PDF to Text

Extract selectable text from PDF pages for notes, search, and editing.

Drop a PDF here

PDF FILE

Upload one PDF, choose pages and output format, then download the text.

100% PrivateSecure processing with private downloads.
Fast & FreeFree daily allowance, no signup required.
OCR when neededScanned PDFs can use the OCR tool.

How to use PDF to Text

Get a reliable result in three straightforward steps.

  1. 01Step

    Upload the PDF

    Upload the PDF. Page count and text type are detected automatically so you know if OCR may be needed.

  2. 02Step

    Choose mode and pages

    Choose a readable plain-text mode, and optionally clean repeating headers or page numbers.

  3. 03Step

    Preview, copy, or download

    Preview the extracted text, copy what you need, or download a UTF-8 TXT file.

Built for everyday work

Useful without the busywork

Focused controls, immediate feedback, and no account between you and the result.

Smart detection

Know when OCR is needed before you extract.

Flexible modes

Plain text, page markers, paragraphs, or raw extraction.

Worker processing

Large PDFs extract without flooding the browser.

Practical guide

What is PDF to Text?

PDF to Text extracts selectable characters from PDF pages into UTF-8 plain text for editing, search, or analysis.

Detects text, scanned, or mixed PDFs. Choose plain text, page separators, paragraphs, or line breaks. Scanned PDFs are directed to OCR. Large files process in the worker.

Practical applications

When to use this tool

Common ways PDF to Text fits into real projects and daily tasks.

Research

Quote passages into notes.

Data entry

Reuse printed values.

Accessibility drafts

Start a transcript from digital PDFs.

Content salvage

Recover copy from a PDF brochure.

Privacy-first processing

Files deleted after processing

Uploads are handled only for the job you start, then cleared so nothing sits around as an archive.

  • Used for this job only

    Uploads exist only long enough to complete the conversion you started.

  • Download when ready

    Save your result as soon as processing finishes.

  • Not kept as an archive

    We do not store finished files as a long-term library.

JPG to PDFCombine JPG, PNG, or WebP images into a PDF with page size, margins, and fit controls.PDF to JPGConvert PDF pages into high-quality JPG images you can edit or share.PDF to PNGExport PDF pages as PNG images with clear edges for graphics and screenshots.Merge PDFJoin several PDF documents into one file online. Reorder pages, arrange uploads, and download a single merged PDF, free to use with daily limits.Split PDFDivide a PDF into separate files by page ranges or individual pages.Compress PDFReduce PDF file size for email, uploads, and faster sharing while keeping pages readable.Rotate PDFRotate PDF pages left, right, or upside down so every page reads correctly.Word to PDFConvert DOC or DOCX into PDF with layout, images, and tables preserved via LibreOffice.Extract PDF PagesSave selected PDF pages into a new, smaller PDF without changing the original.PDF to WordConvert PDF documents into editable Word files for revisions and collaboration.PDF OCRRecognize text in scanned PDFs so pages become searchable and selectable.Scanned PDF to WordTurn scanned PDF pages into editable Word documents with OCR.PDF to PowerPointTurn PDF pages into PowerPoint slides with editable text boxes, images, and tables, or exact page images, plus OCR for scanned pages.Delete PDF PagesRemove unwanted PDF pages and download a cleaned document.Reorder PDF PagesRearrange PDF page order before sharing or printing.Password Protect PDFProtect a PDF with a password so only authorized people can open it.Remove PDF PasswordUnlock a PDF when you know the current password and need an open copy.Watermark PDFAdd text or image watermarks across PDF pages for drafts, branding, or confidentiality.Redact PDFPermanently redact PDF text and regions. Search sensitive phrases, draw blackout areas, and download a sanitized PDF where underlying content is removed—not just covered.Sign PDFAdd an electronic/visual signature to PDF pages. Draw, type, or upload it, then place, resize, and download a new signed file.Compare PDFCompare two PDF files side by side. Spot text additions and removals, review visual page differences, and download a comparison report.
Helpful answers

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about pdf to text and how this page works.

Why is the text empty?

The PDF may be a scan without a text layer. Use PDF OCR first.

Is formatting preserved?

Output is UTF-8 plain text with optional paragraph and line modes, not full layout.

Do I need premium?

No for this free extraction tool. OCR is a separate tool.

Are files private?

Uploads are processed in private Converto storage and deleted after processing. Extracted text is not logged.