Converting a PDF to Google Docs is a handy skill to have, especially if you need to edit a document that’s locked in a PDF format. The process is straightforward. All you need is a Google account, the PDF file you want to convert, and a few minutes of your time. After the conversion, you’ll be able to edit the document as if it were created in Google Docs from the start.
Table of Contents showBefore diving into the steps, let’s talk about what we’re trying to achieve here. Converting a PDF to Google Docs allows you to edit the document’s content, which is not possible with a regular PDF file. Following these steps will get you a Google Docs version of your PDF.
Log in to your Google Drive account.
Google Drive is the home of Google Docs and where the magic starts. If you don’t have a Google account, you’ll need to create one. Once you’re in, you’ll see all your files and folders.
Click on the “+ New” button and then select “File upload” to upload your PDF file.
After clicking on “File upload,” navigate through your computer’s folders and select the PDF file you wish to convert. Once you’ve found it, click “Open,” and the file will start uploading to your Google Drive.
Right-click on the uploaded PDF file, hover over “Open with,” and select “Google Docs.”
This step transforms the PDF into an editable document. Google Docs will automatically convert the PDF to a format that you can edit. Be patient, as this process might take a minute or two, depending on the file’s size and complexity.
Once you’ve completed the conversion, you’ll have a brand-new Google Docs document derived from the PDF file. You can now edit the text, add images, and make any changes you’d typically do in a Google Docs file.
Google Docs might not be able to accurately convert it, and you could end up with many broken elements.
Yes, you can use the Google Drive app to convert PDFs to Google Docs on your mobile device.
Currently, Google Drive doesn’t support batch conversions, so you’ll have to convert each PDF individually.
Google Drive has a limit for uploads and conversions, so if your PDF is too large, you might need to compress it first.
The formatting might change, especially with complex PDFs, so you’ll likely need to do some manual adjustments.
Converting a PDF to Google Docs is a valuable skill for anyone who works with documents regularly. Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or just someone who needs to edit a document locked in a PDF, knowing how to make this conversion is a game-changer. Plus, with Google Drive being accessible and user-friendly, the process is painless and quick.
Remember, while Google Docs does an excellent job converting most PDFs, the formatting may not always be perfect, especially with more complex files. But don’t let that discourage you. With a bit of tweaking, you can get your document looking just the way you want it.
In conclusion, converting a PDF to Google Docs opens up a world of editing possibilities. It’s like unlocking a digital handcuff that keeps your document’s potential confined. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how this nifty trick can streamline your workflow and make document management a breeze. Trust me, once you start converting, there’s no going back.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.