Different Types of Conversion: PDF to Word, Excel, and More

Do you want to convert image-only PDF to editable PDF?
  • Save AcePDF on your computer and open it.
  • Access the batch process and hit OCR from the options.
  • Select your preferred editable format and click recognize to begin converting.

Don't be frustrated if you cannot modify your PDF. That's because PDF has two types you probably need to be aware of. These are the image-only PDF and the true PDF. The "image-only PDF," sometimes called image-based PDF, are a PDF that comes from scanning machines, mobile scanner apps, or converted images. So if you cannot edit your PDFs, they go under the "image-only PDF" type. On the other hand, the "true PDF," or the digitally created PDF, is the type of PDF made through apps like MS Word, PPT, Excel, and others. The text and images in the true PDF can be resized, copied, moved, and edit. Furthermore, you need to convert your image-only PDF to an editable PDF to modify the file's details. With that, we have the best editable PDF converter you can use to make this happen. We included different types of conversions to transform your plain image-only PDF into other editable formats, depending on your requirements. Find more details about these converters by reading the following sections below.

Different Types of Conversion

1. Convert PDF to Editable PDF

As mentioned in our introduction, you need to convert your image-based PDFs to editable and searchable PDFs. That way, you have control over the data in the file and modify them according to your standards and requirements. For this process, you can use AcePDF. The tool has an OCR function that allows you to convert your image-based PDFs to editable PDF format. Using OCR technology helps read all the images' details and alter them without affecting the original formatting. The best thing about converting your image-only PDF or scanned documents to editable PDF is you can easily edit them on AcePDF. You can beautify your PDFs, add new content, remove unwanted pages, add signatures, and more. Check the tutorial beneath to use the PDF OCR tool.

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Step 1 Install the Editable PDF Converter

From the "Download" buttons above, get the suitable option for your computer OS (Windows or Mac). Let the installer run and pass through the wizard window to install AcePDF successfully. After that, the software will appear on your computer screen, allowing you instantly glimpse its features.

acepdf main interface

Step 2 Begin the PDF Conversion

Next, tick the “Batch Process” on the lower-left panel, and a new window will appear. Hit “OCR” from the window and add your image-based only PDFs. Once done, pick your preferred recognition mode, languages, and output folder to locate the file after conversion easily. Then, select “PDF (.pdf)” for the output format to convert the original file to editable PDF format. Afterward, hit “Recognize” to start the process.

hit batch process and ocr, import files, modify settings, hit recognize

Step 3 Check the Editable PDF File

Finally, move to the set output folder and locate the file with an “OCR” on the file name. Then, right-click on it and choose “Edit with AcePDF” from the list of options. You can modify the tool on AcePDF according to your liking or use another editor that suits you well.

locate file, right-click on it and pick edit with acepdf

2. Convert PDF to Word

Another option with your image-only PDF is to convert them to Word. This is helpful as Microsoft Word has more editing options and elements to add to your converted files. Also, Word documents are more accessible than PDF files, making them readable on different devices, like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and others. What is more, collaboration on Word documents is easier as they can be shared and modified by multiple users simultaneously. Moreover, you can use the PDF to Word converter of AcePDF to convert scanned PDF to Word. It works almost the same as the tutorial above, with a slight difference we cover below.

Step 1 Begin Converting to Word

Relaunch AcePDF on your computer and go to the “Batch Process.” Select “OCR” and import your image-based PDFs or any scanned documents. Also, you can tick the “+Add file” icon to add more files and convert them simultaneously. Then, modify the recognition mode and other settings. For example, you can use the “Enhanced” mode for more accurate output. Meanwhile, set the “Word (.docx)” as the output format and tick “Recognize” to begin.

click batch process and ocr, import files, select settings, hit recognize

Step 2 Open the File on MS Word App

After the conversion method, head to the output folder and search the Word file with an “OCR” on the converted file name. Later, right-hit the file and pick “Open with” from the choices. Lastly, select “Word” from the available apps to open the converted document on the MS Word app. You can now edit the file and share it with your colleagues.

locate file, right-click on it, hit open with, and select word app

3. Convert PDF to Excel

If you work as an accountant, data analyst, teacher, or professional mostly relying on the Excel app, this conversion benefits you. Converting your image-only PDF documents to Excel can help you quickly transfer data on the sheet without manually typing them. There’s no need to worry about mistakes in manual typing, as AcePDF can instantly turn your image-based document into Excel. The tool supports popular editable and searchable formats, including Excel. Besides, the data on the source will be converted with proper layout and formatting to minimize the editing time. See the guide below to learn how the PDF to Excel converter works.

Step 1 Begin Converting to Excel

Select "OCR" from the "Batch Process" option in AcePDF's left panel. Drag the image-based or scanned PDF after that until it imports successfully. To add more files, click the "+ Add file" button. Change the OCR parameters, such as the mode, language, and folder. Also, make sure that "Excel (.xlsx)" is selected as the output format, then click "Recognize" to start converting to Excel.

hit ocr, add files, setup the settings and click recognize

Step 2 Open the New Excel Document

The software will save the final file on the output folder that you specify after the process is complete. So, proceed to that folder and look for the converted file. You can see that the file has been converted to an Excel file and has the suffix "OCR" in it. Next, right-click the document and select "Excel" to open it in your Excel application. The file can now be edited to your specifications.

 locate file, right-click on it, open it with excel app

4. Convert PDF to PPT

AcePDF is a reliable PDF to PowerPoint converter that you can use for this method. You can instantly get your PowerPoint file from an image-based PDF using the same OCR function. You can enhance the converted file with creative designs and transitions on the PPT app by converting them. For instance, you can input animations, shapes, effects, and other elements to make it more interactive. So, instead of creating a PowerPoint presentation from scratch, you can easily convert your image-only PDF to PPT. Read the guide underneath to get started. Also, you can extend your reading on this web page to learn more about image-to-PPT converters.

Step 1 Start Converting PDF to PPT

Select "Batch Process" from the tool's left pane, and hit "OCR" from the lists. Next, drag the image-based document into the software to import it instantly. Then, by selecting "+ Add File," you can add additional files depending on your preference. After that, change OCR-related options such as language, mode, and folder. Finally, choose "PPT (.pptx)" as the output format and press the "Recognize" button to begin the conversion.

click batch process and ocr, add files, modify settings, click recognize

Step 2 Locate and Check the PPT File

After the process, the software will save the converted file in a specified output folder. Then you can check the new PPT file that has "OCR" connected to its file name. To open your file using PPT software, right-click on the document and choose "PPT" from the menu that appears. Finally, you can change the PPT document to meet your needs.

locate file, right-click and select open with, hit powerpoint app

Online PDF Conversion Tools

1. Soda PDF Converter

Pricing Plan: You can use the tool for free, but you can upgrade to its premium version for $11.97/per month with unlimited access to all its features.

Soda PDF Converter is an online tool you can use on popular browsers, including Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera, and more. You can convert an image-based PDF to HTML, and other editable formats, like Word, JPEG, Excel, PowerPoint, and other supported formats. In addition, the tool doesn’t have a complicated setup as you can instantly convert a file without any settings configurations and demands. You can directly import your file, select the format of your choice and convert it in a few seconds. Although it doesn’t have any other features, the tool is helpful for quick conversion.

soda pdf converter main interface

2. Adobe Online PDF Converter

Pricing Plan: The tool is completely free to access and use.

There’s no need to spend much on the expensive desktop version of Adobe Acrobat Pro DC as you can use its online version to convert. The Adobe Online PDF Converter allows you to transform scanned files or image-only based PDF to JPG, PNG, TIFF, Word, Excel, and other supported formats. Also, the tool will convert your file to the exact formatting of the original file for you to eliminate complicated editing. Moreover, the tool has no complicated interface and navigation, making it recommended for beginners. You can drag and drop your file, choose the output format, and let the tool convert it.

adobe online pdf converter interface

3. PDF24 Tools-PDF Converter

Pricing Plan: Everything in this tool is free to utilize.

Another tool you can use to convert PDF to text, Word, EPUB, HTML, JPEG, and other formats is the PDF24 Tools-PDF Converter. It is an impressive tool designed to help you make the conversion process more convenient. What is more, there’s no need for professional skills in using this tool, as you can quickly navigate its features without complex demands. Furthermore, the tool has a secure system to protect your files. After the process, it doesn’t store your imported documents and quickly removes them from its system. You can enjoy using the tool on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers and Android or iPhone smartphones.

pdf24 tools-pdf converter interface

Comparison of Online PDF Converters

Tools Registration Needed Batch Process Saving Option
Soda PDF Converter Optional Not available You can directly save the file on your computer, Google Drive, and Dropbox.
Adobe Online PDF Converter Optional Not availableX The tool lets you keep the converted file on your device or get its link for easy sharing.
PDF24 Tools-PDF Converter None Available You can only download the converted document on your device.

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