PDF (Portable Document Format) is a cross-platform format, intended for storing and exchanging all sorts of textual, image and graphic information. What makes it irreplaceable for users who have to send and receive information on a daily basis is high compatibility and compact file size.
PDF files cannot be edited; therefore, in order to change the content of a PDF file, it has to be converted to DOC (Word, RTF), Excel, or any other editable format.
There are different ways to convert PDF to DOC. There are lots of file conversion tools, both free and paid, and online conversion services. Most users prefer free programs and services, but there is a growing demand for advanced shareware tools, which feature various options. Some converters have batch function, by aid of which it is possible to render scores of PDF files in DOC/RTF at once. More often than not, it takes but a few simple actions and a few minutes for a program to render a handful of PDF documents in DOC/RTF.
When converting PDF to Word, it should be remembered that there are electronically created PDF files and scanned PDF files. In the former case, your output files will be just as good as any other Word or Text document; in the latter case, you will get a JPEG image inside a Word document, which cannot be edited.
If you are intent on using a PDF conversion tool, there are two types of facilities for you to choose from: desktop tools and online services. In other words, you can either download and install a program on your PC or convert via a website. In the former case, you will have to mark the files to be converted and run the utility. Output files will be saved on your hard drive. In the latter case, you will need to upload your PDF file and provide your email address, so that you can have your output file sent back to you or receive a link and download it.
Both ways of conversion are popular, although both have pros and cons. With desktop conversions, there seems to be fewer security issues, because the conversion takes place on your PC. Besides, installed software provides larger output and appears to be less time-taking.
If you use a website, you have your files remotely converted; therefore, there is a greater risk of security leak. However, reliable and reputable services have their systems updated regularly and they place great emphasis on security issues. Another disadvantage is dependence on the quality of IT connection and the possibility of file delivery delays.
The biggest advantage of online conversion services is lower occurrence of corrupt output files.
Desktop tools:
HelloPDF converter: http://www.hellopdf.com
Able2Doc PDF converter: http://www.investintech.com/prod_a2d.htm
SolidDocuments PDF converter: http://www.soliddocuments.com/pdf/-to-word-free-download/306/1
SmartSoft Scanned PDF to Word converter: http://www.pdftodocconverterpro.com/
Converter by Xilisoft: http://www.xilisoft.com/pdf-to-word-converter.html
PDFZilla: http://www.pdfzilla.com/
Wondershare PDF to Word: http://www.anypdftools.com/pdf-to-word.html
AxPDF: http://www.axpdf.com/pdf_to_word/
Ainorsoft converter: http://www.advancedpdfconverter.com/products/pdftoword.html
Docsmartz: http://www.docsmartz.com/asp/pdf_word.asp
Online tools:
Nitro-PDF converter: http://www.pdftoword.com/
BCL technologies PDF converter: http://www.pdfonline.com/pdf-to-word-converter/