Convert PNG to Word Online for Free

Our PNG to Word converter turns a PNG image into an editable Word file using OCR, so you can copy, edit, and reuse text instead of retyping it.

PNGs are great for sharing visuals, but they’re frustrating when the image contains text you need to edit. Maybe it’s a scanned letter, a screenshot of an invoice, a photo of a form, or a whiteboard snapshot from a meeting.

Word can insert the PNG, but it won’t magically turn the words inside the image into real text you can select and change.

We’ll show you how easy it is to convert PNG to Word using Smallpdf and to improve output quality.

How To Convert PNG to Word Online: Step-by-Step Guide

Smallpdf works in your browser, so you don’t need to install anything. The most reliable method is to convert your PNG into a PDF first, then export that PDF to Word with OCR enabled.

Step 1: Upload Your PNG

• Open our JPG to PDF.
• Drag and drop your PNG into the upload area.
• You can also upload from your device, Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.

If your image is a photo of a page, upload the clearest version you have. OCR accuracy depends heavily on image quality.

Step 2: Convert the PNG to PDF

• Click “Convert” to create a PDF from your PNG.
• Wait for processing to finish.

This step packages your image into a PDF format that’s ready for OCR and export.

Step 3: Export the PDF to Word

• On the result page, click “Export As.”
• Choose “Word.”

This is where you choose the output you’ll actually edit.

Step 4: Turn On OCR to Extract Editable Text

• Select “OCR” when prompted.
• Let OCR process the text in your image.

If your PNG contains real text you want to edit, OCR matters. Without OCR, Word may receive the PNG as a picture only.

Step 5: Download Your Word File

• Download the DOCX to your device.
• Or save it directly to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.

If you’re sharing the Word file with someone else, open it once before sending to confirm the text looks right.

What You’ll Get After Converting PNG to Word

You’ll usually get one of these outcomes, depending on your PNG.

Editable Text in Word

This is the ideal result. You can:

• Highlight and copy text
• Correct spelling and numbers
• Edit headings and paragraphs
• Reuse content in emails, reports, or forms

A Word Document That Looks Like an Image

This happens if OCR wasn’t enabled or the image is too low quality for OCR to read. You’ll see the PNG placed in Word like a picture, and you won’t be able to select the text.

If this happens, jump to the troubleshooting section below.

When and Why to Convert PNG to Word

PNG to Word is most useful when the text inside the image matters more than the design.

1. Scanned Pages and Printed Documents

If you have a scan of a letter, contract, or printed document, OCR can pull the text into a DOCX so you can edit it.

2. Screenshots With Important Text

Screenshots are common in support tickets, quotes, instructions, and research notes. Converting them to Word saves you from retyping.

3. Photos of Forms, Receipts, and Notes

If your phone is your scanner, this workflow helps you convert quick photos into editable text, then clean it up in Word.

4. Whiteboards and Meeting Snapshots

Whiteboards are messy, but OCR can still extract a lot of text if the writing is clear and the photo is straight.

Tips To Get Better OCR Results

OCR is not magic. It’s pattern recognition, and it needs readable input.

1. Use a Clear, High-Resolution PNG

• Use a sharp image with strong contrast.
• Avoid heavy compression, blur, or motion.
• If you can, start from a scan instead of a photo.

If the text is tiny, zoomed-out, or fuzzy, OCR will guess and you’ll see errors in the Word file.

2. Keep the Page Straight

Skewed photos cause broken lines and weird spacing.

• Take the photo straight-on.
• Avoid angled shots.
• Crop out background clutter around the page.

3. Watch Out for Fonts and Decorative Text

OCR works best with standard printed fonts. It can struggle with:

• Script fonts
• All-caps condensed text
• Stylized marketing graphics
• Text placed over patterns

If the PNG is a design layout, you may get better results by converting only the text-heavy section.

4. Check Language Before You Convert

If your PNG is not in English, select the correct OCR language if you’re prompted. Matching the language reduces strange character swaps.

Convert PNG to Word on Mobile

If you’re working from your phone, you can still convert.

• Open Smallpdf in your mobile browser, or use the Smallpdf Mobile App.
• Import a PNG from your camera roll or cloud storage.
• Run the same conversion workflow, then download the DOCX.

This is especially helpful for receipts, paperwork, or quick snapshots you need to edit immediately.

Security and Privacy for PNG to Word Conversion

We treat conversion files the same way we treat any other upload.

Protected Transfers

Your files are protected with TLS encryption during upload and processing, which helps prevent interception while the file moves between your device and our servers.

Automatic Deletion

We automatically delete files after a short period, which reduces the risk of old documents lingering online longer than needed.

If you’re working with sensitive content, download the finished DOCX, store it in a trusted location, and avoid sharing public links unless access is controlled.

A Quick Real-World Example

One common workflow we see is procurement and finance teams converting screenshots of invoice line items into Word so they can:

• Extract supplier details
• Fix typos in item descriptions
• Paste clean text into internal approval documents

The speed gain is real. Instead of rewriting a page of text, you convert, skim for OCR mistakes, then edit only what needs correction.

Troubleshooting PNG to Word Conversion Issues

If your result isn’t usable, it’s usually one of a few predictable problems.

1. The Word File Is Images-Only

This almost always means OCR wasn’t enabled. What to do:

• Convert again.
• Choose “Word” from “Export As.”
• Make sure “OCR” is selected.

If you enable OCR and it still looks like an image, your PNG may not contain readable text, or the text may be too stylized.

2. Text Looks Garbled, Missing, or Full of Symbols

This is an OCR accuracy problem. Fixes that help:

• Use a higher-resolution PNG.
• Increase contrast before uploading.
• Re-scan or retake the photo in better lighting.
• Crop to the text area so OCR has less noise.

If your PNG contains a lot of small numbers, like tables or account codes, check those fields carefully after conversion.

3. Layout and Tables Look Wrong

Word output is usually best for text, not complex page design.

Expect some cleanup if you’re converting:

• Tables
• Multi-column layouts
• Forms with tight alignment

A practical approach is to:

• Convert for text extraction.
• Rebuild tables manually in Word if needed.
• Keep the original PNG or PDF as a reference.

4. Upload Fails or the File Is Too Large

Large images can time out, especially on slow connections. Try:

• Compressing the PNG before uploading
• Cropping out unused margins
• Exporting the image at a smaller size if it’s far beyond what you need

If you repeatedly hit limits, splitting the work into smaller sections usually fixes it.

Is the PNG to Word Converter Free?

You can convert PNG to Word for free on Smallpdf. Free usage includes daily limits. Some advanced features and higher-volume workflows are available on Pro, which you can try now with a free Pro trial.

If you convert regularly or need more throughput, Pro can help with things like higher limits, batch-style workflows, and additional export options.

Convert PNG to Word, Then Clean Up in Minutes

PNG to Word conversion is at its best when you want editable text fast. Convert the image, turn on OCR, then spend your time fixing a few small OCR mistakes instead of retyping everything.

If you want the smoothest experience, start with a clear PNG, keep the page straight, and crop out distractions. After conversion, save your DOCX to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive so it’s ready for editing and sharing right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import a PNG into Word without converting it?

Yes, but Word inserts it as an image. You won’t get editable text unless you use OCR conversion first.

Can I convert PNG to DOCX directly?

Yes. Our workflow exports to DOCX after you convert the PNG to PDF and select “Word” with OCR enabled.

Why is my converted Word file not editable?

OCR was likely off, or the image wasn’t readable enough for OCR. Convert again and enable OCR, then use a clearer PNG.

Is my PNG file safe when I upload it?

We protect uploads with TLS encryption and delete files after a short period. For sensitive files, download results quickly and store them securely.

Are there file size limits?

Limits depend on your plan and the upload context. If a file fails, compress or crop the PNG, then try again.

Which cloud services can I use to upload or save files?

You can upload from your device and common cloud storage options like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, then save your results back after conversion.