How to Convert PDF Files Without Formatting Errors

The PDF has become one of the most popular file types in the world because it maintains formatting. But when you convert a PDF to another file format, elements of the formatting can get lost in the conversion. Thankfully, every formatting error has a solution.

Converting PDF to Word

You can convert PDFs to various popular file formats like HTML and TXT. The most common format for PDF conversion is a Microsoft Word DOC or DOCX file. There are two easy methods you can use to convert PDF files into Word documents. Using an Adobe program like Acrobat Pro DC, all it takes is a few clicks to export your PDF to a Word file. However, you have to pay a fee to use Acrobat Pro DC. The good news is there are free online conversion tools available, and some are as good as the Adobe program. As long as you use a tried and tested reputable PDF online converter, you can upload a PDF file, convert it, and download it within seconds. Check out how to convert PDF to word using the CleverPDF conversion tool.

Retaining Font Format

Whether you are converting your PDF to Word or another file format, and whether you are using Adobe Acrobat or a free conversion tool, you could experience formatting errors. Thankfully, there are ways to fix specific problems in the PDF file before converting it to ensure the conversion runs smoothly. One common formatting issue that can happen during conversion is font formatting. When a PDF file is opened on some readers, fonts could be substituted with different fonts if you do not export the right layout. In Acrobat, you can ensure the fonts remain in your intended format by following these steps:

1. Click on “Edit” and select “Preferences.”

2. Go to “Categories,” and then “Convert from PDF.”

3. Select “Word document.”

4. Click on “Edit Settings” and then “Retain Page Layout.”

5. Click on “OK.”

6. Restart the Acrobat program.

Retaining Links

If your PDF includes links, you will obviously want them to function correctly. If you are having trouble with link formatting, it is often down to one of these common problems:

·   You have not prefixed the links with either www. or http(s)://

·   You have separated links in the text by line breaks.

·   You have placed text directly next to non-link characters.

And if you are turning full PDF pages into links for things like full-page advertisements, ensure the link area is smaller than the page. It is also best practice to leave space for a margin around your link area.

Avoiding Text Issues

If your PDF does not have clear and crisp text, it could be due to a few factors. Ensure that:

·   You do not export text as outlines.

·   In the output file, you only use visible layers.

·   The text is selectable in Adobe Reader.

·   The text is inserted as text and not as an image.

·   No images are overlapping with the text. You can fix this issue by rearranging layers in your document so that the text is on top.

Problems with Conversion

If your conversion fails completely, one or more of the PDF pages may contain too many vector objects. To troubleshoot the problem, follow these steps:

1. Identify the page or pages by observing which ones load slowly in a PDF reader.

2. Remove the identified pages and do a test to see if the conversion works.

3. Simplify the complex pages’ designs or flatten them into bitmap graphics.

4. Save the new file and convert it.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.