# Converting .pdf to editable format with no Word installed.
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-pdf-to-editable-format-with-no-word-installed/605025
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [December 4, 2011, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-pdf-to-editable-format-with-no-word-installed/605025 "2011-12-04T11:15:24Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)
#### Post date: [December 4, 2011, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-pdf-to-editable-format-with-no-word-installed/605025/1 "2011-12-04T11:15:24Z")
A friend has a .pdf file for requesting time off from work. I’m trying to convert the document to a format where he can fill it out as needed and print it off. (Or e-mail it). Right now the only option is to print a copy and fill it out by hand. I’ve tried Smart PDF Converter (trial) with Ultimate File Viewer (trial). The best I can get is an .rtf file that would work, however there are a couple lines and boxes that are messed up in the formatting. There’s no obvious fix in the help files that I can find (I suck at using help files).
Does anyone know of any program(s) that will convert this file? It’s just the one we need done so buying licenses is impractical. I’ve never attempted this before so could really use some advice, and the easier to use the better. Thanks.
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### Author:  [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)
#### Post date: [December 4, 2011, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-pdf-to-editable-format-with-no-word-installed/605025/2 "2011-12-04T12:47:19Z")
You’re unlikely to find a converter, free or otherwise, that will preserve all the formatting. Perhaps a better solution would be to use a program that lets you overlay text on the PDF, sort of like using a typewriter to fill in a form. If you let us know what operating system you (or your friend) is using we could recommend one.
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### Author:  [@njtt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/njtt)
#### Post date: [December 4, 2011, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-pdf-to-editable-format-with-no-word-installed/605025/3 "2011-12-04T13:06:43Z")
Load it up in [PDF-XChange Viewer](http://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-viewer) (free version) and use the Typewriter tool.
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### Author:  [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)
#### Post date: [December 4, 2011, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-pdf-to-editable-format-with-no-word-installed/605025/4 "2011-12-04T13:20:53Z")
I’ll try that program now. OS is XP (SP3?). I was wondering if there was a way to overlay text on the doc but had no idea where to start looking. This is now a friggin’ quest. I have to know the answer simply because I know that I don’t know it. Wish me luck. Back in a bit with a report.
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### Author:  [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)
#### Post date: [December 4, 2011, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-pdf-to-editable-format-with-no-word-installed/605025/5 "2011-12-04T13:41:37Z")
Hot damn **njtt**! It worked!! Been at this since 1 this morning. Now I can go home and get a few hours sleep before kickoff. Thanks!