How to extract text from a PDF
Save selectable PDF text as a simple TXT file.
- Choose the PDF that contains the text you need.
- Select Extract text to extract text from up to 200 pages.
- Download the TXT file and check the reading order.
Common questions and quick fixes
Why is my PDF to Text result empty?
The PDF may contain scanned page images instead of selectable text. Try OCR PDF first, or use Image to Text for a JPG or PNG scan.
Will the TXT file keep tables and formatting?
TXT stores plain text. It does not keep fonts, pictures or table borders. Columns and complex layouts may also need manual cleanup.
Why do the words appear in the wrong order?
PDFs can store text in a different order from the visible page. Multi-column pages are a common cause. Review the text and move sections where needed.
Can I extract text from a very long PDF?
This tool reads up to 200 pages per run. Split a longer PDF into smaller files, then extract the text from each part.
Helpful tip: Try selecting a line in your PDF viewer first. If you cannot select it, the page may need OCR.