Extract text from a PDF
Pull all readable text out of a PDF and download it as a plain .txt file. Instant, free, and processed entirely in your browser.
Runs in your browser — this file is never uploaded
How to extract text from a PDF
- 1
Add your file
Drop your PDF into the box above, or browse to choose it. Nothing is uploaded.
- 2
Choose your settings
Pick the options you want. The defaults suit most documents.
- 3
Download the result
Press the button and the finished file saves straight to your device.
Frequently asked
Why is the output empty?+
The PDF is almost certainly a scan — a picture of a page rather than real text. Run it through OCR first to make the words machine-readable.
Is the layout preserved?+
Line breaks are reconstructed, but columns, tables and precise positioning are not. For layout-faithful output, use PDF to Word instead.
Is PDF to text free to use?+
Yes. PDF to text is free and unlimited, with no account and no watermark added to your document.
Are my files uploaded to a server?+
No. PDF to text runs entirely inside your browser, so the document never leaves your device.
Which browsers does it work in?+
Any current version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari, on desktop, tablet and phone.