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How to Convert a PDF into an Opus Doc

Learn how to convert a text-based PDF into an Opus Doc, so you can clean it up and share it with your team.

Written by Ben Brunken
An Opus Doc made from a PDF, with the Converted from card

Convert a text-based PDF into an Opus Doc to make it searchable, translatable, and easy to read on a phone, in seconds.

Table of Contents:


How to Convert a PDF

  1. In the dashboard, go to Training > Library and select the Resources filter.

  2. Click New Resource and select the PDF file you want to convert.

  3. Select Convert into Opus Document, then click Convert to Opus Doc.

  4. Opus scans the PDF and converts it into an editable document. This takes about 5 seconds.

  5. Review the converted doc and clean it up before publishing:

    • Fix formatting issues like spacing or line breaks.

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

    • Update outdated language or links.

  6. Click Publish.

  7. Share and organize the published doc from its Overview tab:

    • Library Access: Click Make available next to Available in library.

    • Tags: Click the Tags value in the Settings card (or select … > Settings).

    • QR code: Click the QR code value in the Settings card and choose Anyone can scan to open to get a QR code your team can scan to open the doc.

⚠️ Plan a quick review: Conversion gets you about 70% to 80% of the way there.

💡 Conversion seems stuck? Refresh the page.

To convert a PDF that's already in your Library, open it and click Convert PDF to Opus Doc under the preview on the Overview tab.

💡 Readability over layout: Opus Docs are built for readability, so visual design from your PDF (fonts, colors, columns) doesn't carry over.


Best Practices

  • Use short sections and plain language for mobile readability.

  • Replace tables and layout-heavy elements with simple bullet points.

  • Add images to clarify complex steps.

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

➡️ Learn more:


FAQ

Will my PDF formatting stay the same in Opus?

No. The content carries over, but design elements like fonts, columns, and colors don't. Opus Docs are built for search, translation, and mobile access.

Do I need to review the converted doc?

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

Can I convert image-based PDFs?

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

Can I update the converted doc later?

Yes. Once converted, it works like any other Opus Doc. Click Edit on the Build tab to make changes, then click Publish.

Can I go back to the original PDF?

Yes. On the Overview tab, click Revert to PDF in the Converted from card.

You can also click Edit, then select … > Revert to PDF.

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