Extract all text from a PDF β copy it or download a .txt file
What is a PDF to text converter?
A PDF to text converter reads the words inside a PDF and gives them back as plain, editable text you can copy or save. This tool extracts the embedded text layer of each page in the original reading order, then lets you keep the page's line breaks or merge wrapped lines into paragraphs. For scanned or image-only PDFs it can run OCR to recognize the text from the page image. It works entirely in your browser, so documents like contracts, invoices, and statements never leave your device.
How to copy text from a PDF
Drop in a PDF, pick an output style, and click Extract Text. Use Keep line breaks for code, tables, and lists, or Merge paragraphs for articles and prose. Then copy the result to your clipboard or download it as a .txt file.
Scanned PDF? Use OCR
If the PDF has no text layer β common with scans and photos of documents β the tool switches to OCR. Choose the document's language and it reads the text straight from each page image. OCR is slower and depends on scan quality, but recovers text that would otherwise be locked in an image.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I extract text from a PDF?
Upload your PDF, choose how the text should be laid out, and click Extract Text. The tool reads the text layer of every page and shows it in the output panel, where you can copy it to the clipboard or download it as a .txt file. Everything runs in your browser, so the PDF is never uploaded.
What is the difference between 'Keep line breaks' and 'Merge paragraphs'?
'Keep line breaks' preserves each visual line exactly where it sits on the page, which is best for code, tables, addresses, and lists. 'Merge paragraphs' joins lines that wrap within a paragraph into a single flowing block, which reads better for articles, essays, and other prose. You can switch between the two after extracting without re-running it.
Does it work on scanned PDFs?
Yes, with OCR. PDFs exported from Word, Google Docs, or other software are read instantly from their text layer. For scanned or image-only PDFs the tool auto-switches to OCR mode β pick the document's language and it recognizes the text from each page. OCR is slower, downloads an engine on first use, and depends on scan quality.
Can I copy the text or save it as a file?
Both. After extraction, use the Copy button to put the full text on your clipboard, or Download .txt to save it as a plain text file named after your PDF. The output panel is also editable-selectable, so you can grab just the part you need.
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. The PDF is parsed in your browser with pdf.js and, for scanned files, OCR also runs locally. Your file never leaves your device, which makes this safe for contracts, statements, and other sensitive documents.