How to extract text from a PDF
Extracting text from a PDF lets you reuse its words somewhere else — paste them into a document, search them, feed them to another tool, or simply save a plain-text copy. It works on PDFs that contain real, selectable text (most exports from Word, web pages and editors).
This extractor reads the text layer of your PDF directly in your browser. The file is never uploaded, so confidential contracts or reports stay on your device. You get the text in a box you can copy with one click or download as a .txt file.
Step by step
- Choose a PDF with the drop zone above.
- Click Extract text.
- Copy the result, or select and save it as plain text.
Why extract in the browser?
Server-based extractors upload your document, which is slow and risky for sensitive material. Local extraction keeps everything private and is instant for most files. Note: a scanned PDF that is really just images has no text layer to extract — it would need OCR, which this tool does not perform.
Common uses
- Copying quotes or data out of a report.
- Reusing text from a PDF in a new document.
- Making a PDF's contents searchable elsewhere.
- Saving a plain-text backup of a document.
Frequently asked questions
Is my file uploaded?
No. The text is read locally in your browser. Your PDF never leaves your device.
It returned nothing — why?
Your PDF is probably a scan (just images) with no text layer. That requires OCR, which this tool doesn't do.
Does it keep formatting?
It extracts plain text and preserves line breaks where possible, but not fonts, colours or layout.
Is it free?
Yes, completely free with no signup.