How it works
- Add your PDFDrop it in or choose a file. It opens in your browser; nothing is sent anywhere.
- We read the textThe text is extracted in reading order, grouped into paragraphs, with headings inferred from size.
- Download the .docxOpen it in Word, Google Docs or any editor and keep working.
What to expect
A PDF doesn’t store the structure a Word document does — it stores the position of text on a page. This tool reconstructs a usable, editable document from that: the words come across in the right order, in paragraphs, with headings picked out by their size. For straightforward, text-based PDFs that gives you a clean document you can edit right away.
This tool extracts text only, so images aren’t carried over, and complex layouts, columns, tables, fonts and spacing may require adjustment after conversion. If a PDF is a scan with no searchable text, there’s nothing to extract — the tool will tell you instead of producing an empty file, and it never sends your document to a remote service to read it.
Frequently asked questions
Are my files uploaded?
No. The PDF is read and the Word document is built locally in your browser. The file is never sent to RedactLocal, and it works with your network off.
Will it look identical to the PDF?
No — it recovers editable text, not a pixel-perfect copy. Complex layouts, columns, tables and spacing may need adjusting. If you need the exact appearance, keep the PDF or use PDF to PNG.
What about a scanned PDF?
If there’s no searchable text, the tool says so rather than creating an empty file. Local text recognition for scans isn’t part of this tool, and nothing is uploaded to read it elsewhere.