Upload a PDF
Choose a PDF above. Searchable PDFs can often be read directly; some scans need recognition.
YOUR DOCUMENT WORKSPACE
Extract text for freeUpload your document or image, then copy or download the extracted text.
✦ FREE PDF TO TEXT
PDF to Text Converter
Convert searchable PDFs and supported scanned PDFs into editable text for free. Review, copy or download TXT. DOCX and image uploads are also supported.
Extract text from your PDF
Upload a PDF to get editable text. You can also upload images and DOCX files.
Drop your PDF here
or choose one from your device
PDF and DOCX: max 20 MiB · JPG, PNG, WebP: max 10 MBScanned PDFs requiring recognition: 8 pages / 10 MB. AI recognition may be used. Images: max 12 megapixels, 10000 pixels per side. Check the result against your original.
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Free text extraction
Text extraction is free. No payment or temporary wallet hold is required.
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Uploading your file…
Your file has been saved. We’ll extract its text so you can review it before copying or downloading.
Advanced options
Only use this if the extracted content needs another AI pass. Text extraction is free. Recognition still needs your review.
Please keep this page open. Larger documents can take a little longer.
Review document text
Compare the extracted text with your original file, especially names, numbers, dates, handwriting and tables. Recognition may use OpenAI. Text output does not preserve the image layout. If you later choose an optional professional document design, review every preview page before purchasing.
Download TXT — free
Text extraction is free. Optional PDF + editable Word downloads cost USD $3.99. Existing historical credits and purchases remain valid; included design changes and repeat downloads keep their existing access period.
YOUR TEMPLATEMeridianEditorial serif headings, petrol and copper accents, sage callouts and refined tables. Includes a professionally formatted PDF and editable Word document.
Tick the box above to unlock PDF + editable Word.
Download document
Includes PDF + editable Word
Paid downloads for these seven designs include the approved PDF and an editable Word (.docx) file in one ZIP. Word layout may vary between apps. For a PDF-only download, open My account.
Free text extraction · Copy or download TXT · No subscription
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Documents are stored privately.
Example document
Fictional sample content.
TESTED PDF EXAMPLE
From a PDF invoice to copyable text.
Download our sample invoice PDF and compare it with the plain text extracted from the same file. The example is a fictional invoice created for this demonstration; its text was verified with a local PDF extraction utility, not with the live SimplyFileTools service.
BEFORE Actual downloadable PDF
AFTER Text extracted from that PDF
NORTHLINE OFFICE SUPPLIES INVOICE INV-1043 Issued: 12 October 2026 Customer: Example Studio Ltd Description Quantity Unit price Amount A4 paper 5 GBP 4.99 GBP 24.95 Ink cartridges 2 GBP 16.50 GBP 33.00 Ring binders 10 GBP 2.25 GBP 22.50 Subtotal GBP 80.45 VAT 20% GBP 16.09 Total GBP 96.54 Payment terms: 14 days Thank you for your business.
Download and compare the original PDF and extracted TXT
Demonstration uses a real, downloadable PDF with fictional business details. Extracted text was verified locally using pdftotext; it is not a claim of a tested SimplyFileTools conversion. Layout and spacing may differ from other extraction engines.
Download sample PDF Download verified TXT
THREE SIMPLE STEPS
How to convert PDF to text
Check the extracted text
Review names, dates, figures, headings and reading order against the original PDF.
Copy or save TXT
Copy the words or download a plain-text file free. Optional document designs are separate.
UNDERSTAND YOUR FILE
Searchable PDFs and scanned PDFs
Not every PDF stores its words in the same way. Understanding the difference helps set expectations for extraction.
Searchable PDFs
These contain a text layer. Text can often be extracted directly without AI recognition.
Scanned PDFs
These contain images of pages. Supported scans may require AI recognition, with additional size and page limits.
Tables and columns
Plain text may change the original reading order, spacing and table structure. Check the output carefully.
Protected PDFs
Password-protected, damaged or unsupported PDFs may not be readable. Use a permitted, accessible source file.
BETTER RESULTS
Tips for accurate PDF text extraction
Start with the original
Use a digital PDF rather than a screenshot when available.
Use readable scans
Keep scanned pages sharp, straight and high contrast.
Review numbers
Double-check totals, dates, IDs and unusual characters.
Expect plain text
TXT saves the wording, not the original page layout.
PDF and DOCX files: up to 20 MiB. PDFs requiring recognition: up to 8 pages and 10 MB. Processing may use an AI provider; see the Privacy Policy before uploading sensitive material.
PRACTICAL USES
What can you extract from a PDF?
Different PDFs need different checks. These examples show useful workflows and the limitations of plain-text output.
PDF invoices and receipts
Copy supplier names, invoice references, line descriptions, dates and totals into your records. Check every amount and VAT figure against the PDF before using it for bookkeeping; TXT does not preserve the invoice table.
PDF reports and research
Extract paragraphs and headings for notes or quotations without retyping. For reports with charts, footnotes or two-column pages, verify reading order and remember that figures and diagrams are not reproduced in TXT.
PDF contracts and agreements
Copy clauses, dates and defined terms to help review a document. Compare each clause with the original, including numbering and punctuation. Do not rely on extracted text alone for legal interpretation or signatures.
Scanned letters and forms
Use recognition on supported image-only PDFs to recover typed words from scanned correspondence. Straight, sharp scans work best. Handwriting, stamps, checkboxes and faded print can be missed or misread.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Why is my PDF text missing or out of order?
Try these checks before uploading again.
Password-protected PDFs
Encrypted PDFs may not be readable. If you are authorised, remove the password using your PDF application's export or security settings, then upload the accessible copy. Never share a password here.
Image-only scanned PDFs
If you cannot select words in a PDF viewer, the pages may be images. Recognition may be required and is limited to 8 pages / 10 MB. Rescan blurred or tilted pages at a readable resolution.
Multiple columns and tables
Text can come out in the wrong order because PDF files store positions, not always logical reading order. Compare the TXT with the original page and rearrange columns or rows manually when needed.
Incomplete or missing text
Check whether pages are cut off, contain embedded images, use unusual fonts or are damaged. Try an original digital PDF, a clearer scan or smaller supported sections, then check names, dates and numbers again.
COMMON QUESTIONS
PDF to text FAQs
Is PDF to text conversion free?
Yes. Text extraction, copying and TXT downloads are free. Optional designed PDF and editable Word downloads cost extra.
Can I extract text from a scanned PDF?
Supported scanned PDFs may be processed with AI recognition. For PDFs needing recognition, the limit is 8 pages and 10 MB. Accuracy varies with scan quality.
What is the PDF file size limit?
PDF uploads are supported up to 20 MiB. PDFs that require recognition have a separate 10 MB and 8-page limit.
Will tables, images and formatting be preserved?
No. TXT is plain text. Tables, columns, images and page formatting may not be reproduced accurately.
Are my PDFs processed entirely in my browser?
No. Files are processed by SimplyFileTools and some recognition may use an AI provider. Review the Privacy Policy.
READY TO START?
Upload a PDF Extract the words from your PDF.
Upload, review and download TXT free. No subscription required.