Converting a PDF document into an editable PowerPoint presentation can be extremely useful. You may need to edit, reformat, or update content from a PDF in PowerPoint, or repurpose a PDF presentation for a new audience in PowerPoint. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to convert a PDF to PowerPoint.

Why Convert a PDF to PowerPoint?

Here are some of the most common reasons you may want to convert a PDF file to a PPTX PowerPoint presentation:

Edit Content from PDFs: Once converted, you can easily edit text, images, colors, fonts, and layouts that were difficult or impossible to edit in the original PDF document.

Update Older Presentations: If you only have an old presentation in PDF format, you can convert it and update the content rather than starting from scratch.
Repurpose Content: Converting PDF presentations created by others allows you to reuse slides and content for new purposes and audiences.
Apply PowerPoint Templates: Using a converted PDF, you can apply new PowerPoint color schemes, fonts, effects, themes, and templates to quickly create an updated, visually appealing presentation.

Method 1: Using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC makes it easy to convert PDF files into fully editable and formatted PowerPoint presentations. Here are the steps:

Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat DC.
Click on the “Export PDF” tool in the right pane.

Under “Microsoft PowerPoint”, select the “Word Document” option.
Click “Export”. Acrobat will convert the PDF to an editable Word DOC file.
Open the Word file and select “File” => “Save As”. Set file type to “PowerPoint Presentation (.pptx)”.

The PDF has now been converted into a PowerPoint presentation with editable text and images. The original formatting is preserved as much as possible.

Acrobat’s PDF to PowerPoint conversion works well for simple file layouts. For complex layouts, manual reformatting may be required in PowerPoint.

Method 2: Using Microsoft Word

Recent versions of Microsoft Word can also convert PDF to PowerPoint using these steps:

Open the PDF file in Word. Word will automatically convert the PDF into editable Word format.
Select “File” => “Export” => “Create PowerPoint Presentation”.
Set PowerPoint options: choose a theme, slide layout, and content formatting.

Click “OK”. Word will convert the file into a new PowerPoint presentation.
The PowerPoint slides and content will match the original PDF. Manually edit and reformat slides as needed.

This method works best for PDFs with primarily text content. Formatting complex layouts and images may require manual adjustments.

Method 3: Using Third-Party PDF Converters

There are also dedicated PDF to PowerPoint converter programs that can batch convert multiple PDF files:

PDF2PPT – Desktop software for Windows that offers a free trial. It maintains images and tables well from PDF to PowerPoint.
iLovePDF – A free web-based PDF converter with a simple drag-and-drop interface. Good option for occasional PDF conversions.

Adobe Export PDF – Online tool that is free for 3 PDF conversions per month. Works much like Acrobat Pro DC export function.

When using third-party conversion software, you may need to manually reformat some content to match the original PDF layout. Complex PDFs with detailed formatting generally require the most reformatting work in PowerPoint.

Tips for Converting PDF to PowerPoint

Follow these tips when converting PDF files to PowerPoint for best results:

For complex PDFs, use Acrobat Pro for highest-quality conversions and best reproduction of original formatting.
Expect to manually rearrange misplaced text or graphics after conversion, especially in complex PDF documents.
After conversion, carefully proofread slides for proper formatting before presenting or distributing the new PowerPoint file.

Apply a PowerPoint presentation template to quickly give converted slides a professionally formatted look.
For long PDF documents, divide content across multiple PowerPoint slides to avoid cramming too much content onto one slide.
Reformat tables and charts in PowerPoint using dedicated table and chart tools for optimal appearance.