Convert PDF to TXT

PDF to TXT converter that runs entirely in your browser. 100% free, no signup, no upload — your files never leave your device. One-click batch conversion.

Extracting TXT from a PDF keeps the words and drops everything else — fonts, columns, images, and tables all flatten into plain text. Perfect for search indexing, data processing, quoting, or feeding text to another tool. Caveat: a scanned PDF is just page images, so it yields little or no text without OCR.

Conversions

About formats

PDF

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a file format developed by Adobe in the 1990s to present documents, including text formatting and images, in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems. PDF is the de facto standard for distributing and printing documents and supports vector and raster graphics, text, hyperlinks, forms, encryption, and digital signatures.

Developer
Adobe
Initial release
1993
Compression
Lossy or lossless
Color depth
up to 32-bit
Transparency
Yes
Animation
No

Best for

  • Distributing print-ready documents
  • Preserving document formatting across platforms
  • Sharing forms and contracts
  • Archiving formatted documents
  • Universal document exchange

Pros

  • +Preserves formatting independent of software and OS
  • +Supports vector and raster graphics
  • +Encryption and digital signatures
  • +De facto standard for document distribution

Cons

  • −Hard to edit without dedicated software
  • −Can be large with embedded images
  • −DRM can restrict access
  • −Not a source editing format

TXT

TXT is a plain text file format that stores unformatted character data without any styling or metadata. The TXT format is universally supported by virtually every text editor and operating system, making it the simplest and most portable way to exchange text content. TXT files commonly use the .txt extension and are encoded as ASCII or UTF-8.

Developer
ISO/IEC / Various
Initial release
1960s
Compression
Uncompressed
Color depth
1-bit
Transparency
No
Animation
No

Best for

  • Storing plain unformatted text
  • Exchanging text between any platforms
  • Configuration and log files
  • Note-taking and simple documents
  • Universal text data interchange

Pros

  • +Universally supported by every text editor
  • +Simplest and most portable text format
  • +ASCII or UTF-8 encoding
  • +No formatting overhead

Cons

  • −No formatting, images, or structure
  • −No rich text or styling
  • −Not suitable for formatted documents
  • −Lacks metadata

How to convert PDF to TXT

  1. 1

    Select PDF files from your computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, a URL, or by dragging them onto the page.

  2. 2

    Choose txt — or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported).

  3. 3

    Let the file convert, then download your txt file right away.

PDF vs TXT

PropertyPDFTXT

When to use PDF vs TXT

PDF

  • Distributing print-ready documents
  • Preserving document formatting across platforms
  • Sharing forms and contracts
  • Archiving formatted documents
  • Universal document exchange

TXT

  • Storing plain unformatted text
  • Exchanging text between any platforms
  • Configuration and log files
  • Note-taking and simple documents
  • Universal text data interchange

Use cases for PDF → TXT

  • Distributing print-ready documents
  • Preserving document formatting across platforms
  • Sharing forms and contracts
  • Archiving formatted documents
  • Universal document exchange
  • Storing plain unformatted text
  • Exchanging text between any platforms
  • Configuration and log files
  • Note-taking and simple documents
  • Universal text data interchange

Frequently Asked Questions

Is converting PDF to TXT free?
Yes. This PDF → TXT converter runs entirely in your browser and is completely free — no account, no credits, no watermark.
Which devices and platforms can I use to convert PDF to TXT?
Any modern device with a current web browser: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone and iPad. There is nothing to install — the conversion happens locally.
Are my PDF files uploaded to a server?
No. Files never leave your device. The entire PDF → TXT conversion runs locally in your browser, so your data stays private.
Can I convert multiple PDF files at once?
Yes — batch conversion is supported. Add as many PDF files as you like and convert them to TXT in one pass, then download the results together.
What is the maximum file size?
There is no fixed server-side limit because the conversion happens in your browser. Practical limits depend on the available memory and CPU of your device.
Will converting PDF to TXT lose quality?
No. TXT is a lossless format (or used in a lossless mode here), so the original data from your PDF file is preserved bit-for-bit in the converted result.
Will transparent areas of my PDF file be kept in TXT?
No — TXT does not support transparency. Transparent areas of your PDF file will be flattened onto a solid background colour during conversion.
How will the file size change after converting PDF to TXT?
Both formats use comparable compression, so the TXT output will be similar in size to your PDF file — typically within 10–20% of each other.

Related Conversions

Specific converters

FREE

100% Free

No hidden fees, no subscriptions, and no limits. Enjoy complete access to all features gratis.

SIGNUP

No Signup Required

Start converting immediately without creating an account or sharing email address.

PRIVACY

Private & Secure

Your files never leave your device. All processing is completed locally for maximum privacy.

BATCH

Batch Conversion

Convert multiple files simultaneously to save time. Fast and efficient multi-file queue.

LOCAL

Runs in Browser

Utilizes advanced client-side WebAssembly technology to process files directly inside your tab.

FORMATS

200+ Formats

Supports a wide variety of formats including images, documents, audio, video, and more.

USER REVIEWS

Convert PDF to TXT Quality Rating

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