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How to Convert a PDF into an Opus Doc

Convert text-based PDF training resources into an Opus Doc.

Sara Delgado avatar
Written by Sara Delgado
Updated over a month ago

Got existing training materials in PDF format? You can easily convert them into Opus Docs—so that they’re searchable, translatable, and mobile-friendly for your team.

  1. Go to Resources

  2. Click the “+ New Resource” button in the top right or upload a new Resource

  3. Select the PDF file you’d like to convert.

  4. Select “Convert into Opus Document”

  5. Opus will scan and convert the content into an editable document.

    1. This should take about 5 seconds - if the conversion is lagging, we recommend refreshing the page.

  6. Review the converted document and clean up!

    • Remember: Conversion gets you 70–80% of the way there. Before publishing, take a few moments to:

      • Fix any formatting issues (like spacing or line breaks)

      • Remove headers, footers, and other elements that no longer apply

      • Update any outdated language or links

  7. Click Publish and share access

    • Add Tags to organize your doc

    • Adjust Access to control visibility

    • Share via QR Code so your team can scan and view it quickly

💡 Remember: Opus Docs are designed for readability, not layout—so visual design from your PDF (fonts, colors, columns) won’t carry over. That’s normal!

💡 Best Practices

  • Use short sections and plain language for mobile readability

  • Replace any tables or layout-heavy elements with simple bullet points

  • Add images or videos to clarify complex steps

  • Give the doc a clear title your team will recognize and search for

✋ Need help writing a new Opus Doc from scratch? Check out: How to Create an Opus Doc

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Will my PDF formatting stay the same in Opus?

  • Not exactly. The content will carry over, but design elements like fonts, columns, and colors won’t. Opus Docs are built for functionality—search, translation, and mobile access—not layout.

Do I need to review the converted doc?

  • Yes! Conversion typically gets you 70–80% of the way there. Always review and clean up formatting before sharing with your team.

Can I convert image-based PDFs?

  • If your PDF is a scanned image or photo, it may not convert accurately. Text-based PDFs work best for conversion.

Can I update the converted doc later?

  • Absolutely. Once converted, it behaves like any other Opus Doc—you can edit, tag, and update it at any time.

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