Extract Text from PDF

Extract readable text from a PDF and copy or download it.

No document uploadRuns locallyNo signup25 MB free files

Free plan: 20 of 20 free operations remaining today

Shared across all tools. Resets daily. No card required.

What counts as an operation?

An operation is one completed use of a tool, such as merging a set of PDFs, compressing one PDF, or resizing one image. Browsing tools, selecting files, changing settings, validation errors, and failed processing do not use an operation.

Upload PDF

Drop a file here to get started.

Extract the readable text from a PDF.

Output

Your result will appear here.

How to use Extract Text from PDF

1Choose a PDF with selectable text.
2Extract text in the browser.
3Review the page content.
4Copy or download the text.

Processing and current limits

This supported operation runs in your browser after you select an input. Free use allows 25 MB files and shares 20 completed operations per day across tools. Pro removes those product limits, but browser memory and device performance can still limit large files.

Review security and data handling and current limits before processing a sensitive or important original.

Formats and limitations

Accepts PDF and produces plain text.

Image only scans require OCR. Reading order can be imperfect in columns, tables, forms, and complex layouts.

Common uses

Quote text from a report.
Prepare content for search.
Move readable PDF text into notes.

Features

Frequently asked questions

Why is a scanned PDF blank?

A scan usually contains page images rather than selectable text. This tool does not include OCR.

Why is the reading order different?

PDF text can be stored by position rather than normal reading order, especially in columns and tables.

Ready to use this tool?

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