PDF to text
Extract the text of a PDF into a plain text file.
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Free: files up to 100 MB · up to 10 files · 15 of 15 free tasks left today. See plans
Files are encrypted in transit and deleted after 2 hours. You can delete them sooner.
To convert a PDF to text, add the PDF to PDF to text and select Extract text; all the text is saved to a plain .txt file in reading order.
How to convert a PDF to text in 3 steps
- 1
Choose your PDF, or drop it anywhere on the page.
- 2
Pick plain text or keep layout, and add page separators if you like.
- 3
Select Extract text and download your TXT file.
What can PDF to text do?
- UTF-8 text with all languages and special characters.
- Plain text, or keep layout to preserve columns and tables with spaces.
- Optional page separators such as --- Page 3 ---.
- Choose a page range. Convert several PDFs at once.
- If the PDF is a scan we point you to OCR PDF.
How do I convert a PDF to TXT?
PDF to text extracts the text layer of a PDF into a plain .txt file, in reading order and encoded as UTF-8. All languages and special characters are kept. Choose a page range if you only need part of the document, and turn on Add page separators to mark where each page starts, for example --- Page 3 ---.
Should I choose plain text or keep layout?
Choose plain text for running prose and keep layout for columns and tables. Keep layout uses spaces to hold columns in place, which helps with bank statements, invoices and reports.
Why can't I copy text from my PDF?
Text usually can't be copied because the PDF is a scan: the pages are pictures of text rather than text. Run OCR PDF first to recognise the text, then extract it. If you need the formatting as well as the words, use PDF to Word.
Your files are deleted automatically after 2 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How do I extract text from a PDF?
Add the PDF and select Extract text. You get a UTF-8 .txt file with all the text in reading order, ready to open in any text editor.
Why is my text file empty?
Scanned PDFs contain pictures of text, not text. Run OCR PDF first to recognise it, then extract the text.
What does keep layout do?
Columns and tables are kept in place with spaces, which is useful for reports and statements.
Can I convert several PDFs to TXT at once?
Yes. Add several PDFs and each one is saved as its own .txt file.
Does PDF to text keep images and formatting?
No. A .txt file holds plain text only, so images, fonts and colours are left out. To keep the formatting, use PDF to Word.
Is it safe to convert a PDF to text online?
Yes. Files are processed on our servers, encrypted in transit, and deleted automatically after 2 hours. You can also delete them right away from the result screen.
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Last updated October 23, 2026