Element is indeed one of the best choices for converting a Word document to PDF. It has to be noted that the tool can do even better — from editing your PDF files to encrypting them. So, be it any kind of annotation or full editing, Wondershare PDFelement would do the job.

Read our complete PDF Element review here.

Another bigger perk is that you can use Wondershare PDFelement for bulk actions. If you want to batch convert word to pdf in Mac, it’s the best option. The UI too resembles an Office Suite, so that you will not have trouble fitting in.

Where It Fell Short

There is no denying that Wondershare PDFelement is one of the best PDF tools, however, that you have to pay a hefty price for this tool. That having said, you can do all the conversions and editing locally.

Alternatives

Well, there are many other options too when you want to do the same job. For instance, we have the Adobe Acrobat, where you have to pay a hefty price as the subscription fee. On the other hand, when it comes to dedicated tools, the focus is less too. On the bright side, you get a PDF Editing Suite when you try one of these methods. If you do these things part of a professional, it would be great.

The Best Ways to Convert a Word File to PDF?

You have seen four of the most effective ways to convert documents on Word to PDF, we believe. Depending on your requirements and budget, you can pick any of them. For instance, if you just need a simple Word to PDF converter, we’d recommend using the in-built Export option in MS Word. On the other hand, if you are looking for bulk actions and more controls, we think something like PDFelement would make sense. We have not stranded out the solutions so that you have multiple choices here.