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The Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format used to present documents that preserve the layout, fonts, images, and graphics of a source document. The format was created by Adobe in 1993 with the aim of facilitating document exchange without requiring any particular software or hardware. Nowadays, it is one of the most widely used formats for documents, ebooks, manuals, and other content, due to its compatibility and security features.
However, sometimes you may need to convert PDF documents into other formats. For example, you may want to convert a PDF into a Word document, an Excel spreadsheet, or a PowerPoint presentation, in order to edit the content, extract data, or reuse the material. There are many PDF converter tools available that can help you with this task. In this article, we will introduce you to the top best 5 PDF converters for your document needs.
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What is a PDF converter?
A PDF converter is a software tool that allows you to convert PDF documents into other formats, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, HTML, TXT, or image files (PNG, JPEG, BMP, TIFF, etc.). The converter can preserve the layout, formatting, fonts, and images of the original document, and convert the text into editable content. Some converters also offer OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology, which enables the recognition and conversion of scanned documents or images into editable text.
PDF converters can be a great help for businesses, students, researchers, publishers, or anyone who needs to work with PDF files regularly. They can save you time and effort by automating the conversion process, and enhance your productivity by providing accurate and reliable results. However, not all PDF converters are created equal, and you need to choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. Let’s take a look at the top best 5 PDF converters and their features.
Top 1. Adobe Acrobat DC
Adobe Acrobat DC is a premium PDF converter software developed by Adobe, the creator of PDF. It offers a wide range of features for editing, reviewing, protecting, and sharing PDF documents, as well as converting them into other formats. With Acrobat DC, you can convert PDFs into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, HTML, and image files, while preserving the formatting and fonts. You can also combine multiple files into a single PDF, or split a PDF into separate pages or files.
The pros of Adobe Acrobat DC is that it provides high-quality conversion accuracy, advanced OCR technology, and extensive editing and collaboration tools. Moreover, it is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and integrates well with other Adobe products, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. The cons are that it requires a subscription fee, which can be costly for individual users, and the interface may be overwhelming for beginners.
Q: Does Adobe Acrobat DC support batch conversion?
A: Yes, Adobe Acrobat DC allows you to convert multiple PDF files into other formats at once, using the batch conversion option.
Q: Can I convert scanned documents with Adobe Acrobat DC?
A: Yes, Adobe Acrobat DC includes OCR technology that can recognize and convert scanned documents or images into editable text, even in non-English languages.
Top 2. Nitro Pro
Nitro Pro is a PDF converter and editor that provides a user-friendly interface and powerful features for businesses and individuals. It allows you to convert PDFs into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook files, as well as create PDFs from any printable document. Nitro Pro can also merge, split, and extract pages from PDFs, add and edit text, images, and links, and apply security features such as passwords, permissions, and signatures.
The pros of Nitro Pro is that it offers fast conversion speed, flexible customization options, and affordable pricing plans. It also supports cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive, for easy sharing and collaboration. The cons are that it lacks some advanced features such as OCR and form filling, and the support may be slower and less responsive than Adobe.
Q: Is Nitro Pro compatible with Windows and Mac OS?
A: Nitro Pro is compatible only with Windows operating systems, but it can convert PDFs into Mac-supported formats such as Word or Excel.
Q: Can I convert password-protected PDFs with Nitro Pro?
A: Yes, Nitro Pro can convert password-protected PDFs by entering the correct password, but it cannot remove or bypass the password protection.
Top 3. Smallpdf
Smallpdf is a web-based PDF converter that provides a simple and intuitive interface for quick conversion and editing. It allows you to convert PDFs into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG, or PNG files, as well as compress, merge, or split PDFs, and add or remove password protection. Smallpdf can also convert scanned documents using OCR technology, and support multiple languages and platforms.
The pros of Smallpdf is that it requires no installation or registration, and can be accessed from any device or browser. It also offers free and paid plans with different features and volumes, depending on your needs. The cons are that it may have lower conversion accuracy or quality than desktop solutions, and may not work well with large or complex PDF files.
Q: How secure is Smallpdf for confidential documents?
A: Smallpdf uses SSL encryption and deletes your files after one hour of processing, to ensure maximum privacy and security. You can also use the “offline mode” for extra security.
Q: Can I use Smallpdf without an internet connection?
A: No, Smallpdf is an online tool that requires an internet connection to upload and convert your files. However, you can use its desktop app for offline processing.
Top 4. Wondershare PDFelement
Wondershare PDFelement is a PDF converter and editor that offers a comprehensive set of features for creating, converting, and editing PDF files. It allows you to convert PDFs into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, HTML, and image files, while preserving the original formatting and layout. PDFelement can also create PDFs from any printable document, and edit text, images, and links with ease. It also supports OCR technology for scanned documents and batch conversion for multiple files.
The pros of Wondershare PDFelement is that it provides affordable pricing plans with lifetime licenses and multi-user discounts. It also offers a user-friendly interface and extensive customization options for both Windows and Mac OS. The cons are that it may have slower conversion speed or lower accuracy for some fonts or languages, and lacks some advanced features such as digital signatures or form data extraction.
Q: How can I access the OCR feature in Wondershare PDFelement?
A: To use the OCR feature, you need to enable it in the “Preferences” section, and then select the desired language and quality settings. You can then drag and drop the scanned document into the program, and let it recognize the text automatically.
Q: Can I convert password-protected PDFs with Wondershare PDFelement?
A: Yes, Wondershare PDFelement can convert password-protected PDFs, but you need to enter the correct password first. It can also remove or add password protection to PDFs as needed.
Top 5. Online-Convert.com
Online-Convert.com is a web-based PDF converter that focuses on simplicity and speed. It allows you to convert PDFs into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TXT, HTML, or image files, and vice versa, using a straightforward interface and no registration required. Online-Convert.com also supports custom settings for image compression, font size, and orientation, as well as URL conversion for web pages or ebooks.
The pros of Online-Convert.com is that it is free and easy to use, with no ads or watermarks added to your files. It can also convert files from and to various formats, and offers customizable settings for optimal results. The cons are that it may not work well with large or complex PDFs, and may have limited features compared to desktop software.
Q: Can I convert PDFs from a URL with Online-Convert.com?
A: Yes, you can convert PDFs from a URL by entering the link in the “URL” tab, selecting the output format, and clicking “Start conversion”. The resulting file will be available for download within minutes.
Q: Are there any file size or volume restrictions on Online-Convert.com?
A: Online-Convert.com imposes some limitations on file size and volume, depending on the conversion type and subscription plan. For example, the free plan allows up to 100 MB or 5 daily conversions, while the paid plans offer higher limits and priority support.
Our Thoughts on PDF Converters:
PDF converters can be valuable tools for managing and sharing your documents across different devices and formats. They can help you save time and effort by automating the conversion process, and improve your workflow by providing accurate and reliable results. However, not all PDF converters are created equal, and you need to choose the one that meets your specific needs and preferences.
In our opinion, the top best 5 PDF converters are Adobe Acrobat DC, Nitro Pro, Smallpdf, Wondershare PDFelement, and Online-Convert.com. Each of these tools has its own pros and cons, depending on factors such as features, pricing, ease of use, or support. We recommend that you try out different options and compare them before making a final decision.
For example, if you need a comprehensive and professional PDF converter with advanced features and OCR, Adobe Acrobat DC may be the best choice for you, despite its subscription fee. If you prefer a user-friendly and affordable solution for basic editing and conversion, Nitro Pro or Wondershare PDFelement may suit you better. If you are looking for a free and online alternative with no registration required, Smallpdf or Online-Convert.com may be worth a try.
Ultimately, the choice of PDF converter depends on your individual needs and goals, as well as your budget and preferences. We hope that this article has provided you with useful insights and recommendations, and helped you select the right tool for your document needs.
Conclusion:
PDF converters are indispensable tools for anyone who works with PDF files regularly and needs to convert them into other formats. We have reviewed the top best 5 PDF converters in this article, including Adobe Acrobat DC, Nitro Pro, Smallpdf, Wondershare PDFelement, and Online-Convert.com. Each of these tools has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it is up to you to choose the one that suits your needs and budget.
Adobe Acrobat DC is a premium and professional PDF converter with advanced features and support, but comes with a subscription fee. Nitro Pro and Wondershare PDFelement are affordable and easy-to-use desktop solutions with comprehensive editing and conversion tools. Smallpdf and Online-Convert.com are free and online alternatives with simple interfaces and basic features.
Whichever PDF converter you choose, make sure it provides high-quality conversion accuracy, security, and compatibility with your devices and platforms. We hope that this article has helped you make an informed decision, and enhanced your productivity and efficiency in handling PDF documents.
FAQs:
Q: Can I convert PDFs into other formats without losing the original formatting?
A: Yes, most PDF converters can preserve the original formatting and fonts of the PDF document while converting it into other formats. However, some complex layouts or fonts may require additional adjustments or customization.
Q: Is it legal to convert copyrighted PDFs into other formats?
A: It depends on the specific content and copyright laws of your country. In general, you should respect the intellectual property rights of the original author or publisher, and obtain their permission or license before converting or distributing their material.
Q: How can I ensure the security and privacy of my PDF documents during conversion?
A: You should choose a reputable and trustworthy PDF converter with SSL encryption and data protection policies. You should also check the terms of service and privacy policy of the service provider, and avoid sharing or uploading sensitive or confidential information.
Q: What is OCR technology and why is it important for PDF conversion?
A: OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology is a process of recognizing and converting scanned text or images into editable digital text. It is important for PDF conversion, especially for scanned documents or images, because it enables the text to be searched, copied, and edited, rather than treated as an image or pixelated content.
Q: Are there any limitations or restrictions on the converted files, such as watermarks, ads, or file size?
A: It depends on the specific PDF converter and the pricing plan you choose. Some free or online converters may add watermarks, ads, or lower quality to your files, or have file size or volume limits. Some paid or desktop solutions may offer ad-free, watermarks-free, or unlimited conversion options, but at a higher cost.