How to Convert PDF File into a Google Docs

A PDF (Portable Document Format) file is a versatile document format that preserves the layout and formatting of a document, making it ideal for sharing and viewing across different platforms and devices.

However, it cannot be edited directly. Hence, to make any updates or modifications, you must convert it to Google Docs.

Converting PDF files to Google Docs allows for easy editing, collaboration, and sharing in real time, enhancing productivity and workflow efficiency.

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to convert a PDF into a Google Docs without loosing the formatting using the PDF to Docs Editor Add-on.

The add-on allows you to convert a local PDF file or a PDF file available in Google Drive into Google Docs.

Installing the PDF to Docs Add-on

To install the add-on, navigate to the PDF to Docs app page and click Install. It asks for the necessary permissions. Click Allow to complete the installation. The reason why each permission is necessary is explained in the next section.

Once the add-on is installed, launch the add-on using the menu Extensions -> PDF to Docs -> Convert PDF to Docs.

Add on Permissions

• See, edit, create, and delete all your Google Docs documents - This permission is necessary to be able to read the PDF files available in Google Drive when you choose to convert the PDF files available in Google Drive into Google Docs.
• See, edit, create, and delete only the specific Google Drive files you use with this app - This permission is necessary to insert the PDF file into the currently open document, in case you choose the insert option.

All the other permissions are typical permissions to install and run an add-on inside the Google Docs editor.

PDF to Docs Add on Features

• Create a new document from the PDF content - Select this option to create a new Google Docs based on the PDF file. This option is the default method and is suitable for bulk conversion of PDF into Google Docs.

• Insert PDF content at the end of the current document - Select this option to insert the contents of the PDF file into the currently open Google Docs. However, this option works only when you select a single file for conversion.

• Open output document in new tab(s) - Select this option if you want to open the newly created Google Docs automatically in a new tab.

Converting PDF files from Local Drive into a Google Docs

To convert a PDF file from the Local Drive into a Google Docs,

• Click on the button Convert Local PDF file(s)
• The file selection window will be opened
• Select one or more PDF file(s) that need to be converted into a Google Docs and Click OK.
• The selected PDF files will be converted into Google Docs and the new Google Docs will be opened in a new tab if you have selected it
• That's it.

Converting PDF files from Google Drive into Google Docs

To convert a PDF file from the Google Drive into a Google Docs,

• Click on the button Convert PDF file(s) from Google Drive
• The Google File Picker window will be opened

• Select one or more PDF file(s) that need to be converted into a Google Docs and Click OK.
• The selected PDF files will be converted into Google Docs and the new Google Docs will be opened in a new tab if you have selected it
• That's it.

Bulk converting PDF files into Google Docs

The add-on supports bulk conversion of the PDF files into Google Docs in both the local file conversion and the Google Drive file conversion option. You can select up to a maximum of 25 files in a single conversion.

Privacy and Security

For any file conversion, privacy and security concerns arise for users, particularly when documents may contain confidential data.

This add-on ensures complete privacy and security. The conversion process takes place entirely within your Google account. Your PDF files are not uploaded to any external servers for conversion. Therefore, you can confidently use this add-on for converting any type of confidential documents.

This saves time and effort for you.

Caveats

• The maximum number of pages allowed in a PDF file is 75.
• Some formatting may not be preserved, often due to differences in the methods used to create the PDF file.
• The Google Docs editor add-ons can only be used in the Desktop version and doesn't work with the Google Docs iPhone app or the Android app.

Conclusion

The PDF to Docs editor add-on allows you to convert the PDF file into Google Docs most securely, and privately and keeps the formatting intact.