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How to Convert a Password-Protected PDF to Word: Without extra software

4/19/2018

36 Comments

 
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Disclaimer: ​If a PDF is password protected there is probably a reason for it (legal or otherwise). So, before you convert a PDF to Word, make sure you have full permission from the creators to do so.

​Now, assuming you are good to go with permissions, there are several reasons you may want to convert a PDF to Word, including:
  • You want to easily repurpose the text.
  • You want to get a word count using Word’s algorithm.
  • You need to send the file to someone who only accepts Word docs.

With the method I’m about to show you, you do NOT need special PDF conversion software. (However, you do need a PDF program like Adobe Acrobat.) This method is fine if you’re just trying to access the text and maintaining the exact layout/formatting of the PDF isn’t a big deal to you.
​
The only caveat is, the Word doc will likely look a bit different from the PDF when all is said and done. If that’s going to be problematic, I’d recommend using a PDF converter or asking the creator to unlock the PDF.

How to Do It

1. Save the PDF to your desktop (or other location on your computer)

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2. Open the PDF in your web browser (Google Chrome)

How to do this:
Right-click the file > Select “Open with” > Select “Google Chrome”
 ​
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3. Print the file from the Browser to a New PDF

How to do this:
  1. Once the PDF has opened in your browser, select the print icon. This will open the Print menu.
  2. The Print menu will likely show the default printer as the “Destination.” You want to save it as a new PDF. Click “Change.”
  3. Select “Save as PDF” and rename the file. Click “Save.”
 
(We’ve found that if you do not rename the file and try to overwrite the old password protected version, it may not work.)

4. Open the new PDF in Acrobat and Export to Word

How to do this:
  1. Double-click the file from where you saved it to open it in Acrobat
  2. Once opened in Acrobat, click “File”
  3. From the File menu, select “Export to” > Select “Microsoft Word” > Select “Word Document”
  4. Rename the file if you want, then click “Save.”
 

​Congratulations! 

​The file is now a Word Document!
Remember: The layout and images may look different from the original PDF. 
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36 Comments
Barbara
7/22/2019 04:22:30 am

Unfortunately, to be able to change the password or save as or export- it asks you to buy an adobe licence.

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lamar
2/26/2020 11:09:19 pm

so awesome thanks

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Francinec sheen
8/26/2019 07:59:37 am

Thanks for taking the time for making this tutorial, really appreciated. I used to convert PDF to word with acethinker pdf converter, It's a free web-based application to convert PDF to Word right from the browser, no need to download or install anything. Share it here as an alternative method.

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FREDERICK TRUST link
9/20/2019 10:51:33 pm

It does not work. When presented with download button. it displays video.

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Manju
4/18/2020 05:47:20 am

Thanks Francinec sheen

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Florisel
8/29/2019 11:49:37 am

Thank you, you saved my life with this tutorial.

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Robyn link
9/19/2019 10:40:24 am

My PDF files don't have the "export" option. Am I missing something?

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Dream Write Creative link
9/19/2019 01:01:02 pm

Hi Robyn: Are you opening it using Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader? This post is geared toward using those programs to convert PDFs, so if you're using another PDF program, it may not have the export option.

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Manju
4/18/2020 05:50:19 am

Am also facing same issue ,even if am using Adobe Acrobat and opened with same am not able to find export option.Please suggest

Sally
9/21/2019 02:34:14 pm

This do not work once save to export, it asks for password again

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Dtaz link
9/25/2019 11:31:15 pm

This was a lifesaver!! Thank you!!

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Bashkas
10/22/2019 06:10:45 am

thank you very much..I did and it works me normally..

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Madalina
11/21/2019 12:57:56 am

Awesome tip, thanks a lot, very useful and saved me a lot of work! Thanks!!!

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viewer
11/26/2019 05:42:06 pm

thank you

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Timotheus
11/27/2019 04:54:25 am

The print button doesnt work in chrome and the pdf wont convert in adobe acrobat to word

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WAMN Sampath
2/1/2020 12:14:21 am

Print won't work in chrome or Internet Explorer. Then what to do?

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Jason Hood link
3/23/2020 07:35:26 am

Thank you for this pot. This tutorial really helped me. However, now I can convert the files easily. Without wasting time.

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Pavlina
6/4/2020 05:16:18 am

Thank you very much for this! It worked perfectly. :)

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Nicko
6/25/2020 10:28:07 pm

wow, super easy and a life saver, saved me worlds and explanation was easy to follow, thank you

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Yal
8/9/2020 10:11:15 pm

I am so grateful for this tutorial. It helped be a lot. Blessings...

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Jane
11/3/2020 04:56:20 pm

You cannot do this to a secure document

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Vox
11/4/2020 10:53:16 am

Thank you !

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Marc
12/10/2020 02:07:59 pm

This didn't work at all. The new PDF is still protected and doesn't have permission to convert to word.

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Marc
12/10/2020 02:10:17 pm

My mistake. I misread one step. It works like a charm.
I'd delete my original comment if I could.

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Jan
3/29/2021 06:44:32 pm

Great tip! Followed your instructions, and it worked like a charm. Note that I have Adobe Pro or whatever it is called now and it requires a subscription.

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iot
4/4/2021 03:05:33 am

Excellent idea. Thanks a lot

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Pam
4/7/2021 02:58:34 pm

Thank you for taking the time do this tutorial. You saved me a lot of time and headache. Truly appreciated.

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Kishan link
5/4/2021 04:20:53 am

Thank you very much for this tutorial. it helped me a lot.

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Dan-Lee
8/13/2021 10:07:36 am

Thank you very much

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Tapan Sarkar
10/29/2021 10:08:05 pm

ohh very nice thanks

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Joseph Muteesaasira
12/29/2021 03:59:46 am

Fantastic tip!! Saved me a lot of aggravation trying all kinds of different pdf converters.

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MD ZAMAL UDDIN
1/6/2022 04:16:27 am

Excellent idea. It works as I required. I have converted a secured pdf file using this technique.

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Temitope Oloko
2/26/2022 05:25:56 pm

This is great. Well done. Thumbs up for you. This just saved me typing 25 pages. So grateful.

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Robert T
7/14/2022 01:50:42 pm

That worked! Thx!

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Michelle
9/1/2022 12:22:52 am

So awesome! Thank you! This saved me big time :)

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Anil link
2/16/2023 04:38:50 am

It is the best and most informative article I have ever read.

Reply



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