PDF converters share one purpose: giving you back control of content locked inside a PDF. This article describes the capabilities most worth knowing about, using the archived description of Quick PDF Converter as a reference.
Convert first, then edit
If you want to edit a PDF in Word, the practical route is to convert the file and make your changes in the new document. A good converter also extracts the images and shapes, producing separate files you can reuse. Instant conversion to Word, Excel, image and text formats is typical, and the layout and formatting should remain a faithful mirror of the original.
Scanned documents
Built-in OCR handles scanned PDFs, turning the picture of a page into editable text. Together with batch conversion, this lets you process a folder of scanned documents without opening each one.
Output choices
Besides Word’s DOC format, a converter may write RTF, XLS, JPG, PNG and other types. The point is to let you save a document in whichever format suits the next step in your work, while the style and layout of the original remain intact.
A summary of capabilities
- single-click PDF conversion
- output to DOC, DOCX, RTF, TXT, Excel, images and PostScript
- scanned PDF handling
- Word-to-PDF conversion
- rotated text support
- batch and partial conversion
- image extraction
- complete formatting retention
- more than 5,600 fonts
- free support and a simple interface
Why a trial is worth using
The archive suggests trying the free version of the software before buying. A trial lets you judge speed and accuracy on your own files. Speed and accuracy are the headline qualities of a good converter: documents convert quickly, and the result is a close copy of the source. Converters that rely on industry-standard methods are less likely to distort a file.
Batch or partial
Sometimes you need an entire document, sometimes a handful of pages. A converter that supports both modes covers either case without extra effort.
Filling out a PDF form in Word-like fashion
Not every form can be filled in directly in a reader. A general approach is as follows:
- Install or update a PDF reader such as Acrobat Reader.
- Open the form and click an empty field to type your information.
- Save the file using File, then Save or Save As.
- If the form is not fillable, an online form tool can help: open the tool in your browser, choose to open a file from your computer, pick the form, and use the Text tool to add your answers.
- Save or print the completed form.
Registering with an online service is optional, but doing so lets you return to the form later. Avoid uploading forms that contain sensitive personal details to services you do not trust.
More information
The feature walkthrough goes deeper into each capability.
Security of converted files
Converting a PDF produces a new file that carries none of the original’s passwords or permissions, so treat it with the same care as the source. Store converted files in a protected folder if they contain confidential material, and delete temporary copies when you are done. Only convert documents you are entitled to edit; a converter does not change who owns the content.
Matching the tool to the task
If your work is mostly occasional edits, a single-purpose converter is plenty. If you also need to create, merge or protect PDFs, look for a suite. Large archives of scans call for OCR and batch processing, whereas a designer reclaiming artwork from brochures will value image extraction above all. Write down your top three needs and test candidates against them with your own files.