PDF to Text Converter
Convert PDF to Text online for free: nothing to install, no watermark, files encrypted in transit and deleted automatically after conversion.
Drag & drop your PDF file here, or
How to convert PDF to Text in 3 steps
- 1
Upload your PDF file
Drag and drop or select the PDF file you want to convert.
- 2
Choose Text as output
The output format is pre-selected for you — just confirm and start the conversion.
- 3
Download your file
Once processing finishes, download your converted Text file instantly.
Converting PDF to Text: what to know
When you need it
The plain text of a PDF is handy for copying long passages, searching or counting words, pasting into an email or a translation tool, or feeding a document to software that only reads text.
What to expect
The text is extracted with the layout approximated by spaces, so columns and tables stay roughly in place. Images, fonts and formatting are dropped. A scanned PDF contains pictures of pages, not text, so its TXT will be empty or nearly empty: that needs OCR, which this converter doesn't do.
Tip: If you need to edit the document with its formatting, convert PDF to Word instead.
PDF vs Text: what is the difference?
| Text | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Portable Document Format | Plain Text |
| Type | Document | Plain text |
| Compression | Built-in (ZIP/deflate) | None |
| Developed by | Adobe (ISO 32000) | — |
| File extension | .txt |
What is PDF?
PDF preserves a document's exact layout, fonts and images so it looks the same on every device and printer. It is the standard for sharing, signing and archiving final documents, but it is designed to be read rather than edited.
What is Text?
TXT is plain, unformatted text. It is the most universal file type there is — any device and any program can open it — but it keeps no fonts, images, tables or layout.
Tips for converting PDF to Text
- Fonts that are not installed on our servers are replaced with similar ones, so check the layout of the converted file.
- Scanned documents are images: converting a scanned PDF will not make its text editable (that requires OCR).
- Complex layouts, macros and embedded objects may not survive every conversion; review the Text before sharing it.
- Password-protected files cannot be converted — remove the password first.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I convert PDF to Text online?
- Upload your PDF file above, select Text as the output format, and click Convert. ConvertFastHub processes the file in the cloud and gives you a download link — no software installation required.
- Is it free to convert PDF to Text?
- Yes. Free accounts get 10 conversions every 24 hours with files up to 50MB. For unlimited conversions, larger files up to 1.5GB, and priority processing, upgrade to ConvertFastHub Pro.
- Is my file safe when I convert it?
- Files travel over an encrypted connection, are scanned automatically for malware (files up to 200 MB), are processed in an isolated worker and are deleted automatically: after 1 hour without an account, 24 hours with a free account, or 7 days with Pro.
- Can I convert PDF to Text on my phone?
- Yes. The converter runs in the browser and the work happens on our servers, so it works the same on Android, iPhone, tablets and computers — there is no app to install.
- Do I need an account?
- No. You can convert without signing up; results are then kept for 1 hour. A free account keeps them for 24 hours and shows your conversion history.