How do I extract text from a PDF for free?

Upload the PDF, wait for the text to appear, then copy it or click Download .txt. Runs in your browser.

Why is no text found?

The PDF is likely a scanned image with no text layer. Use PDF OCR to recognize the text instead.

Can I download as Word?

Yes — there's also a Download .docx button.

No — text extraction happens locally in your browser on scantext.net.

What do you need?

PDF to Text

Processed on your device when possible · Enhanced scan deletes files in ~60s

Drop a PDF to extract text

Works on text-based PDFs · in your browser · no signup

Stays on your device — we do not upload your images.

1Upload your file(s)
2Choose options if needed
3Download — stays on your device

About this tool

PDF to text answers searches like extract text from pdf free, pdf to text online, copy text from pdf, and pdf text extractor without software. ScanText at scantext.net reads the selectable text layer of your PDF and shows it in an editable box you can copy or download as a .txt file (or .docx), all in your browser. It's the quick way to reuse the contents of a report, article, or contract without retyping. This works on PDFs that already contain real text — if your PDF is a scan of paper or photos, there's no text layer to read, so use PDF OCR instead. Because the file is processed on your device, nothing is uploaded to our servers. No account and no watermark.

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Frequently asked questions

: Upload the PDF, wait for the text to appear, then copy it or click Download .txt. Runs in your browser.

About this tool

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Frequently asked questions