How to turn a pdf into a Google doc (Step-by-step)

Many individuals and businesses are converting their documents into PDFs. This is because this file format is compatible with a variety of different programs and devices, making them easy to open and read. PDFs also come with security features that can’t be found in other formats.

While there are many benefits to creating PDFs, there are some downsides as well. The largest is that they can be incredibly difficult to edit.

Whether you are making comments on a friend’s or colleague’s work or trying to fill out any type of form, unless you have Adobe Acrobat with advanced features, you won’t be able to achieve your goals.

If you’re like most people, paying for a program that you’ll only use once in a while seems silly. Thankfully, there’s an easier way to make edits or fill in forms, and that includes converting PDFs into Word Docs. If you are wondering how to turn a PDF into a Google Doc, read on to discover the process.

How to Turn a PDF into a Google Doc

When it comes to how to turn a PDF into a Google Doc, the process is pretty straightforward and simple. Once you have gone through all the steps listed below, you should be able to make edits and/or fill in the necessary fields on a form.

Step 1: Open Google Drive

If you are asking how to turn a PDF into a Google Doc, the first thing you need to do is open your Google Drive.

This will require you to log into your Google account, so you’ll need to make sure you have access to the internet.

Feel free to use whatever browser you typically use to access your account.

Step 2: Prepare to Upload the File

After you have opened your Google Drive, you’ll then need to upload the PDF file. You can accomplish this by going to the upper left-hand corner of your screen and clicking the “New” option.

This is a large, oval-shaped button near the top of the page. It has a multi-colored cross on the left-hand side.

This will open a drop-down menu with several different options to choose from. Look for the one that says, “File upload.” It has an icon of a piece of paper with an arrow on the inside. Click on that.

Step 3: Upload the File

Once you have clicked on the “File upload” option, this will open a dialogue box on your computer. You will be able to see all of your different drives and folders where files are stored.

You’ll need to look for the specific PDF you are hoping to edit and highlight it. You’ll then hit the “Open” button in the dialogue box. This will upload the PDF into your Google Drive.

You will know when the download is complete because another dialogue box will pop up at the bottom of your screen. It will have the name of the file, and there should be a green checkmark next to the file.

When you’re asking how to save a PDF as a Google Doc, if you don’t see this, your file may still be in the process of uploading. Give it a little bit of time.

Step 4: Preview the Document

Once the PDF has been uploaded to your Google Drive, you’ll want to open it in the preview tab.

You can do this by clicking on the file name from the dialogue box that informed you the file has been uploaded successfully.

Step 5: Open with Google Docs

When asking how to turn a PDF into a Google Doc, after you have opened the uploaded PDF in the preview screen, you’ll need to look for the option the says “Open with” and has a down arrow.

This is found at the top of the screen in the middle. Click on the down arrow. This will open a list of options.

You’ll want to choose the “Google Docs” option.

Once you click that, a new tab will open on your computer, and the PDF will have been converted into a Google Doc.

How to Save a PDF as a Word Document on Mac

The steps listed above will help you when you’re wondering how to save a PDF as a Google Doc on a Windows-based computer. However, if you’re asking how to save a PDF as a Word document on Mac, using Google Drive is the easiest way to achieve your goal, and these are the steps you’ll need to follow.

Step 1: Open Google Drive

As always, when wondering how to save a PDF as a Google Doc, even if you have a Mac, you need to open your Google Drive.

You’ll need to have an internet connection and log into your Google account.

Step 2: Click on the Cog

Once you have Google Drive open, you’ll need to look for the cog symbol. This can be found at the top of the page on the right-hand side, near the search bar.

Step 3: Choose Settings

When you click on the cog, it will open a dropdown menu. Find the “Settings” option and click on that.

This will open a dialogue box.

Step 4: Convert Uploads

There are several different options to choose from in the dialogue box, and when it comes to how to save a PDF as a Word document on Mac, you specifically want to look for the “Convert uploads,” which should be the second option from the top.

There is a check box next to the words “Convert uploaded files to Google Docs editor format.” Click the box so that it turns blue and has a checkmark inside.

Step 5: Click Done

After you have clicked that box, you’ll then want to click the “Done” button that can be found in the top right corner of the dialogue box. This will bring you back to your Google Docs home screen.

Step 6: Convert the PDF

When asking how to save a PDF as a Word document on Mac, if the PDF has already been uploaded to your Google Drive, you’ll need to find it in your files and double-click on it to open it.

If you still need to upload it, you’ll need to click on the “New” button, find the PDF on your computer, and then upload it to your drive.

Step 7: Select “Open with”

Once the PDF has been opened, the next step in how to save a PDF as a Google Doc process is much the same as when wondering how to turn a PDF into a Google Doc that was discussed above.

In the preview screen, you’ll look for the “Open With,” hit the dropdown arrow, and choose “Google Doc.” This will convert the PDF into a Google Doc automatically.

Step 8: Download the Document

When wondering how to save a PDF as a Word document on Mac, after it has been converted in Google Drive, you will then go to the File tab in the document. This will open a list, and you’ll look for the “Download” option.

When you click on that, you will have a variety of file formats to choose from. You’ll want to choose the “Download as Microsoft Word” option.

You’ll then be able to save the document in any folder on your computer.

Easiest Way to Convert a PDF

If you are asking how to save a PDF as a Google Doc, this process is quick and easy because Google Drive does it for you. The steps are as follows:

Open Google Drive
Upload the PDF
In the preview tab, open the PDF with Google Docs
The file is automatically converted for you

Should you be asking how to save a PDF as a Word document on Mac, you’ll follow the same steps listed above, and then finish with the following:

Go to the File tab
Select Download as Microsoft Word
Save file in any folder on your computer

If you’re looking for a way to be able to edit PDFs or fill out forms, asking how to turn a PDF into a Google Doc and then following the steps will ensure that you can make changes.