How to Choose the Right
PDF to Word Converter:
A Practical Guide

Whether you're converting a few PDFs per month or managing large volumes of documents daily, choosing the right PDF to Word tool can save time, reduce errors, and improve your workflow.

With many options available—from free online tools to full-featured software—this guide outlines what to look for and how to compare solutions based on your real-world needs.

person using laptop with documents PDF to Word

What's Your Budget?

Product Type Price Best For
Free Online Converter $0 Occasional, basic conversions
DeskConnect (FabSoft) $29/month Regular use + automation capabilities
Document Companion (FabSoft) $39/year Editing, combining, sorting PDF documents
Both FabSoft tools offer a 30-day full-featured trial to explore before committing.
office workers with latptop downloading file

How Accurate Does the
Conversion Need to Be?

If you're just trying to extract a few lines of text, almost any tool will do. But when dealing with tables, formatting, images, or scanned files, accuracy becomes critical.

Free tools can struggle with these complexities, especially with scanned documents unless they include OCR (Optical Character Recognition). Paid tools are generally better at preserving layout and formatting.

Do You Need Automation or Document Editing?

Feature Free Online Tool Paid Online Tool Document Companion DeskConnect
PDF to Word Conversion Basic Improved Yes Yes
OCR for Scanned Documents Often Missing Some Tools Yes Yes
Batch File Conversion No No No Yes
Document Editing (Merge, Sort) No No Yes No
Automation Capabilities No No No Yes
Capture from Watch Folder No No Yes Yes
Capture from Email / Web No No No Yes
Capture from Print Driver No No Yes Yes
Woman using laptop

How Easy Is It to Use?

Free tools can have cluttered interfaces, ads, and upload limits that slow down your workflow. Meanwhile, downloadable tools like DeskConnect and Document Companion are designed for ease of use, with intuitive workflows that get you converting in minutes—no technical skills needed.

Woman using phone

Can You Try It Before You Buy?

Absolutely. If you're looking for full-featured desktop tools, FabSoft offers a 30-day trial of both DeskConnect and Document Companion—no credit card required, full functionality included.

man working with documents on laptop

Key Differences Between Document Companion and DeskConnect

While both tools support PDF to Word conversion, their strengths differ:

  • Document Companion is ideal if you need to edit, combine, or organize documents manually. It’s built for users who want control over their PDF files.
  • DeskConnect is better suited for users who value automation and speed. It can automatically process documents from folders, emails, websites, or virtual print drivers.

Neither tool is enterprise-grade, making them excellent fits for small teams or individual professionals who need reliable conversion with minimal setup.

Watch Before You Download

Document Companion Overview Thumbnail

Document Companion

DeskConnect Demo Thumbnail

DeskConnect

Download a Free Trial

Download Document Companion Trial
$39/year
Download
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DeskConnect Trial
$29/month
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Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For light, occasional use, a free online converter may suffice. But if you're managing scanned files, working with formattingheavy documents, or need automation, a dedicated desktop tool like DeskConnect or Document Companion can make a big difference in efficiency and reliability.

By evaluating cost, accuracy, automation, and usability, you can confidently choose the PDF to Word converter that best fits your workflow.

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