Convert PDF to Text
Extract embedded PDF text into a downloadable TXT file. Image-only scanned pages require OCR.
Extracts embedded text only; scanned PDFs require OCR. HTML/Markdown exports are text-only; CSV rows use text positions and are not a guaranteed table reconstruction.
What this tool does
Convert selectable PDF text to a TXT file for copying, editing or reuse in text utilities. This extracts embedded text from the selected pages. It does not recognize characters in pictures or perform OCR on scanned PDFs.
How to use it
- Choose one PDF with embedded text. Try selecting a sentence in a PDF reader if you are unsure about its contents.
- Enter page numbers or a range such as 1-3, or leave Pages blank to extract all pages.
- Select Process and review the text preview. If no embedded text is found, the tool reports that limitation and does not provide a successful text download.
- Download extracted.txt, open it in a text editor, and compare names, numbers, paragraphs and reading order with the source.
Scanned PDFs and empty results
A scanned page may contain only an image of text. Without an existing text layer, this extractor cannot turn that picture into words. A scanned document with an OCR text layer can expose embedded text, but this tool does not add or correct that layer.
Layout and reading-order limits
PDF text objects do not always follow a simple paragraph sequence. Multiple columns, tables and positioned labels can produce an unexpected reading order. Plain TXT does not preserve fonts, pictures or a spreadsheet table structure. Verify values before copying them into another document.
Limits and result checks
Input is limited to 25 MB and 200 PDF pages. Supported output is plain text extracted from PDF text objects. Reading order and spacing need review; no OCR or guaranteed table reconstruction is offered.
Common questions
Why is no text output produced?
Image-only pages may contain no embedded text. The tool reports “No embedded text was found” instead of offering a successful text download. Check the source and page selection; this tool does not perform OCR.
Will tables keep their rows and columns?
No exact table-layout guarantee is made. Text positions may not produce a reliable spreadsheet structure. Compare each value with the source.
Can I extract only a few pages?
Yes. Enter their page numbers or a range in Pages, such as 1-3. Leave it blank for all pages.
Does the tool preserve pictures and formatting?
No. TXT output contains extracted text rather than the original PDF fonts, pictures and layout.
Related PDF workflows
- Create a PDF from text: Use the text-to-PDF mode for a different creation task.
- Save selected source pages: Create a smaller source document before extraction.
- Read embedded PDF text aloud: Use the browser’s supported voices.
- Format copied text case: Adjust text after checking the extraction.