Extract text from any PDF in minutes. Convert to a TXT file online, use OCR for scanned documents, plus get quick fixes for common conversion issues.
Can’t access the text inside a PDF? We help you pull it out fast, even when it’s a scan.
If you want to copy, edit, or reuse content from a PDF, converting the PDF to text keeps things simple.
Smallpdf PDF to Text converter works for regular PDFs and scanned files, thanks to OCR (Optical Character Recognition).
Quick Checklist: Convert PDF to Text in Under a Minute
Use this when you’re in a hurry and just need a TXT file.
- Open our PDF to Word converter.
- Upload your PDF from your device or cloud storage.
- If it’s a scan, turn on OCR and pick the right language.
- Export and download your TXT file.
Convert PDF to text in under a minute
How To Convert PDF to Text With Smallpdf
You can start converting right away in your browser. No installs. No setup.
Step 1: Upload Your PDF
Open the Smallpdf PDF to Word converter and add your file. You can drag and drop, or import from cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
Step 2: Choose the Right Conversion Mode
If your PDF contains selectable text, the conversion runs normally.
If your PDF is scanned (text looks like a picture), enable OCR so we can recognize the characters and turn them into real text.
Step 3: Download Your TXT File
Once the conversion finishes, export your result as a plain text file and download it. Open it in any text editor to copy, edit, or reuse the content.
Convert PDF to text online with Smallpdf
If Your PDF Is Scanned: OCR Turns Images Into Text
A scanned PDF is basically a photo of a page. That’s why you can’t highlight, copy, or search the words. OCR fixes that by creating a text layer from the image.
To get cleaner OCR output, two small choices matter most:
- Pick the correct document language before you run OCR. It improves accuracy for accents and special characters.
- Use a clear scan. Higher contrast and straight pages convert better than blurry, angled photos.
Our OCR supports 25+ languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
What PDF to Text Keeps and What It Drops
TXT is intentionally simple. That’s the advantage and the tradeoff.
PDF to text conversion usually keeps:
- The words themselves
- Basic line breaks and paragraphs (depends on the PDF)
TXT files do not maintain:
- Fonts, spacing, columns, headers, footers, or page layout
- Tables in a tidy grid, which often turn into spaced-out lines instead
If layout matters, convert with PDF to Word first and edit there, then export again.
Common Moments When PDF to Text Helps
PDF to text works best when you need the words, not the page design. For example:
- You need to copy clauses from a contract into a working draft.
- You want to pull sections from a report into a new document.
- You have a scanned form and need the typed content for a system.
- You want a clean text version to search, quote, or translate.
Fix PDF to Text Conversion Problems
1. The TXT Output Looks Garbled or Is Missing Words
This usually points to scan quality or tricky formatting. Try this:
- Re-scan at higher quality if the source is blurry.
- Run OCR and select the correct language.
- Rotate sideways pages before OCR, so text reads upright.
2. The PDF Won’t Convert Because It’s Protected
If the file is encrypted, you may need permission to open it first. After it’s unlocked, convert it again.
3. The Text Order Is Wrong (Columns, Tables, Complex Layouts)
OCR and converters can misread multi-column layouts. Try this:
- Convert to Word first, fix the layout in Word, then export what you need.
- If you only need one section, extract just those pages before converting.
File Limits and Batch Conversions with Smallpdf
For free use of Smallpdf, there are some daily limits, often two tasks per day.
Pro plans increase limits and can include batch processing for handling multiple files faster.
Security and Privacy When You Convert PDFs
If you’re converting something sensitive, security matters as much as speed.
Smallpdf protects file transfers with TLS encryption, follows GDPR requirements, and maintains ISO/IEC 27001-certified information security practices. Files are auto-deleted after a short retention window (typically one hour after processing) unless you choose to store them on our secure servers.
When You Should Convert Text Back to PDF
Sometimes, TXT is the working format, not the final format.
Convert text to PDF when you need:
- A clean, shareable version that won’t shift formatting
- A document for signing, sending, or uploading to a portal
- A locked layout for resumes, applications, and official submissions
If you want a polished file, a common flow is: PDF to Text for extraction, then Word to PDF for the final version.
Related Smallpdf Features That Pair Well With PDF to Text
- PDF to Word for editable formatting instead of plain TXT
- PDF OCR when your PDF is image-only and needs a text layer
- Compress PDF if your file gets too large to share after edits
- Translate PDF if you need a fast translation starting point
Convert PDF to Text in Minutes With Smallpdf
If you just need the words, our PDF to Text converter gives you a fast, clean TXT file without extra steps. Upload your PDF, enable OCR for scans, download your text, and keep moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you convert PDF to text for free?
Yes. You can convert with free access, but free usage usually has a daily task limit. Pro plans increase limits and add advanced options.
Does PDF to Text work on scanned PDFs?
Yes, but you’ll need OCR for scanned files because the text is part of an image.
Which languages does OCR support?
Our OCR supports 25+ languages, including many major European languages. Choosing the correct language improves accuracy.
Why doesn’t my TXT file keep formatting?
TXT is plain text. It won’t keep fonts, spacing, columns, or table structure. If you need formatting, use PDF to Word instead.
Why is some text missing or incorrect after OCR?
OCR struggles with blurry scans, low contrast, and complex layouts. Re-scan more clearly, rotate pages upright, and pick the right language before converting.
Can I convert multiple PDFs at once?
Batch processing is typically part of Pro-level workflows. If you handle lots of files, it saves time compared to converting one by one.
