PDF to Text Converter
Convert PDF documents to plain text (.txt) files. Free online PDF to TXT converter.
Embed this toolClick or drag a PDF file here
Text-based PDFs only
This tool works best with text-based PDFs. Scanned or image-based PDFs may not yield readable text.
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PDF vs Plain Text
PDF (Portable Document Format) is designed to preserve the exact visual appearance of a document across different devices and platforms. It embeds fonts, images, colors, and precise layout information. Plain text (.txt) contains only characters — no formatting, no images, no styling.
When to Convert PDF to Text
- Importing content into a code editor or terminal
- Processing documents with scripts or data pipelines
- Creating accessible versions for screen readers
- Reducing file size for email or storage
- Extracting quotes or passages for note-taking
What You Lose in Conversion
- Font styles, sizes, and colors
- Page layout, columns, and tables
- Images, charts, and diagrams
- Headers, footers, and page numbers
- Hyperlinks and interactive elements
Frequently Asked Questions
Upload your PDF file using the drag-and-drop area or file picker. The tool will scan the PDF for embedded text and display a preview. Click "Download .txt" to save the full extracted text as a plain text file.