What are the most common causes of poor PDF text conversion quality?

Poor text conversion typically results from low-resolution scans (below 300 DPI), skewed or tilted pages, poor lighting conditions during scanning, and complex multi-column layouts that confuse OCR engines.

How can I prevent formatting loss during PDF to Word conversion?

To preserve formatting, use professional OCR software with advanced layout detection, ensure high-quality source PDFs, manually review converted documents, and consider professional conversion services for complex layouts.

Why do I get garbled text when converting multilingual PDFs?

Garbled text in multilingual PDFs occurs due to font encoding issues, missing language support in OCR software, and character recognition problems. Use OCR engines with comprehensive multilingual support and proper font libraries.

Common PDF Conversion Problems & Solutions

Common PDF Conversion Challenges

PDF to Word conversion isn't always straightforward. Different types of PDFs present unique challenges:

Quick Problem Reference

Poor Text Recognition

Low scan quality, tilted pages, poor lighting

Use high-resolution scans (300+ DPI), ensure proper lighting, straighten pages before scanning

Easy

Missing Formatting

Complex layouts, multiple columns, mixed content

Professional OCR with layout detection, manual formatting review

Medium

Garbled Characters

Font recognition issues, special characters, multilingual content

Advanced OCR engines with multiple language support

Hard

Lost Images/Charts

Image extraction limitations, embedded graphics

Specialized tools for image preservation, manual insertion

Medium

Text Recognition Issues

Poor text recognition is the most common PDF conversion problem. Here's how to diagnose and fix it:

Symptoms:

Missing text in converted document
Incorrect characters or symbols
Text appearing as images instead of editable text

Solutions:

Check scan quality: Ensure original scans are at least 300 DPI
Straighten pages: Use document scanning apps to auto-correct skewed pages
Use professional OCR: Adobe Acrobat, ABBYY FineReader, or professional services
Pre-process images: Increase contrast and brightness before conversion

Formatting Problems

Preserving original formatting is crucial for professional documents. Common formatting issues include:

Pro Tip

For complex layouts with multiple columns, tables, and mixed content, consider professional conversion services that combine automated tools with human review.

Common Issues:

Lost column structures
Merged or separated paragraphs
Incorrect font sizes and styles
Missing headers and footers

Image and Table Conversion

Images and tables require special attention during PDF conversion:

Image Issues:

Images not extracted or appearing as text
Poor image quality in converted document
Images in wrong positions

Table Problems:

Table borders not recognized
Cell content merged incorrectly
Tables converted to plain text

Language and Font Issues

Multilingual documents and special fonts present unique challenges:

Best Practices:

Use OCR software with comprehensive language support
Ensure target system has required fonts installed
Consider font substitution settings in conversion tools
Review converted text for character encoding issues

Professional Solutions

When automated tools aren't sufficient, professional conversion services offer:

Happy2Convert Professional Services

✅ Expert human review and correction
✅ Complex layout preservation
✅ Multilingual document support
✅ Fast turnaround times
✅ Quality guarantee

Get Professional Help

Prevention Best Practices

Prevent conversion problems by following these best practices:

Document Creation:

Create PDFs from original digital documents when possible
Use standard fonts and avoid unusual formatting
Ensure high contrast between text and background

Scanning Guidelines:

Scan at 300 DPI or higher
Use auto-straightening features
Ensure good lighting and focus
Clean scanner glass regularly