Why does the picture look blurry in my PDF?

It was compressed when the PDF was made. A larger, sharper image gives a better PDF.

Will rebuilding the PDF keep the text selectable?

No, pages made from images have no selectable text.

Does Word compress images?

It can. In Word options, turn off image compression or choose high fidelity before saving.

Improve Image Quality in a PDF or Word File

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): Neither PDF readers nor Word can add detail to a picture, so take the image out, enhance it here and put it back. In Word, right-click the picture › Save as Picture; for a PDF, turn the page into an image with the PDF to image tool on Utilorca (or take a screenshot), then upscale above. Back in Word, right-click › Change Picture › From a File.

Do it now, right here

Drop a file here or choose a file

Enlarge: 2× (recommended) 4×

Works best on small, soft or compressed photos: WhatsApp and social media pictures, screenshots, old phone photos and scans.

Old print with cracks, scratches or torn corners? Restore and colorize it →

Step by step

Get the image: Word › right-click › Save as Picture; PDF › PDF to image tool.
Drop it into the box above and choose 2× or 4×.
Put it back: Word › Change Picture; for a PDF, rebuild it with JPG to PDF.

At a glance

Source	How to get the image	How to put it back
Word	Right-click › Save as Picture	Right-click › Change Picture
PDF	PDF to image tool	JPG to PDF tool
Google Docs	Right-click › Copy, paste into an editor	Insert › Image

How to improve the quality of an image in a PDF or Word file