How to convert PDF to TXT
To convert PDF to TXT, upload your PDF file, choose TXT as the output format and press Convert. The finished TXT file is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds, free, with no watermark and no sign-up. Your file is deleted from our server about 30 minutes after the conversion.
This free online converter turns PDF document files into TXT in your browser, with no software to install and no watermark. The conversion runs on our server using LibreOffice, pandoc and poppler, and the result is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds. Your PDF file is deleted automatically about 30 minutes after the conversion.
Why convert PDF to TXT?
- Opens in any program on any device
- Tiny files
- Future-proof
- Opens in: every device, editor and operating system
What to expect from this conversion
- Text, headings, bold lettering and bullet lists are rebuilt from the PDF. Complex layouts such as columns, tables and text boxes are flattened into running text.
- Scanned PDFs hold pictures of pages rather than text, so they cannot be converted without OCR (text recognition), which is not included.
- The text keeps the reading layout of the page, with columns of spaces where the PDF had tables.
PDF vs TXT
| Property | TXT | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Portable Document Format | Plain Text |
| Released | 1993, Adobe (now ISO 32000) | 1970, Universal |
| Family | Document | Document |
| Opens in | every browser, phone, computer and print shop | every device, editor and operating system |
| Best for | sharing finished documents; contracts, invoices and forms | notes and logs; code and configuration |
Steps to convert PDF to TXT
- Drop your PDF file onto the converter, or click to choose it.
- Check that TXT is selected as the target format and adjust the options if you want.
- Press Convert, then save the new TXT file to your device when it finishes.
Tips for the best result
- Use a PDF that was made on a computer, not a scan.
- Check tables and columns after converting.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert PDF to TXT?
Drop your PDF file on the converter, confirm that TXT is the target format and press Convert. When it finishes, press Save to device or download the TXT file. No account or software is needed.
Is the PDF to TXT converter free?
Yes. It is free, with no watermark, no sign-up and no limit on how many files you convert. The site is supported by ads.
What should I know before converting PDF to TXT?
Text, headings, bold lettering and bullet lists are rebuilt from the PDF. Complex layouts such as columns, tables and text boxes are flattened into running text. Scanned PDFs hold pictures of pages rather than text, so they cannot be converted without OCR (text recognition), which is not included.
Will my PDF layout, tables and images be kept when converting to TXT?
Text, headings, bold lettering and bullet lists are kept. Complex layouts such as columns and tables are flattened into running text, so check the result. Scanned PDFs need OCR and are not supported.
Which programs open TXT files?
TXT files open in every device, editor and operating system.
How large a file can I convert?
Up to 100 MB per file. Files are deleted from the server about 30 minutes after conversion, and no one looks at them.