How to Convert PDF to Google Docs

You can quickly convert PDF to Google Docs in Google Drive or use Xodo's online converter for accurate conversion while preserving the original formatting.

Looking to convert PDFs to Google Docs?

Whether you're a student revising an assignment, a professional updating a contract, or simply editing a PDF, mastering this skill is essential.

Converting your locked-down PDFs into editable Google Docs enables seamless editing, sharing, and collaboration online.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of converting PDFs to Google Docs, offering useful tips for editing, troubleshooting, and sharing your documents effortlessly.

Convert PDF to Google Docs in Google Drive 

Follow these steps to quickly convert your PDF into Google Docs directly in Google Drive:

1. Upload the PDF file to your Google Drive.
2. Once the file is uploaded, right-click on it.
3. Select Open with > Google Docs.

The platform will automatically turn your PDF file into an editable Google Doc.

This method is effective for converting PDFs containing simple text, but it may prove less accurate with complex formatting, images, or non-standard fonts.

Be sure to review your document for any issues post-conversion as some formatting may need to be adjusted.

Convert PDF to Google Doc without losing formatting

Here's how to convert PDF to Google Docs while preserving original formatting with Xodo:

1. Open your PDF in Xodo’s free online PDF to Word converter.
2. Click on Convert to start the conversion process.
3. Save your converted Word file to your Google Drive. You can then directly open your document using Google Docs.

Use the above method for accurate conversion of PDF files featuring complex structures or layouts to ensure no original formatting is lost.

Solving common PDF to Google Doc Conversion Issues

We all know that conversions won’t always go right the first time around.

Here are some quick troubleshooting tips to overcome obstacles when converting your PDF into Google Docs.

Trouble uploading PDF to Google Drive

You may face issues when uploading your PDF files to Google Drive.

This can be due to a slow internet connection or a file that's too large.

Try refreshing the page to solve the issue or split your PDF into smaller files.

Problems in opening PDFs in Google Docs

Another issue may involve opening PDFs directly in Google Docs.

This can be due to incompatible files or browser issues.

For this issue, try logging into Google Docs in a different browser or updating your browser to the latest version.

Formatting issues post PDF conversion

Got formatting discrepancies after converting PDF to Google Docs?

This might be due to the nature of the file or intricate layout and structure of the PDF.

Simplifying and editing your PDF layout can help maintain the formatting accurately.

Missing data after conversion

In some cases, data might be missing after the PDF to Google Docs conversion.

This can happen if the data was in an unusual font or format that Google Docs can't process.

In such cases, converting the data to a standard format before conversion might help. Follow the steps in the second conversion method we covered above.

Google Docs fails to convert your PDF

Sometimes, Google Docs fails to convert the file altogether.

This could be because the file is password protected, encrypted, or in a format incompatible with Google Docs.

Ensuring the PDF is unprotected and in a compatible format will allow for a smooth conversion.

Working with PDF Content in Google Docs

Now that your PDF content is converted to Google Docs format, it becomes editable, allowing you to use the platform to make changes to your PDF content.

Editing PDF content in Google Docs

Follow these simple steps to edit your PDF content using Google Docs:

1. Open the PDF file in Google Docs.
2. Use the available tools to edit your document.
3. Add, delete, or modify the text or images, change the font style, size, and color, apply formatting styles like bold, italics, underline.

You can also insert tables, hyperlinks, comments, special characters and many other elements, letting you edit PDF content using Google Docs.

Sharing PDF files in Google Docs

Google Docs also makes sharing and collaborating on PDF files easy.

After converting your PDF to Google Docs, click the "Share" button, located in the upper right corner of the document.

You can then invite others to view, comment on, or edit the document by entering their email addresses.

Saving PDF files in Google Docs

After you've finished editing the converted PDF file, you can save it as a Google Docs file.

If you wish to keep it in Google Docs, simply close the document, and it will automatically save to your Google Drive.

Connect your Google Docs workflow with Xodo

Knowing how to convert PDF to Google Docs is an easy way to integrate your existing document workflows with Xodo.

You can install the free Xodo app from the Google Marketplace to work faster and easier with PDF documents inside your Google Drive.

Xodo can also help step in when you need to convert your Google Docs to PDF again.

Explore over 30 PDF tools offered by Xodo to enhance your document management across web, desktop, and mobile platforms.