MetaCyberGuru Tools
All image & PDF tools

PDF to text

Copy the existing text layer from a PDF.

Or drop files here. Unencrypted PDF.

Up to 20 files, 25 MB each, 75 MB total. PDF: 50 source pages. OCR: 20 selected pages. PDF redaction: 10 source pages.

    Output settings

    Use file page numbers, starting at 1.

    80%

    1 KB = 1,000 bytes. A very small target may be impossible.

    Rectangle as percentages

    Crop keeps the rectangle. Redaction covers it with solid black.

    The tool will create a new copy. Your original stays unchanged.

    Files stay in this browser. No account required. Processing details.

    Choose files to begin.

    How to use this tool

    1. Choose a PDF containing selectable text.
    2. Optionally select a page range.
    3. Extract, review the text and download a plain-text file.

    When it helps

    A PDF stores positioned characters rather than a simple sequence of paragraphs. This tool reads that text layer and groups it into lines, with page breaks between pages. It is useful for copying notes, checking wording or moving a report into another editor. Reading order can differ from what the page looks like, especially in columns, tables, footnotes or a complex magazine layout.

    A practical example

    Extract a short digital report, then search the downloaded text for a reference number.

    Before you share the result

    Scanned pictures without a text layer require OCR. This tool does not transcribe handwriting or recover text covered by proper redaction. Embedded font mappings can cause missing or unusual characters; compare important details with the source PDF.

    Keep a separate copy of the source file. Check the downloaded result in the application your recipient will use, especially page order, small text and important numbers. Conversion is not a guarantee that a portal will accept a document.

    Questions about pdf to text

    Why is the output empty?

    The page may be a scan. Try Scanned PDF to text.

    Will paragraphs and tables look identical?

    No. Plain text cannot preserve the original visual layout.

    Are my files sent to your server?

    The processing code runs in this browser. Input files and generated results are not uploaded by the tool. Visiting the page still makes ordinary requests for site assets, and the hosting server may record those requests. Read the tool privacy explanation.

    Related tools

    Questions or an incorrect result? Report a problem without sending confidential files.