Free Text to PDF Converter

Need a PDF fast, but you only have a text file? We’ll get you there in minutes.

Smallpdf converts DOCX and RTF to PDF right in your browser. For TXT, you’ll use a simple workaround: Paste the text into Word or Google Docs, save as DOCX, then convert.

Use the path that matches your file type.

If You Have DOCX or RTF

• Upload your file to the PDF converter.

• Wait a few seconds for conversion.

• Download your PDF.

If You Have TXT

Smallpdf doesn’t upload plain TXT directly. Use this fast workaround:

• Open the TXT file and copy the text.

• Paste it into Word or Google Docs.

• Save as DOCX.

• Upload the DOCX to Smallpdf and download your PDF.

This keeps paragraphs and spacing cleaner than most TXT-to-PDF sites.

TXT files are plain text. That means no fonts, headings, margins, or page layout. To turn TXT into a real PDF, you need a document editor to handle the layout first.

Step 1: Copy Your TXT Content

• Open the file in Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac).

• Press Ctrl + A (Windows) or Command + A (Mac) to select all text.

• Press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) to copy.

Step 2: Paste Into Word or Google Docs

• Open Word or Google Docs.

• Paste your text with Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac)

• Add quick layout basics if needed:

  • headings

  • line spacing

  • page breaks

Step 3: Save as DOCX

• In Word: “File” > “Save As” and choose .docx

• In Google Docs: “File” > “Download” > “Microsoft Word (.docx)”

Step 4: Convert the DOCX With Smallpdf

• Upload the DOCX to Smallpdf.

• Download the PDF.

If your TXT includes lots of spacing, turn off smart quotes and keep formatting simple. Plain text converts best when it stays plain.

For DOCX and RTF files, we aim to keep the layout stable across devices.

You usually keep:

• Paragraph breaks and spacing

• Basic fonts and alignment

• Headings and simple styling

• Numbered and bulleted lists

• Bold, italics, and underlines

What can change:

• Custom fonts that aren’t embedded

• Very complex layouts (columns, floating text boxes)

• Uncommon line spacing rules

If formatting must look identical, use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

You don’t convert to PDF just for the file extension. You do it because PDFs behave more predictably.

Common reasons include:

• Sharing a final version that shouldn’t shift on other devices

• Sending files to clients who may not use Word

• Submitting documents to portals that require a PDF upload

• Printing cleanly without layout surprises

• Archiving notes so they stay readable years later

A DOCX can look different across devices. A PDF is much more consistent.

It Works on Any Device

You can convert in a browser on:

• Windows and Mac

• iPhone and Android

• tablets and Chromebooks

No installs, no updates, no file format drama.

It’s Fast

Upload, convert, download. That’s the whole loop. For most files, it takes seconds.

Yes. We take security seriously.

When you upload a file:

• Transfers are protected with TLS encryption

• Files are processed automatically

• Files are deleted after one hour if you don’t save them to your account

If you’re converting something sensitive, download your PDF and close the session when you’re done.

1. Your TXT File Won’t Upload

That’s expected. TXT isn’t supported for direct upload. Fix:

• Copy TXT content into Word or Google Docs.

• Save as DOCX.

• Convert the DOCX.

2. Your Formatting Changed After Conversion

This usually happens because of fonts or complex layouts. Fixes to try:

• Use a standard font in your DOCX.

• Remove text boxes and floating objects.

• Keep margins and spacing simple.

• Convert again and compare the results.

3. Lists Look Odd in the PDF

Lists can shift when indentation is inconsistent. Fix:

• In Word, select the list and reapply bullets.

• Avoid manual spacing with the spacebar.

• Use the list controls instead.

4. Your File Is Too Large

Big DOCX files usually mean large images. Fix:

• Compress images inside Word first, then convert.

• After converting, use Compress PDF to shrink the PDF.

5. You Need Editable Output After Conversion

A PDF is meant to be stable, not easy to rewrite. Fix:

• Convert the PDF back using PDF to Word.

• Edit the DOCX.

• Convert again to PDF.

When you want text to look the same everywhere, PDF is the safe choice. Convert DOCX and RTF directly with Smallpdf, and use the TXT workaround when you’re starting with plain text.

If you need to go beyond conversion, keep your PDF in Smallpdf and compress, merge, or protect it right away for sharing. Smallpdf Pro allows you to edit PDFs and removes the daily download limit. Sign up for a 7-day free trial, and explore all the features with no commitment.