The best PDF converter software is fast, accurate, and secure, without unnecessary complexity. These tools allow you to convert files to and from PDF, and choosing the wrong one can cost you time, file quality, and even data security.
If you often need to turn PDFs into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or image files, and vice versa, for editing, sharing, and archiving, we have got you covered. In this guide, we review different software and offer practical tips to help you choose the best PDF converter.
Key Takeaways
- Pdf.net, Foxit PDF Editor, PDFfiller, Smallpdf, Adobe Acrobat PDF Converter, and Nitro PDF are among the best PDF converter software options.
- These tools support conversions for multiple formats, reliably transfer the content and formatting of your original documents, are easy to use, and include security features to protect your data.
- When choosing a software, make sure it supports conversions to and from PDF for DOC, DOCX, JPG, JPEG, PNG, XLS, XLSX, PPT, and PPTX.
- Think about the types of conversions you typically need, the number of files you handle, the devices you use, and your budget to determine the best PDF converter software for your business.
What Makes the Best PDF Converter?
There are several features that make the best PDF converter, such as:
- Support for multiple file formats. This is especially important for small businesses as they usually manage different file types. Contracts may be created in Word, invoices in Excel, and presentations in PowerPoint, but these need to be PDFs for standardized sharing, storing, and archiving. Without broad support, you will have to juggle several converters, which fragments your workflows.
- High conversion accuracy. A converted file that loses or shifts details, causing readability issues, defeats the purpose of using a converter in the first place. If you still need to spend time fixing the file manually, you might as well recreate it from scratch. Therefore, a reliable PDF converter software should produce results you can use immediately.
- An easy-to-use interface. You can jump right into converting documents if the software has an intuitive interface. In larger teams, this means you won't have to spend significant time or resources on training and integrating it into existing workflows. Instead, those efforts can be redirected toward higher-value work.
- Strong security and privacy protections. Small businesses often handle sensitive documents such as contracts, NDAs, financial records, and tax forms. A PDF converter software with strong security features and clear privacy practices helps protect this data during processing, reducing the risk of leaks and or compliance issues.
6 Best PDF Converter Software
Everybody needs PDF converter software that is easy to adopt, supports everyday tasks, and fits within a reasonable budget. The options below tick all these boxes, offering user-friendly interfaces and reliable conversion features.
#1. pdf.net
Pdf.net is an online PDF converter with an incredibly intuitive interface. You can use it to convert between PDF, DOCX, JPG, and PNG files in just a couple of clicks. The tools load fast, even if you are working with larger file sizes.
It comes with three really accessible pricing plans:
- $0.95 for a 14-day limited access
- $1.95 for a 14-day full access
- $24.95 per month for annual access
Since pdf.net is fully browser-based, you can convert your PDF files on any device, which makes it one of the best Adobe Acrobat alternatives, especially for small businesses. That said, let’s take a closer look at this online PDF converter’s pros and cons:
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If you want to convert PDF to Word, JPG, or PNG (or vice versa), this reliable and secure PDF converter gets the job done quickly. Also, you won’t have to worry about overcoming any steep learning curves since it’s quite user-friendly.
#2. Foxit PDF Converter
Foxit PDF Converter allows you to convert from PDF to JPG, PNG, PPT, XLS, and DOC for free. It is possible to upload documents from your device's storage or from Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.
If you work with many PDFs every day, you will be glad to know that Foxit PDF Converter is especially handy for batch processing. What’s more, the tool automatically deletes your uploaded and converted files shortly after processing to prevent unauthorized access.
Like any PDF converter software, Foxit has its strengths and limitations:
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Foxit is a solid PDF converter if you’re looking to streamline workflows through batch conversions and integrations with cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Additionally, it offers strong security features for handling workplace documents.
#3. pdfFiller
pdfFiller is another online PDF editor with tools for converting documents. It supports multiple file types, including PDF, Word, JPG, PNG, CSV, and TXT.
There are three pricing plans:
- Basic ($8 per month)
- Plus ($12 per month)
- Premium ($15 per month)
Each plan offers different functionalities; however, a noteworthy aspect of this platform is that it gives you the option to preview pages and remove unnecessary ones before converting. With this functionality, you don’t need to look for a different tool to split PDFs and then re-merge them.
Nonetheless, same as any other PDF converter software, pdfFiller has its advantages and disadvantages:
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pdfFiller is a good option for converting to and from PDFs if you regularly work with a wide range of file formats, including less commonly used ones like CSV and TXT.
#4. Smallpdf
Smallpdf is a free PDF converter that works without sign-ups. You can convert PDFs to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and image files on any device (Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android), as long as you have a reliable Internet connection.
The tool applies TLS encryption to safeguard your information during transfer. Plus, it automatically deletes your files after one hour.
However, the free version has daily download limits and doesn’t offer OCR for image processing. You will need to purchase a plan to access this feature, along with unlimited document downloads. To do so, you can choose between three pricing plans:
- Pro ($9 per month)
- Team ($7 per month per seat)
- Business (custom pricing)
Now, here’s a quick breakdown of Smallpdf’s strengths and limitations:
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If you need a free PDF converter for one-off or occasional conversions, Smallpdf fits the bill. It is easy to use and works quickly, but keep in mind that there is a daily download limit and no OCR support.
#5. Adobe Acrobat PDF Converter
Adobe Acrobat PDF Converter is a well-established platform that includes a free PDF file converter. Unlike other basic options in the industry, this tool lets you convert PDFs to less common formats like RTF, BMP, GIF, and TIFF as well.
It works reliably on desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones, allowing for on-the-go conversions. Moreover, Adobe Acrobat applies strong security controls and transparent privacy practices around file handling.
Like the other PDF converter software on this list, Adobe Acrobat has its pros and cons, as shown below:
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If you are looking for a standard tool to convert between file formats, Adobe Acrobat PDF Converter fits the description. It works well on mobile devices and offers peace of mind when handling documents with sensitive details.
#6. Nitro PDF
Nitro PDF offers PDF conversion for common file types like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with OCR functionality that allows scanned documents to be converted into editable, searchable PDFs.
With a Standard plan at $15 per user per month, Nitro PDF is a fairly affordable tool. Plus, you can use other built-in tools for creating, editing, signing, and sending PDFs as part of the Standard plan.
That said, here are Nitro PDF’s key advantages and disadvantages:
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If you have the budget for a monthly subscription, this PDF software converter suits multilingual teams that regularly digitize paperwork such as receipts, signed agreements, or internal policies using OCR.
The Most Popular PDF Conversions
The most popular PDF conversions are:
- PDF to Word (DOC or DOCX)
- PDF to JPG or JPEG
- PDF to Excel (XLS or XLSX)
- PDF to PNG
- PDF to PowerPoint (PPT or PPTX)
Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are the most commonly used tools for creating, editing, and sharing documents. Converting PDFs back into these formats allows you to reuse content without wasting time recreating files.
Image conversions are also widely used for quick sharing and compatibility. They make it easier to send receipts, forms, or visual pages through various channels (e.g, email, messaging apps, or cloud platforms) when editability is not needed.
You might also find the following conversion options in full-fledged PDF tools:
- PDF to ePUB
- PDF to TXT
- PDF to GIF
- PDF to TIF
- PDF to TIFF
- PDF to RTF
- PDF to BMP
How to Pick the Best PDF Converter Software
Follow these four steps to pick the best PDF converter software for yourself or your business:
- Note down the types of files that you handle regularly (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG, PNG). To avoid accidentally leaving any out, you should think through your typical workflows; who do you typically send documents to and receive documents from? Then, check if the PDF converter you are considering supports those file types in both directions (to and from PDF).
- Consider the number of conversions you typically handle and the devices you use. This can help you determine what additional features your PDF converter should offer. For example, you may need a fully browser-based tool for mobile compatibility or a converter that supports batch processing for higher volumes.
- Run a few of your actual files through the PDF converter software. You should check for missing text, broken tables, shifted layouts, and font changes. If it needs cleanup every round, it won't save you time, and you should go with a different option. Additionally, assess whether it is easy for the whole team to use. Are there easy upload options? How many steps are required before you can download the converted document?
- Decide whether a free or paid PDF converter is the better fit. Free tools work well for quick, one-time conversions, but they tend to be restrictive for regular use. You may face daily download or file size limits, and you often will not have access to features like batch processing or OCR. Weigh these pros and cons carefully to make the right choice.
Final Thoughts
Consider pdf.net, Foxit PDF Editor, PDFfiller, Smallpdf, Adobe Acrobat PDF Converter, and Nitro PDF if you’re looking for the best PDF converter software. Each offers reliable conversion, but they differ in pricing, supported file types, security features, and advanced editing capabilities.
However, before deciding on the PDF conversion software, consider the file types you work with most, how often you need to convert them, and which features your workflows require. Once you have a reliable tool, you can save time switching between file formats.
Best PDF Converter Software FAQs
#1. Are online PDF converters safe?
Online PDF converters can be safe if you choose reputable tools that use secure file handling and have clear privacy policies. Look for converters with HTTPS connections, TLS encryption, and don’t store documents longer than necessary.
#2. Is there a difference between online and desktop PDF converters?
Yes, there is a difference between the two. Online PDF converters eliminate installation hassles, storage requirements, and manual updates. While desktop PDF converters demand disk space and IT permissions, browser-based ones work instantly across any device—your work laptop, home PC, or tablet.
#3. Can I convert a PDF to Word without losing formatting?
Yes, you can convert PDF to Word or Word to PDF without losing formatting if you use a reliable converter like pdf.net. PDFs with less complex layouts are also more likely to stay intact after being converted.
#4. Do online PDF converters work on mobile?
All the online PDF converters we listed above work on mobile. pdf.net is the best option, as it has an intuitive interface and loads quickly. You just need to make sure you have a reliable Internet connection before uploading documents for conversions.
#5. Can I convert scanned PDFs?
Yes, you can convert scanned PDFs by applying OCR. This extracts text from scanned pages and makes the documents editable.