How to Convert PDF to Word on Mac Free (2026 Guide)

Need to edit a PDF document on your Mac? Converting PDF to Word format allows you to make changes, add content, and reformat documents easily. This guide shows you multiple free methods to convert PDF to Word on macOS while preserving formatting.

Why Convert PDF to Word on Mac?

• Edit content: Modify text, images, and formatting
• Reuse content: Extract text for new documents
• Collaboration: Share editable documents with team
• Update documents: Make corrections or additions
• Reformat: Change layout, fonts, or styles
• Extract data: Copy tables and structured content

Method 1: Convert PDF to Word with PdfVala (Recommended)

The easiest way to convert PDF to Word on Mac is using PdfVala in Safari - no software installation, completely free, and maintains formatting.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open Safari (or any browser) on your Mac
2. Visit PdfVala.com/pdf-to-word
3. Click Choose File or drag and drop your PDF
4. Select conversion options:
   • Standard: Fast conversion, good formatting
   • High Quality: Better formatting preservation (recommended)
   • OCR: For scanned PDFs (extracts text from images)
5. Click Convert to Word button
6. Wait for processing (usually 10-60 seconds)
7. Click Download to save DOCX file
8. Open in Microsoft Word or Pages

Method 2: Using Apple Pages (Free, Built-in)

Convert with Pages App:

1. Open Pages app (pre-installed on Mac)
2. File then Open
3. Select your PDF file
4. Pages automatically converts PDF to editable document
5. Edit as needed
6. File then Export To then Word
7. Choose DOCX format
8. Click Next and save

Pros: Free, built-in, no internet needed

Cons: Formatting may not be perfect, complex layouts can break

Method 3: Using Preview and Copy/Paste

Manual Method:

1. Open PDF in Preview
2. Tools then Text Selection
3. Select text you want to copy
4. Command+C to copy
5. Open Microsoft Word or Pages
6. Command+V to paste
7. Reformat as needed

Limitation: Loses formatting, images not included, tedious for long documents

Method 4: Using Microsoft Word for Mac

If You Have Microsoft 365:

1. Open Microsoft Word
2. File then Open
3. Select PDF file
4. Word displays conversion prompt
5. Click OK to convert
6. Word converts PDF to editable document
7. Review and edit as needed
8. Save as DOCX

Note: Requires Microsoft 365 subscription ($69.99/year or $6.99/month)

Method 5: Using Google Docs (Free, Online)

Steps:

1. Open Google Drive in browser
2. Click New then File Upload
3. Select PDF file
4. Right-click uploaded PDF
5. Open with then Google Docs
6. Google Docs converts PDF to editable document
7. File then Download then Microsoft Word (.docx)

Pros: Free, accessible anywhere

Cons: Requires internet, formatting often breaks, uploads file to Google servers

Comparison of Methods

Tips for Best Conversion Results

1. Check PDF Type

• Text-based PDFs: Convert easily with good formatting
• Scanned PDFs: Require OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
• Image-heavy PDFs: May need manual adjustment after conversion

2. Review Converted Document

• Check headings and formatting
• Verify tables are intact
• Ensure images are in correct positions
• Review page breaks

3. Fix Common Issues

• Broken tables: Manually adjust column widths
• Missing fonts: Replace with similar system fonts
• Misaligned images: Reposition and resize
• Extra spaces: Use Find and Replace to clean up

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert scanned PDFs to Word on Mac?

Yes, but you need OCR (Optical Character Recognition). PdfVala includes OCR support for scanned PDFs. Select the OCR option during conversion to extract text from images.

Will formatting be preserved when converting PDF to Word?

Most formatting is preserved, including fonts, colors, images, and basic layout. However, complex layouts, custom fonts, or special formatting may require manual adjustment after conversion.

Can I edit the Word document after conversion?

Yes, that is the main purpose. Once converted to DOCX format, you can edit text, images, formatting, and layout just like any Word document.

Does macOS have a built-in PDF to Word converter?

Not directly. Preview can view PDFs but not convert to Word. Pages can open PDFs and export to Word, but formatting quality varies. For best results, use PdfVala or Microsoft Word.

How long does PDF to Word conversion take on Mac?

With PdfVala, most conversions complete in 10-60 seconds depending on file size and complexity. Scanned PDFs with OCR may take 1-3 minutes.

Conclusion

Converting PDF to Word on Mac is essential for editing documents, reusing content, and collaboration. PdfVala offers the best balance of quality, privacy, and ease of use without requiring software installation. Whether you have text-based or scanned PDFs, PdfVala handles the conversion while preserving formatting as much as possible.

Related Guides:

• How to Convert PDF to Word Free
• How to Edit PDF on Mac
• How to Merge PDF Files on Mac