This blog kicks off a series where I compare two tools designed for this purpose: the online platform pdf2document.com and the Python library pdf2docx. Our test subject is a widely available document, “AI_Russell_Norvig.pdf,” known for its complexity.

Encounter with Python pdf2docx

My journey began with an attempt to use Python’s pdf2docx library, attracted by its promise of flexibility and control. However, the process stumbled at the start line due to an unexpected error. This hiccup was a reminder of the challenges that can arise from software dependencies or the intricate nature of some PDF files.

from pdf2docx import Converter

def pdf_to_docx(pdf_file, docx_file):
    cv = Converter(pdf_file)
    cv.convert(docx_file)
    cv.close()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    pdf_file = './AI_Russell_Norvig.pdf'
    docx_file = './AI_Russell_Norvig.docx'
    
    pdf_to_docx(pdf_file, docx_file)
    print(f"'{pdf_file}' '{docx_file}'")

Moving Forward

This setback sets the stage for exploring pdf2document.com. Will it offer a smoother conversion experience? The comparison aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each tool, focusing on user-friendliness, effectiveness, and reliability.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the world of PDF to DOCX conversion, aiming to provide insights that help you choose the best tool for your needs.