Extract Text from PDF
Extract every line of text from a PDF. Preview it, copy it to the clipboard, or download it as TXT or Markdown.
Files are processed locally — nothing leaves your browser.
Client-side only· Instant· Free
Drop your files here, or click to browse
PDF files only • Maximum 200MB
Processed locally — your file never leaves your browser
More than one step?
In short
PDF to Text on Docmint: Extract every line of text from a PDF. Preview it, copy it to the clipboard, or download it as TXT or Markdown. It accepts PDF files, runs entirely in your browser with no upload, and is free with no account.
- Category
- Inspect & Extract
- Input
- Processing
- On your device, in the browser
- Price
- Free, no sign-up
- Runs entirely in the browser (no file upload)
- Free to use, no account required
- Processes several files at once
- Accepts PDF files
Last reviewed
Complete Your Workflow
Continue with these recommended tools for optimal results
- 1OCR PDFExtract text from scanned pages
- 2Compare PDFsCompare the text of two versions
- 3Text to PDFTurn text back into a PDF
Looking for something else?
Browse all PDF toolsWhy Docmint
Built for privacy, speed, and simplicity
Unlike other PDF tools, Docmint processes everything in your browser. Your files never touch a server.
100% Private
Your files never leave your computer. Zero servers, zero privacy risk.
Instantly Fast
Browser-first workflows keep common tasks fast, with no upload queue to wait for.
Enterprise Ready
GDPR compliant, WCAG accessible, and built with professional-grade security standards.
How to PDF to text
Follow these simple steps to get professional results in seconds
- 1
Upload the PDF
Drop a PDF that contains real text (not just a scan).
- 2
Review the text
The extracted text appears page by page. Toggle 'Keep layout' to preserve line breaks and spacing, or get flowing paragraphs.
Pro tip
If the preview is empty, the PDF is a scanned image. Use OCR PDF instead. - 3
Copy or download
Copy everything with one click, or download as .txt or .md.
Why use Docmint to PDF to text?
Experience the fastest, most private PDF tools online
100% Private
Your files never leave your computer. Zero servers, zero privacy risk.
Clear privacy handling
Browser-first • No retained files • No tracking
Instantly Fast
No upload, no queue. Processing starts the moment you drop a file.
Save hours of waiting time
Browser-based processing
Always Free
No subscriptions, no hidden costs. Premium PDF tools that respect your privacy and budget.
Save money on PDF tools
No credit card required
Pro Tips for PDF to Text
Get the most out of your PDF to text experience
Tables
Columns are separated with tabs when 'Keep layout' is on, so they paste neatly into a spreadsheet.
Word count
The tool shows characters, words and pages so you can check document length at a glance.
Scans
Text extraction only works on PDFs with a text layer. Scanned PDFs need OCR.
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Frequently Asked Questions — PDF to Text
Everything you need to know about how to PDF to text online
Why is the output empty?
The PDF probably contains images of text rather than text itself. Run it through OCR PDF to recognise the characters.
Does it keep the formatting?
Plain text has no bold or fonts. 'Keep layout' preserves line breaks and spacing; Markdown export keeps page breaks as headings.
Can I extract from many PDFs at once?
Yes. Drop several files and each gets its own text file inside a ZIP.
Are my files secure while I extract text?
Yes. Everything happens inside your browser using JavaScript and WebAssembly. Your file is never uploaded, and nothing is stored on a server.
Do you keep a copy of my document?
No. The file lives in your browser's memory only. When you close or refresh the tab it is gone. We cannot see it, and neither can anyone else.