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PDF to Text — Extract Text Free
Extract all text from any text-based PDF instantly. Copy to clipboard or download as .txt file. Files stay on your device.
✓ No Upload✓ Copy to Clipboard✓ Download .txt✓ All Pages✓ No Signup
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Click or drag your PDF here
Text will be extracted from all pages
⚠️ Text not appearing?
Your PDF may be a scanned image without a text layer. For OCR extraction from scanned PDFs: upload to Google Drive, open with Google Docs, then copy the extracted text. Free, no account needed beyond a Google account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work on scanned PDFs?+
Only if the scanned PDF already has an OCR text layer embedded. Most modern scanners and scanner apps (iPhone Notes, Google Drive, Adobe Scan) add a text layer automatically. If the PDF was just scanned as a flat image without OCR, no text can be extracted — use Google Drive (open with Google Docs) for free OCR processing.
How much text can I extract at once?+
There is no limit. A 500-page document will extract all text from every page in sequence, separated by page headings for easy navigation.
Is the extracted text formatted?+
Basic structure is preserved — text appears in reading order. Complex multi-column layouts may not preserve column separation perfectly. Tables become sequential text. For formatted extraction, convert to Word via Google Drive OCR which preserves more structure.
Can I copy the extracted text?+
Yes. Use the Copy All button to copy the full extracted text, or select specific sections manually in the text area.
Does PDF text extraction work on password-protected PDFs?+
PDFs with owner restrictions on copying can be unlocked first using PDFFlow Unlock PDF. PDFs with user passwords (requiring a password to open) must be opened in a reader first — enter the password there, then re-save the unlocked version.