Why is the output empty or garbled?

If the PDF is a scan (image of text), there's no selectable text layer to extract. Convert pages to PNG with PDF → Images and run OCR separately. Some embedded fonts also produce scrambled text — that's a property of the source PDF.

Does it preserve layout and tables?

Text is reconstructed line-by-line using position cues. Complex multi-column layouts, tables and sidebars may not appear perfectly — content is preserved but order can drift.

No. Text extraction runs locally with pdf.js in your browser. Nothing leaves your device.

Can I extract text from a password-protected PDF?

If it has permission restrictions only, pdf.js can usually read the text. If it requires an open password, you'll need to provide that first.

What languages are supported?

Any text that pdf.js can decode is extracted, including most Latin, Cyrillic, CJK and Arabic scripts. Right-to-left scripts may need re-ordering in your editor.

Extract Text from PDF

Pull selectable text out of a PDF — copy or download .txt.

100% private — no uploads PDF ToolsFree & unlimited Read tutorial

See how it works

Watch a quick simulation of this tool in action — no file needed.

How to use Extract Text from PDF

Follow these steps — everything happens instantly in your browser.

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Step 1. Drop your PDF onto the zone — the tool reads the page count.
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Step 2. Click “Extract text” — pdf.js reads the text layer of each page.
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Step 3. Review the output in the textarea; copy it to the clipboard or download as .txt.