PDF to Excel Columns Wrong? How to Fix Table Extraction
Find out why PDF values move into the wrong Excel columns and how to correct wrapped rows, headers, numbers and identifiers before export.
PDF to Text Converter
Extract selectable text from a PDF and save it as plain text. Free uploads up to 4MB, one file at a time. Image-only scanned PDFs need to be converted to images before OCR.
Drag your PDF here or
One file at a time · Free: 3 conversions/day, up to 4MB · PDFs with selectable text; image-only scans need an image upload
Your files are private.Images are processed by our server and Google Cloud Vision. Free use needs no account.Security Policy
Free · No sign‑up required · Review text before use
Before you upload
Copy PDF text into notes, spreadsheets and search
Try selecting a sentence in your PDF reader first. If you can select it, the PDF contains a text layer that this converter can read. If you can only select the page as an image, save the page as an image and use an image OCR tool instead.
A PDF may contain several columns, unusual fonts, tables or scanned inserts. These can affect reading order and completeness. Review the converted result alongside the original rather than assuming every element has transferred.
Free use includes three conversions per day with a 4MB upload cap. The current uploader accepts one file at a time.
- Review recognized text before sharing it
- Keep the original document for reference
- Export text without a watermark
How to use the pdf to text converter
Start with a clear source, then check the output.
1
Upload one PDF: Choose a document with selectable text, within your upload allowance.
2
Read the extracted result: Check spelling, reading order, names and numbers against the source.
3
Download the result: Save your plain text and open it to check the final formatting.
What this conversion supports
Choose this tool when you need the text from your document.
Read embedded PDF text
Reuse the words in your document without retyping them. Review extraction errors before use.
Browser-based workflow
Upload and download through your browser without installing a desktop converter. OCR processing uses a server.
One file per conversion
Start free with three conversions per day and files up to 4MB. Monthly paid allowances are listed on the pricing page.
Useful ways to reuse extracted text
Preserve the original file and use the conversion as an editable working copy.
Study notes: Extract paragraphs to annotate and organize in your own notes.
Data cleanup: Copy extracted text into your editor or spreadsheet and repair line breaks before importing it.
Records: Copy names and reference numbers, then verify every character before filing.
PDF to Text Converter: Common Questions
Supported inputs, output limitations, free use and processing.
Upload a PDF with selectable text, review the extracted words, then use Copy or download a text file. You can paste the result into notes, a document editor or another app.
If your PDF is a scanned document (made of images rather than selectable text), save or export the scanned pages as JPG or PNG images and upload them to our Image to Text or JPG to Text tool. Our OCR engine will accurately extract and convert the scanned text for you.
No. A PDF can mix selectable text and scanned inserts. The extraction reads the text layer; words inside images may be missing. Compare the output with every source page.
PDF text is stored at coordinates, which may not follow the order you read on screen. Columns, footnotes and unusual character mappings can affect extraction. Review and reorganize the text before importing it elsewhere.
Plain text keeps characters rather than the original visual layout. Table alignment, fonts and images are not preserved. Use PDF to Word if you need an editable document, and still check the reconstructed formatting.
Free use includes three conversions per day and files up to 4MB, one file per upload. No account is required. Paid plans use monthly allowances rather than unlimited conversions.
