Free PDF conversion software (Monday only)

PDF Converter retains all formatting when converting PDFs to Word documents.

(Credit: Rick Broida)

Here's a little something for business users: PDF Converter can turn any PDF into a Word document while keeping all text, images, and formatting intact. Normally, it sells for $59.95, but it's available free on Monday from Giveaway of the Day.

The catch? You must download and install the program today, March 2. That's how Giveaway of the Day works: The site offers a new commercial-software freebie each day of the week, with the only requisite being that you act on it within that 24-hour window. Hardly a catch at all, in my book.

In addition to Word, PDF Converter supports output to HTML, JPEG, TIFF, and even plain text. It offers batch conversion, drag-and-drop file selection, and a command-line mode. The program runs on Windows 95 and later.

If you miss out on the deal, there's a new Web service that offers similar capabilities: PDF-to-Word Converter. It's in closed beta right now, but I know where you can score an invite.

Make sure that you check out the "readme" file in the download and follow the instructions; otherwise you might have trouble activating the program.

[tick509]

PrimoPDF is a free PDF converter, http://www.primopdf.com/. I've used it for at least a year with no problems.

[yanchineseguy]

@tick - it's not the same thing. PrimoPDF, and a variety of free converters, only convert TO PDF, not FROM PDF. The above PDF Converter extracts the content from a PDF and therefore makes the read-only document editable.

[tick509]

Sorry, I should have realized that.

[loose_screw]

Worked great, thanks Rick!

BTW, it's been a while since you featured a DVD to mp4 (iPod video) conversion program. I need one (other than handbrake) for my new system; if you see a good one from GOTD or elsewhere please post, thanks!

[rickbroida]

Haven't seen one in a while (on GOTD, anyway), but I'll definitely keep my eyes peeled. In the meantime, have you tried <a href="http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm">DVDFab HD Decrypter</a>?

[tm_anon]

Have you looked at WMConverter? It has a fairly large list of extensions it can convert between, including mp4 and DVD.

[loose_screw]

Yes, I use DVDFab Free and it works great! I've been looking for a (free) simple one step solution to go from DVD to iPod video though. I had been using the DVD Ripper Ultimate from GOTD that you posted a long while back, but my old machine died so I lost it.

I'll check out WMConverter, thanks!

[Jeff Putz]

Every app on a Mac "prints" to PDF. Apple FTW.

[rapier1]

You may want to look into this whole 'reading comprehension' thing. All the kids are in to it!

[Pishkado]

Did you even read the article? It doesn't convert _to_ PDF. It converts _from_ PDF to Word files.

(I use a Mac too, it's a great computer, but there's such a thing as a knee-jerk fanboi reaction going a bit too far.)

[Bh01]

I got exe files. Does this come in a mac version?

[loose_screw]

No, per the system requirements on the link that Rick provided: "Windows 95/98/2000/Me/XP/Vista"

[sjoeylev]

You may be better off using an online service to convert PDF files (I personally like www.freepdftoword.org for this), as they aren't OS dependent (I use Ubuntu Linux on my home desktop and Arch Linux on my laptop atm).

[loose_screw]

The problem with online services is that you have to upload your file, and once on their servers there's no guarantee they won't store a copy. This could be an issue with confidential files.

[SteveW928]

I'm trying to figure out why someone would want to convert a PDF to some of these formats. I guess I can see PDF to HTML, but Word, and especially the other formats seem kind of odd. I suppose for Word if one needs to edit it, but there are PDF editors for that.

[loose_screw]

Maybe odd for you. There are people who find this useful.

[pgp_protector]

RTF works much better on my Sony P505 than PDFs

[synapse7]

If you reformat your system and need to reinstall the program in the future, is there any way to get it back?

[rickbroida]

Nope. Though GOTD occasionally reposts previous offers.

[QMT]

Does it convert "locked" PDFs?

[pgp_protector]

No, I tried on a protected PDF, It stated that it finished & opened the directory, but no file there, and the Program didn't throw an error (but it did have a red "!" mark, but no info)

[GrampaG]

We tried this program for converting PDF to Tiff.... Did not work at all. Maybe the licensed version will but obviously that is not free. This offer is just a come on.... a teezer.. It may indeed convert to Word format but why bother?

[loose_screw]

If you need PDF to Tiff try this:

http://www.bullzip.com/products/pdf/info.php

[rickbroida]

This is the licensed version. Are you sure you activated it?

[loose_screw]

There were other people complaining about the image conversion not working for them so it could be a bug or conflict on their machines.

When I installed this, there was no activation, or it happened so fast that I missed it. Anyway, my copy works fine. Thanks!

[Nychocolips]

I totally slept on this one. R.I.F. I did want/need this. Just skimmed and thought it was only a PDF creator. DUH!!!!

[pjcamp]

This one is free all the time, not just today:

http://www.hellopdf.com/

[Nychocolips]

Thanks, Pjcamp

I'm playing with this now. It's not working quite the way I expect, but that can easily be a bit of learning curve.

Thanks, Again.

[tweakpdf]

Why not try Tweak pdf to word?
only $19.95 then you can use forever.
you can try it first.
just try it in http://www.tweakpdf.com/

[kenmarshall4]

said not available anymore. whats up with that???????????????