How to export PDF to Word, Excel or PowerPoint using Acrobat XI

Learn how to convert PDF to Word, PDF to Excel or PDF to PowerPoint using Acrobat XI.

By Steve Gottwals – September 6, 2012

 



In this tutorial, learn how to convert PDF to Word, PDF to Excel or PDF to PowerPoint documents that you can quickly edit and reuse. Learn how to save your PDF as an easy-to-edit Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint document — and keep all the formatting, too.

View transcript

How to export PDF to Word, Excel or PowerPoint using Acrobat XI

Steve Gottwals – September 6, 2012

Many people think that PDF is a static format and that content is locked inside, but with Acrobat XI you can save time from retyping that information—by exporting it directly into Microsoft Word and Excel. And with Acrobat Pro you can export it into Microsoft Powerpoint as well. So here is a file I have in Acrobat, and if I click on tools/content editing. And export file to Microsoft Powerpoint, let's go ahead and save. Let's go over to my folder. And as it comes up I can open it in Powerpoint, and I can see that all the content and editing came over including things like bullets and the master layout. In another PDF document, I can select, for instance, a table. And I can export this to Word. But I am going to choose to export it to Excel. I will do a right click. Export selection as...let's do an Excel Workbook. Save. Again, go over to my folder, and open up the Excel file. And again the content and the format all came over great. Acrobat XI saves you the hassle of re-typing that information so you can get your job done faster.



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Acrobat XI

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68 comments

Comments for this tutorial are now closed.

Lori Kassuba

4, 2015-07-29 29, 2015

Hi Sarang,

For something like this, you’ll probably want to export the graphics out of the PDF separately using the Export all images command. Then, reinsert them in the proper location in Word.

Thanks,
Lori

Sarang

5, 2015-07-24 24, 2015

In my pdf there are ship layout means ships drawing when convert into word that is not convert properly or shows internal error what i suppose to do??

Lori Kassuba

4, 2015-01-21 21, 2015

Hi Vinha,

Yes, you can convert the links when you export a PDF to Word. However, you’ll need to make sure you select Retain Flowing Text in the Setting dialog when converting.

Thanks,
Lori

Vinha

10, 2015-01-19 19, 2015

I have a PDF with links. Can I convert it to word keeping active liks?
Thanks

Lori Kassuba

4, 2014-12-30 30, 2014

Hi R Jalili,

You are correct, the ExportPDF service does not convert PDF files to PPTx format, only the PDFPack service can do this. Feel free to contact Customer Service for a refund at:
http://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?step=XEPF

Thanks,
Lori

R Jalili

5, 2014-12-27 27, 2014

Hello, I’ve paid a subscription for the ExportPDF package, which on your subscription listing included pptx files. However, when I’ve tried to export the PDF to pptx in reader it prompts me to subscribe still (i’m already logged in) and in the adobe cloud the ExportPDF doesn’t list pptx as a file type, only Word and Excel. I perceive this as fraudulent marketing if I’ve paid the subscription for a function I can’t use and would appreciate a troubleshoot session or a refund.

RJ

Lori Kassuba

3, 2014-11-06 06, 2014

Hi Rodney,

The 2-up view is set under File > Properties > Initial View. Change the option under the Page Layout dropdown.
Can you explain where you’re seeing an certificate error? In your browser, which one?

Thanks,
Lori

Rodney

10, 2014-11-04 04, 2014

Hi Lori,
I’ve received a technical document from an OEM which looks like an open book i.e. 2 pages open with the little “crop alignment” lines in the corners. Before I can crop the pages I need to change it from an open book style, back to a single-page-at-a-time type document.
How do I do this with my Adobe Pro 11? BTW. I am unable to access the video tutorials because of a certificate error issue.
Thanks, Rod.

Lori Kassuba

2, 2014-10-24 24, 2014

Hi Kiran Sawant,

The export to PPTx feature was introduced in Acrobat XI Pro. so you won’t find it in Acrobat X.

Thanks,
Lori

Lori Kassuba

2, 2014-10-24 24, 2014

Hi William Kong,

Acrobat cannot OCR handwritten information from a scanned PDF.

Thanks,
Lori

Kiran Sawant

4, 2014-10-21 21, 2014

Dear All,

We have adobe design standard cs6 lic, after installation tring to convert file from pdf to ppt, there is ppt format is missing save as option. We have reinstalled software 2 times but unable to find ppt option in save as

Kindly help me for fix the problem

William Kong

8, 2014-10-20 20, 2014

Hi,
I want to convert chinese (in hand writing) Pdf file to MsWord, can Acrobat XI do the job? Please advise.
Blessings,
William Kong

Lori Kassuba

4, 2014-09-12 12, 2014

Hi Tom,

Why not use the Add Text Comment tool to fill out the form? You can choose your font.
It is possible (but not recommended) to convert text to outlines using the Flattener Preview tool in the Print Production panel in Acrobat Pro.

Thanks,
Lori

Tom

7, 2014-09-10 10, 2014

Can fonts be convered to outlines in a received pdf.  For example, a company sends a pdf form to be completed, and we want to be able to open that form to do so, using our preferred font (s) to complete it, but not modify any of the preexisting text?

Lori Kassuba

7, 2014-09-10 10, 2014

Hi andrea,

It’s not possible with Acrobat to reflow a table - you can attempt to flow from one form field to another (via JavaScipt) but it’s not always easy.

Thanks,
Lori

andrea

3, 2014-09-10 10, 2014

I have converted a word doc to pdf. The word doc is a table that text is filled into.
Is there a away to make the text freeflowing? I do not want the text to get smaller I would like the entire row of the table to expand as the text is filled in.

Lori Kassuba

1, 2014-09-09 09, 2014

Hi Tom,

Yes the fonts will be substituted if they’re not on your system when you export the PDF file to another format such as Word.

Thanks,
Lori

Tom

3, 2014-09-08 08, 2014

How are fonts handled, when one or more are in the PDF, we want to convert the PDF to a word document, let’s say, but we don’t have one or more of the fonts contained on the PDF on our computers?

As is the case when opening an Illustrator file from someone where the fonts haven’t been converted to outlines, will we get a message advising those fonts will be changed, if our computers don’t have those fonts?  I’m not thinking there’s any other option for that.  Thanks for advising!

Lori Kassuba

2, 2014-09-05 05, 2014

Hi Sal Eppolito,

Both the Standard and Pro. versions of Acrobat convert files to Word and Excel but only the Pro. version converts PDF to PowerPoint.
Another less expensive alternative is to use the ExportPDF online service to convert your files. Here is a link to more information on that service:
https://www.acrobat.com/en_us/products/exportpdf.html

Thanks,
Lori

Sal Eppolito

7, 2014-08-28 28, 2014

I can sure use this software but why so expensive?  Also, is the student version the same as the Standard XI PRO?  This is my only hope!!!

Lori Kassuba

6, 2014-08-25 25, 2014

Hi tuanquach,

In the File > Save As Other dialog, there is a Settings button. In this dialog, make sure that “Include Images” is checked.

Thanks,
Lori

Lori Kassuba

6, 2014-08-25 25, 2014

Hi Kris,

For complex tables, you might try some of the suggestions from this discussion:
http://answers.acrobatusers.com/How-I-copy-PDF-Data-Microsoft-Excel-2007-strict-structure-columns-lines-q107215.aspx

Thanks,
Lori

tuanquach

11, 2014-08-25 25, 2014

I can’t convert page with image or header page, although i can convert text successful

kris

9, 2014-08-22 22, 2014

Hello Lori,

But unfortunately the O/P was not as expected.

In the video image its simple table.If we go with some complex tables system not providing O/P as expected.

Highly appreciate your supports.

Unfortunately I am unable to attach the input in this forum.

Thanks,
Navan.

Lori Kassuba

12, 2014-08-22 22, 2014

Hi Kris,

Thanks for letting us know what worked for you.

Lori

Kris

9, 2014-08-19 19, 2014

Hi Lori,

Thanks…I got it.

Need to press CTRL & capture the table information.

Regards,
Kris.

Lori Kassuba

8, 2014-08-19 19, 2014

Hi Kris,

It sounds like your page doesn’t have a table but an image of a table. Try running the Text Recognition command on the file first.

Thanks,
Lori

Kris

5, 2014-08-19 19, 2014

In Video 1:06 min functionality of exporting selected table not matching with my Adobe XI Pro…I am getting options during right click after selecting table are (copy image,save image as,add book mark,edit image..)

unable to see the above option of copy with formatting unable to see in menu!!

Please advice…

Thanks,

Lori Kassuba

2, 2014-06-19 19, 2014

Hi THulani,

The export to PowerPoint capability was introduced in Acrobat XI Pro.

Thanks,
Lori

Lori Kassuba

1, 2014-06-19 19, 2014

Hi Sarah Carey,

The export to PowerPoint feature was introduced in Acrobat XI Pro.

Thanks,
Lori

Sarah Carey

2, 2014-06-18 18, 2014

How do I convert a pdf to powerpoint in Acrobat Pro 10?

THulani

7, 2014-06-17 17, 2014

Good day all. I have Acrobat X Pro and I can’t see where you make the save to PPT option. I have Word and Excel. Can someone help Please

Lori Kassuba

10, 2014-06-13 13, 2014

Hi martha,

It’s not possible to edit or convert a secured document to Word.

Thanks,
Lori

martha

4, 2014-06-10 10, 2014

how do I edit a secured pdf document or convert a secured pdf to word?

Lori Kassuba

6, 2014-05-28 28, 2014

Hi Sara Frances,

This article can provide you with more details on the export capability:
http://alltamedia.com/2014/04/21/export-pdf-to-word-tips/

Thanks,
Lori

Sara Frances

7, 2014-05-27 27, 2014

Why are there not instructions for Pages, Numbers?

Lori Kassuba

5, 2014-04-01 01, 2014

Hi David,

Have you tried exporting to Word instead?

Thanks,
Lori

David

12, 2014-03-29 29, 2014

I’m trying to export a 500 page catalog with images and text descriptions from PDF to Excel but the result is too scrambled to work with. How can I format the export?

Lori Kassuba

3, 2014-03-24 24, 2014

Hi Yzombard Pierre,

Do you have all the latest updates for Acrobat installed? To correct the problem, trying running the Repair Acrobat Installation command from under the Help menu.

Thanks,
Lori

Yzombard Pierre

6, 2014-03-23 23, 2014

La création de PDF (acrobat XI pro window 7) à partir de word, excel ou html à toujours bien fonctionnée jusqu’à hier. Message :
adobe distiller impossible de créer le dossier temporaire : erreur 5 accès refusé.
Que faire ?
Merci.

Creating PDF (Acrobat Pro XI window 7) from Word, Excel or html always functioned well until yesterday. Message:
adobe distillation can not create temporary folder: Error 5 Access is denied.
What to do?
Thank you.

Lori Kassuba

3, 2014-03-20 20, 2014

Hi Supernova Lam,

With the Pro. version of Acrobat XI, you can create an Action that will look at a folder and convert the PDF files in it to Excel. Here is a similar Action that was created that does this for Word (for your reference):
http://acrobatusers.com/actions-exchange/convert-multiple-pdfs-to-word-document

Thanks,
Lori

Supernova Lam

7, 2014-03-20 20, 2014

With adobe acrobat Xi, can I convert a pdf file to excel in batch mode.  That mean to the program will scan a folder and if there is pdf file, the program can convert it to excel automatically.

Lori Kassuba

6, 2014-03-05 05, 2014

Hi Robert,

This tutorial is for exporting files from Acrobat XI and not the free Reader. If you only have the free Reader, check out this tutorial:
http://acrobatusers.com/tutorials/how-to-convert-pdf-files-to-word-or-excel-using-adobe-reader

Thanks,
Lori

Lori Kassuba

6, 2014-03-05 05, 2014

Hi Dennis,

In the Save As dialog, select the Setting button and choose the option for flowing text.

Thanks,
Lori

Lori Kassuba

6, 2014-03-05 05, 2014

Hi tuan quach,

Video from a PDF file does not export to Word.

Thanks,
Lori

Lori Kassuba

6, 2014-03-05 05, 2014

Hi Jean-Pierre Pfisterer,

When you’re signed into the ExportPDF service, under the dropdown at the top right, do you have French selected under My Information?

Thanks,
Lori

Robert

9, 2014-03-02 02, 2014

I have no Tools/content Editing folder on my pull down menu?

Dennis

5, 2014-03-02 02, 2014

How to a remove the text boxes in the original PDF or in a Word doc created from a PDF conversion?

tuan quach

2, 2014-03-02 02, 2014

please help me urgent, i’m crazy
i can export pdf file to word file with acrobat xi but video in pdf file can’t export to word, i can see video in word.

Jean-Pierre Pfisterer

10, 2014-02-27 27, 2014

j’ai acheté Adobe Export PDF Annual.
Il ne fonctionne pas avec la langue française. Le transfert du PDF français vers Word français est incompréhensible.
Que faut-il faire ?

I bought Adobe Export PDF Annual.
It does not work with the French language. Transfer PDF to French French Word is incomprehensible.
What does it do?

Lori Kassuba

3, 2014-02-24 24, 2014

Hi bc,

If you’re running Acrobat on Windows 7, try making sure the Preview pane is turned off in the Windows dialog. This discussion has a screenshot:
https://answers.acrobatusers.com/Can-save-edits-Acrobat-10-File-read-user-open-q9807.aspx

Thanks,
Lori

bc

7, 2014-02-24 24, 2014

when I save as [to all the formats I’ve tried, e.g. RTF .doc .docx],  the response is “The document could not be saved. This file cannot be found.” 

And if I’ve edited the PDF, on simple save, the response is:  “The file may be read-only, or another user may have it open. Please save the document with a different name or in a different folder.”  I’ve tried both to no avail!!!


bc

Lori Kassuba

4, 2014-02-11 11, 2014

Hi Hana,

Please see this discussion - also there is a trial version of Acrobat XI you can use to test:
http://answers.acrobatusers.com/Dears-Adobe-Acrobat-Pro-supports-Arabic-language-ESPECIALLY-converting-PDF-Microsoft-Word-q107645.aspx

You’ll also need to make sure Arabic language support has been installed as mentioned here:
http://blogs.adobe.com/globalization/en/acrobat-xi-ships-with-improved-middle-east-language-support/

Thanks,
Lori

Hana

4, 2014-02-07 07, 2014

before I buy acrobat xl I need to be sure it supports Arabic when converting to MS office, we Arabic users have been waiting for a very long time , please tell us it does

Lori Kassuba

5, 2014-02-04 04, 2014

Hi Tom Arneson,

When you export a PDF file to Word, there a two basic choices you can make when you select the Settings… button in the Save As dialog. You can either choose “Retain Flowing Text” or “Retain Page Layout”. The flowing option doesn’t always keep the precise layout but it’s much easier to make changes. The Page Layout option is more precise but everything is converted to text boxes for more precision. Try working with these settings to see which is right for your particular application.

Thanks,
Lori

Tom Arneson

12, 2014-01-30 30, 2014

I cannot do simple edits either in the PDF file, or in a .DOCX file exported from Acrobat XL without the formatting getting all screwed up. I’m using the trial version of Acrobat XL and would purchase if it worked.

Lori Kassuba

4, 2013-12-16 16, 2013

Hi Amar,

In the Save As dialog, you can choose to “Create single Worksheet for the Document” or “Create Worksheet for each Page”. So, to do what you’re looking for, you would first need to use the Extract command in Acrobat to create individual PDFs and then export to Excel.

Thanks,
Lori

Amar

8, 2013-12-15 15, 2013

Hi,
I want to know that if i am converting a pdf report into a excel file, is it possible to put some initial pages of pdf in one worksheet, then some middle pages in second worksheet, then some last pages in the third worksheet of excel ?
If it is possible, please tell me.
Thank you in advance.

Patty Friesen

3, 2013-11-27 27, 2013

Hi Dawn,

There is a transcript with this tutorial. Just click the link “View transcript” that appears directly below the description underneath the video.

Patty

Dawn

3, 2013-11-26 26, 2013

Please include a transcript of the tutorial! I’m not going to sit and watch/listen to videos when I’m working and trying to figure out how to get something done. I want to be able to read your explanation.  If I need more guidance after that, the video will be helpful.

Lori Kassuba

5, 2013-11-11 11, 2013

Hi Isaiah Moon,

If you choose File > Save As Other > Excel Workbook in Acrobat XI, there is a Settings button in the Save As dialog. Click this button, and here you can choose to “Create Worksheet for each Page”.

Thanks,
Lori

Isaiah Moon

4, 2013-11-08 08, 2013

when change the PDF to Excel it becomes one excel worksheet i want each page to be it own sheet in excel

Lori Kassuba

4, 2013-08-02 02, 2013

Hi Angela,

The PDF to PPTX conversion was introduced in Acrobat XI Pro. You can also use the ExportPDF service to convert a PDF to PPTX at:
https://www.acrobat.com/exportpdf/en/home.html

Thanks,
Lori

Angela

4, 2013-07-31 31, 2013

Is there is any way to convert a pdf made with Acrobat X pro (CS6) to a PPT?

Patty Friesen

7, 2013-07-10 10, 2013

Hi Clifton,

Please post your question in the Answers Q&A forum at:

http://answers.acrobatusers.com/AskQuestion.aspx

Select the category “installation & updates” and one of our experts should respond shortly. You’ll want to provide a little more background (e.g., Mac/Windows, Adobe Reader version).

Hope this helps.

Patty

CLIFTON HICKS

10, 2013-07-07 07, 2013

I CAN.T SEEM TO GET MY ADOPT READER TO WORK ON MY NEW COMPUTER

Lori Kassuba

5, 2013-04-25 25, 2013

Hi Marwan,

I’m guessing you would need a localized version of Acrobat to do this. The Acrobat XI installer now includes a multi-user interface with other language options. One of the options I see under the Custom Setup is English with Arabic support. Have you looked at this at all?

Thanks,
Lori

Marwan

10, 2013-04-23 23, 2013

i tried to convert pdf to word arabic language but this did not support right-to-left language. How i can do it?

Kelvin Ton

8, 2012-11-08 08, 2012

Is there a simple way to convert PowerPoint notes page PDFs back into the PowerPoint slides?

Hi Kelvin,

When you use the PDFMaker macro to create your PDF file from PowerPoint, there is a Preference icon under the Acrobat Ribbon in PowerPoint. Here you can check to “Convert Speaker Notes”. This will convert the text in your speaker notes to a comment in Acrobat and this comment can be toggled on or off. Then, if you convert this PDF file back to PPT the text from the comment will automatically be converted back into your speaker notes.

Lori

Chris Witham

10, 2012-11-07 07, 2012

Very handy, I can see this as a very useful tool.

Patty Friesen

10, 2012-10-22 22, 2012

Hi,

To learn how to edit PDF from a scanned document, check out this video:
http://acrobatusers.com/tutorials/how-to-edit-a-scanned-pdf-file

Hope this helps.

Patty

A de Beer

8, 2012-10-18 18, 2012

Edit pdf, pdf to word,pdf to publisher, How to i edit pdf from scanned information?

Comments for this tutorial are now closed.