PDF to text

Extract selectable text from a PDF and save it as a text file.

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About this tool

Turn a PDF with selectable text into a plain text file. Copy the extracted text or download it for editing, searching or reuse, with a progress indicator and a cancel option.

Helpful answers

Using this tool

How do I extract the text?

Choose a PDF and select Extract text. Copy the result or save it as a plain text file.

Can this read scanned pages?

No. It extracts existing selectable text and does not perform OCR. Scanned pages without a text layer produce an empty result.

Will columns and tables keep their layout?

Plain text has no page layout. Reading order depends on how the PDF was created, so check text from columns and tables before reusing it.

What files can I use?

Use an unencrypted PDF up to 5 MB and 50 pages. Unusual font resources may not be supported. Very complex files stop after 30 seconds; you can cancel sooner.

Does ALCO receive my document?

No. Extraction happens in a browser worker, and document contents are not uploaded.

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