With digital workspaces still evolving, document conversion skills have become essential for many professionals. Whether collaborating on a document in Google Docs or making quick edits, you need to learn the right tools and how to do it. In the following tutorial, I will teach you several ways to convert PDFs into Google Docs, including using Google Drive and extending to more comprehensive tools such as WPS Office. You will learn how to do this efficiently and without any hassle.
Why Convert PDFs to Google Docs?
These are ideal for viewing among different devices with the facility for maintaining layout; however, they could be restrictive if you need to edit something therein. While changes can be done on the spot in a Word or Google Doc, the same ease is not afforded by a PDF. This will necessitate conversion to a more manageable format, wherein changes could involve updating any text, Typos, or new information.
Google Docs is a compelling feature for real-time collaboration, effort-free formatting, and accessibility over any device with internet access. You can freely edit and share documents with anyone by converting your PDFs to Google Docs. Hence, it is perfect for personal or business use.
Method 1: Using Google Drive to Convert PDF to Google Docs
The most straightforward conversion of PDF to Google Docs is done through Google Drive. If you are already using Google Docs, then this should be as easy as pie.
How to Convert PDF to Google Docs via Google Drive: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Upload the PDF to Google Drive:
Open Google Drive in your browser.
Click on the "New" button on the left side of your screen.
Choose the "File Upload" option and select your PDF.
Step 2: Opening the PDF in Google Docs. Once uploaded, right-click the PDF in your Google Drive and select "Open with" >> Google Docs.
Step 3: Let the Magic Happen The PDF document will automatically convert into a formatted, editable document by default. The size and complexity of your file will also affect this.
Step 4: Edit and Save:
With the document now open in Google Docs, you can edit anything. Finally, you can save it as a Google Doc or download it in other formats, like Microsoft Word or PDF.
Advantages of Using Google Drive to Convert PDFs to Google Docs
Free: Google Drive provides this free feature, eliminating the need to install extra software.
Out of the box: If you already utilize Google Docs, it's smooth and swift.
Real-time collaboration: When the PDF is converted, you can work with others to make changes in real-time.
Method 2: Convert PDF to Google Docs using WPS Office
While Google Drive means well, you may want some things done differently with formatting or need further tweaking of the document. In that case, the WPS Office should be your ace. Renowned for its flexibility, strong document processing power, and high compatibility, WPS Office will give fantastic results when converting PDFs into editable formats like Google Docs.
WPS Office has an in-built PDF to Word converter that can be uploaded to Google Docs. Here's how you do it:
How to Convert PDF to Google Docs Using WPS Office: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Install WPS Office:
If you have not installed WPS Office, download and install it. This tool is completely free, but you will always have options for upgrading to its premium services.
Step 2: Open the PDF in WPS Office:
Now, open WPS Office and open your target PDF using the "PDF to Word" option from the menu for PDF tools.
Step 3: Convert PDF to Word: The opened PDF should be converted into the Word DOCX format using the "Convert" option in the WPS office.
Step 4: Upload the Word File to Google Drive: After conversion, save it as a docx file and drag/drop/upload it to your Google Drive account.
Step 5: Open the Word Document in Google Docs:
Right-click on the DOCX file in Google Drive, select "Open with," and then "Google Docs." When the Word document opens within Google Docs as an editable version, automatic conversion happens.
Benefits of Using WPS Office to Convert PDFs:
Better control over the structure and format of documents when converted, particularly critical PDF documents with complex formats, is better-taken care of using WPS Office.
Advanced features: In addition to PDF conversions, it offers a host of other advanced features, such as strong editing capabilities, cloud storage, and document management features.
Free tier and premium: WPS Office is free to use with added premium features for advanced needs.
Method 3: Using Online PDF to Google Docs Converters
Suppose you don't want to install software and want the conversion quick. In that case, several online facilities can convert PDF to Google Docs. A few well-known online converters include PDF to DOC, Smallpdf, and Zamzar. While these services offer free options, some may limit file size or the number of conversions per day.
How to Convert PDF to Google Docs with the Help of Online Converters: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose an Online Converter. Open any online conversion website, such as Smallpdf or Zamzar, and convert your PDF into Word.
Step 2: Upload PDF. Click the "Choose File" button and upload your selected PDF.
Step 3: PDF to Word Conversion Let the online tool convert the PDF into a Word document. Once the conversion is complete, download the Word file.
Step 4: Upload to Google Drive:
Upload the resulting Word document to Google Drive.
Step 5: Open in Google Docs:
With the uploaded DOCX file in Google Drive, right-click and select "Open with" > "Google Docs" to have it converted into an editable Google Doc.
Benefits of Online Conversion to PDF
No Installation: This doesn't require software downloading; hence, it will be suitable for fast conversion.
Free Options: Most of these online converters offer free options, which restrict the number of files or the size of each file.
Why Use Google Docs After Conversion?
Once your PDF is converted into Google Docs, you can begin to take complete advantage of it for the host of features it comes with to make it that powerful tool, including:
Real-Time Collaboration: You easily share the document for real-time collaboration, allowing smoother teamwork.
Cloud-Based: With Google Docs, your documents are saved on the cloud, so you can easily access them anywhere using any device, with unlimited storage.
Advanced Formatting Options: Format the document using font style, layout, and design per your requirements.
Excellent Integration with Other Google Tools: Google Docs is well integrated with other applications in the Google Workspace ecosystem, including Google Sheets and Google Slides, to help you easily manage your workflow.
Why is WPS Office a Good Alternative?
While the above methods to convert PDF into Google Docs are pretty simple, several users may feel that WPS Office is more suited to deal with their documents. Here's why:
Multi-functionality: WPS Office supports file formats such as PDF, DOCX, and PPT for handling multi-type documents or conversions.
Advanced Editing Tools: WPS Office has more advanced editing tools than Google Docs, which allows it to personalize and format documents more easily.
Free and Paid Plans: WPS Office is free but has a premium version with additional features like PDF editing, extra cloud storage, and even more advanced templates.
FAQs
1. Can you directly convert a PDF to Google Docs without losing the formatting?
While Google Drive automatically converts many documents, some highly designed PDFs may not hold their shape. You can convert the PDF using a third-party tool like WPS Office to Word before uploading it to Google Docs.
2. Does WPS Office offer free PDF conversions?
Yes, WPS Office is free for basic use in converting PDFs. However, a paid version is required for an added feature related to PDF editing, as well as additional templates.
3. Are there any size limitations when converting PDFs online?
Most online converters have limited file sizes for free users. Still, most of these can be upgraded to the paid service to remove such restrictions.
Summary
Conversion of PDFs into Google Docs is beneficial for editing and collaboration. It is easy to convert PDFs to editable Google Docs with Google Drive, WPS Office, or online converters. While Google Drive is easy, WPS Office gives better control over formatting and editing. WPS Office comes in free and premium variants, packing AI-powered features aimed at helping enhance your workflow and productivity.
