How to convert a PDF to text
- Add your PDF.
- Choose reading order or the kept layout.
- Select PDF to Text, then copy or download it.
About this tool
Copying from a PDF often jumbles the words, running across two columns or splitting paragraphs into short lines. This tool works out the order a person would read, joins wrapped lines back into paragraphs, and keeps table rows together. Scanned pages are read with OCR, and only those pages.
Common questions
What does Keep the layout do?
It uses spaces to hold everything in its position on the page, which suits tables and forms. Reading order suits articles, reports and books.
Why is some of my Hindi text garbled?
Some PDFs use older fonts that don't record real Unicode letters. PDF to Word (OCR) reads the page image instead, which usually works better on those files.
Can it read scanned PDFs?
Yes. Keep Read scanned pages with OCR turned on and choose the document's language. It's slower, and it can make mistakes, so check names and numbers.
Is it free to use?
Yes. There's no sign-up, and nothing is added to your file unless you ask for it.
What happens to my files?
Your files are only used to run the tool you chose, and they're deleted automatically after about 24 hours.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It all works in your browser, on any computer or phone.