How to Copy and Convert PDF Tables to Word—Quick & Easy

Tools like Smallpdf’s PDF to Word converter make this process simple and stress-free.

This guide will walk you through converting PDFs with tables into Word files that retain their formatting.

Whether you’re a student, freelancer, or office professional, you’ll learn how to turn static data into editable content in just a few clicks.

Quick Summary

1. Upload your PDF to the Smallpdf PDF to Word converter.
2. Convert it to Word to preserve tables and formatting.
3. Use OCR if the PDF is scanned or flattened.
4. Download your editable Word file—ready for updates or analysis.

Why Convert PDF Tables to Word?

PDFs may be great for preserving layouts, but they’re not always the most user-friendly format when it comes to editing. Converting PDF tables to Word lets you:

• Easily update and adjust data for reports or presentations.
• Use the tables for analysis or further formatting.
• Avoid retyping data row by row, saving valuable time.

Now, let's break down the process using Smallpdf’s PDF to Word Converter.

How to Convert PDF to Word Online with Smallpdf

Converting your PDF to an editable Word document is simple with our browser-based converter:

1. Drag and drop your file into the PDF to Word converter, or click to choose it from your device, OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
2. Select “Word (.docx),” then choose “Convert selectable text only.”
3. Wait a few seconds while the file converts to Word format, preserving your original tables and layout.
4. Download your new Word document or save it directly to your Smallpdf account for easy access later.

And that’s it! You’ll have an editable Word file that retains the look and structure of your PDF.

Pro Tip: If your PDF includes scanned tables, choose “Convert text in scans (OCR)” in the second step. This ensures even scanned text becomes editable.

Manual vs. Converter: Which Is Better?

You can manually copy and paste text from a PDF, but formatting often breaks, especially in complex tables. That means having to manually fix all formatting again. Using a converter like Smallpdf saves time and keeps the structure intact.

In short, manual methods may help for short text, while Smallpdf ensures accuracy for full reports or data sets.

Try the Smallpdf PDF to Word Converter (Free)

Ready to convert your PDFs? Our free online converter offers everything you need:

• Convert PDFs to Word documents in seconds, no software installation needed.
• Preserve formatting, fonts, and layouts with our advanced conversion technology.
• Access from any device with a browser (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux).
• Complete privacy. Your files are automatically deleted after one hour. Learn more at our Trust Center.
• OCR support for scanned PDFs and image-based documents.

Whether you’re at work or on the go, Smallpdf ensures hassle-free file conversions without compromising on quality.

PDF to Word Converter Features That Preserve Formatting

We’ve partnered with Solid Documents and ABBYY to bring you best-in-class conversion accuracy—keeping every line, layout, and font just right.

Here’s what makes our converter stand out:

• OCR technology for scanned PDFs: Converts even handwritten text.
• Table and column preservation: Maintains complex layouts and data structures.
• Font and formatting retention: Keeps your original styling intact.
• Multilingual document support: Works with documents in dozens of languages.
• Image retention: Preserves embedded graphics and photos.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Works on any device with internet access.

More PDF Tools to Work with Word and PDFs

Need more than just PDF to Word conversion? Smallpdf offers a complete suite of tools to handle all of your document needs.

• Word to PDF – Convert Word documents back to PDF format.
• PDF Editor – Edit PDFs directly without conversion.
• Merge PDF – Combine multiple PDFs into one document.
• Compress PDF – Reduce file size while maintaining quality.
• Sign PDF – Add electronic signatures to documents.
• Split PDF – Extract pages or divide large PDFs.

All tools work seamlessly together, making Smallpdf your one-stop solution for PDF management.

Ready to unlock all PDF tools? Start your free trial to access batch conversion, advanced OCR, and 30+ premium features!

PDF to Word Converter FAQs

Can I convert PDF to Word for free?

Yes! Our PDF to Word converter is completely free to use with no signup required, though Pro users get faster processing, unlimited access, and additional features.

How do I convert a scanned PDF to Word?

Our converter automatically applies OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology to scanned PDFs, making the text fully editable in Word format.

Will my formatting be preserved when converting?

Absolutely. Our advanced conversion technology preserves tables, fonts, layouts, and formatting to ensure your Word document looks just like the original PDF.

Is it safe to convert PDF to Word online?

Yes, all files are encrypted during upload and automatically deleted from our servers after one hour for maximum privacy and security.

Can I convert PDF to Word on Mac?

Yes! Our browser-based converter works on any device including Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux. No software installation needed.

Turn Static PDFs into Editable Word Documents Today

Don’t settle for clunky software or error-prone methods. With Smallpdf, converting PDF tables to Word is intuitive, quick, and accurate. Whether you’re preparing a school project, managing data, or presenting insights, this tool has you covered.