Complete Guide to Converting Read-Only PDF to Editable Format

Whether it's working from home or doing a full-time job,there is hardly any industry where you would not have to create PDF files. Thousands of PDF files are shared daily and have become a major part of a company's daily working routine. Some companies create PDF to inform their investors while many create PDF files to create annual reports that are sent to the stakeholders every year.

The major reason behind using PDF files is that they are free to use and any Microsoft Word or Microsoft PowerPoint file can be easily converted into a PDF with a simple click. PDF files are safe and can be protected with a password as well. However,to restrict a PDF file from being copied,edited,or printed,creators apply permission passwords. This protects data,it can become a problem if user need to update the file.

However,to err is human,i.e. humans do make mistakes,some are unintentional whereas others are intentional. There are chances that user want to make some changes in a Read-Only PDF after the users have saved the doc in a PDF file. In this case,users would want to convert the read-only PDF file to an Editable PDF document. The users have also searched for the same on the Internet. There are many free tools on the Internet but not all of them are effective. Most of them only allow limited access and only let you make edits to a limited part of the Read-Only PDF. There are chances that you might give easy access to the malicious software into your systems that would result in data loss. Hence,in this blog,we have come with ways that will help you to convert the Read-Only PDF files to Editable formats smoothly.

Method 1:The Fast and Bulk Solution

If you want to edit a PDF,it might not open even after many attempts. In that case,you must check if the file is copy restricted or not. If the file is copy restricted,the first thing you must do is to unlock the file first,to begin with,the next process. The safest and most efficient way to strip away these limitations without any technical issue is by using the Softaken Unlock PDF Files Tool. A major advantage of this software is its nature it does not require Adobe Acrobat to be installed on the system,it supports bulk processing,allowing user to unlock folder of restricted PDFs at once keeping layout completely. Here are the steps to convert read-only PDF files using this tool:

  • Download,install,and start the Softaken Unlock PDF Files application on the Windows PC.
  • Choose either the "File" or "Folder" option to load restricted PDF documents.
  • Click the Browse button to select the target read-only PDF files from the system.
  • Specify a safe destination path for unlocked output files using the destination Browse button.
  • Click on the Remove Security Now button to strip away the editing restrictions.

Once you have followed the above-mentioned steps,you will have an editable PDF file and you will be free to make any number of changes you want to make. Now in the section of this blog,we have mentioned some more ways that will help you to convert the Read-Only PDF files to an editable format. Some of these methods are free to use while some are paid tools. Let's check them out!

Method 2:Using Google Docs

The first method of converting user PDF files to an editable format is by using Google Docs. To help you out,here the steps that will help user to get the editable format of the PDF file:

  • To begin,open Google Docs in web browser and log into the account.
google docs
  • Once done,click on the Folder tab and then on the Upload tab to add the desired file.
upload tab
  • As you see,you will now have to click on the Select a file from your computer tab.
computer tab
  • Once done,select a PDF file that user want to upload and convert it into an editable format.
open tab

Once the users have opened the desired PDF file,click on the Open and select the Google Docs option to proceed.

open with google
  • Once done,user can easily make all the changes in the PDF file as per preference. Once you made all the necessary changes in the PDF file,click on the File tab,followed by the Download tab,and then on PDF Document (.pdf) option. Simply download the edited PDF file anywhere on your PC.

Note:Once you convert the file into an editable format,there are chances that some images might disappear and the formatting will be different from the original doc.

pdf document

Method 3:Using a Free PDF Converter Tool

As discussed in the beginning of this blog,many free tools can help you to convert a Read-Only PDF file to an editable format. However,if you are using a free tool,you would have to convert the PDF file into a Word doc. After making all the required changes,you can convert it again to a PDF file and send it wherever you want. But there are many such free tools available in the market and not all of them are reliable. Hence,you must select a tool based on its reviews.

Note:Free tools do not convert the complete PDF files into an editable format. Either you get a once free trial or limited access to that tool. These tools can also bring malicious software to your PC.

Method 4:Using Adobe Acrobat Pro

In case your PDF file has certain things that you do not want others to know,then the most reliable option to head towards Adobe Acrobat software. It's the most trusted and authentic way to convert your Read-Only PDF files to an editable format. Unlike other tools that you might see on the internet,this one is a paid tool. It allows users all kinds of changes in the PDF file in the best way possible.

  1. To begin,open the Adobe Acrobat on the computer
  2. Select the File tab and press the Open button
  3. Select the PDF file that user wants to convert to an editable format.
  4. Click on the Export PDF tab,to begin with,the process
  5. Once done,click the Microsoft Word as an Export Destination. This will open the PDF in the Microsoft Word
  6. Click on the Export tab to proceed
  7. Once user have followed all these steps,the users can edit the document as per the preference. Once done,click on the File tab and then on Save As and decide the destination where user wants to save the file.
  8. Make sure that users click on the PDF file by clicking on the drop-down option and click on the Save tab.

Note:This tool is an effective and authenticated tool to convert the Read-Only PDF file.

Conclusion

In this blog,we have discussed different methods that will help to convert the read-only PDF file. There are various methods for this purpose,however,only a few of them are reliable and secure. We hope that we have mentioned all the possible solutions to the problem of How to Convert Read-Only PDF Files into an Editable PDF File Easily.

Softaken Author

Softaken Software

Data Recovery & Migration Experts

Softaken is a leading software development company specializing in data recovery,email migration,and data management solutions. With over a decade of experience,our expert team provides reliable,secure,and user-friendly tools for both individuals and businesses.