How to Convert PDFs Online

Overview

Zilita's PDF Converter lets you transform PDF files into editable formats — Word, Excel, images, and more — entirely within your browser. Unlike online converters that require uploading files to a server, Zilita processes everything locally, keeping your documents private and secure.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Conversion Type

Open the PDF Converter. You'll see a grid of conversion options:

• PDF to Word — Convert to .docx format for editing in Microsoft Word or Google Docs
• PDF to Excel — Extract tables and data to .xlsx spreadsheets
• PDF to Images — Export each page as PNG, JPEG, or WebP
• PDF to Text — Extract raw text content from the PDF
• PDF to HTML — Convert to a web page format

Click the card for your desired output format.

Step 2: Upload Your File

Click the upload area or drag and drop your PDF file. The tool accepts files up to 50 MB. A progress indicator shows the file loading status. Since everything is processed locally, larger files may take a moment to load into memory. You'll see a thumbnail preview of the first page once the file is loaded.

Step 3: Configure Settings

Depending on the output format, you may see additional options:

• Page Range — Convert all pages or select a specific range (e.g., pages 1-5)
• Image Quality — For image exports, choose from Low, Medium, or High quality
• DPI — Select output resolution (72, 150, 200, or 300 DPI)
• OCR — For scanned PDFs, toggle OCR to extract text (available for PDF to Word and PDF to Text conversions)

Step 4: Convert

Click “Convert” to start the process. A progress bar shows conversion status. Processing time depends on file size, page count, and the selected output format — text extraction is fastest, while Word conversion with formatting preservation takes slightly longer. You can cancel the conversion at any time.

Step 5: Download

When conversion completes, a preview of the result is shown. Click “Download” to save the converted file to your computer. The file is downloaded directly — no server storage, no email links, no expiring download URLs. The original PDF is also removed from your browser's memory after download.

Common Mistakes

• Scanned PDFs without OCR — If your PDF is scanned (image-based), enable OCR in settings before converting. Without it, you'll get images instead of editable text.
• Complex formatting — PDFs with complex layouts, tables, or custom fonts may not convert perfectly. Review the output and make manual adjustments as needed.
• Large file sizes — While the tool supports up to 50 MB, very large files may be slow. Try converting selected pages instead of the whole document.

Troubleshooting

• Conversion fails silently — Check that your PDF isn't corrupted. Try opening it in a PDF reader first. Also ensure you're using a supported browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox).
• Text not extracted — The PDF may contain non-embedded fonts or encoded text. Try PDF to Image conversion instead, then use OCR on the resulting images.
• Output looks different from original — Some formatting differences are expected. Zilita preserves basic structure (headings, paragraphs, lists) but complex formatting may shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my PDF uploaded to a server?

No. The entire conversion process runs in your browser. Your document never leaves your device.

What is the maximum file size?

50 MB per file. If your PDF is larger, try using the PDF Compressor tool to reduce its size first.

Can I convert password-protected PDFs?

Yes, but only PDFs you have permission to convert. Use the Unlock PDF tool first to remove password protection, then convert.