Can this tool read a scanned PDF?

This tool extracts text already embedded in a PDF. It does not run OCR, so a scanned page without a text layer cannot be transcribed here.

Is my PDF uploaded to a server?

The extractor reads the selected PDF in this browser and does not send the file to a conversion server. The page also loads third-party scripts for PDF.js and ads.

Can I extract only some pages?

Yes. Enter page numbers and ranges such as 1, 3-5. Leave the field empty to extract all pages, up to the tool's per-run limit.

Runs in your browser

PDF to Text Converter

Extract selectable text from a PDF, choose the pages you need, then copy the result or save it as a plain-text file.

This tool reads text already stored in the PDF. It does not recognize words from scanned page images.

Choose a PDF or drop it here One file at a time · up to 50 MB

Your PDF is read in this browser tab. The selected file is not sent to a conversion server.

Choose a PDF to get started.

How PDF text extraction works

A text-based PDF contains selectable characters that this tool can read. The result is plain text, so columns, fonts, images, and exact page layout may not be preserved. Page markers are included to help you locate extracted content.

Scanned PDFs and OCR

A scan stores each page as an image, so it may have no text layer to extract. This tool does not run OCR. It reports pages where no selectable text was found; a blank page can produce the same result.

Frequently asked questions

Can it convert a scanned PDF?

Not with OCR. It extracts only text already embedded in the PDF. If no selectable text is found on a page, the page may be blank or scanned.

Is my PDF uploaded?

The PDF is processed in this tab and is not sent to a conversion server. The page still loads third-party scripts for PDF.js and advertising.

Can I select only certain pages?

Yes. Use comma-separated page numbers and ranges, such as 1, 3-5. An empty field selects all pages. Each run is limited to 200 pages.

Will the output keep the PDF layout?

No. TXT is plain text. The extractor adds page markers and uses available PDF text positions to approximate line breaks, but it cannot reproduce the original typography or complex columns.

Should I extract PDF text or use image OCR?

Use this tool for PDFs that contain an embedded text layer. Choose the document, extract its text, and copy or download the result. For a screenshot or scanned image, use image OCR instead.

Worked example

Try selecting a sentence in your PDF viewer. If it is selectable, text extraction is a suitable first step. Check the output order for multi-column reports and tables.

Limits to know

Scanned pages without a text layer cannot be recognized by this tool. Layout, columns, and line breaks may differ from the original. Password-protected files are not supported.