We live in the data age, where information is continuously increasing and evolving. Most of the content on the internet is in the form of PDF files. It has become vital to convert PDF to text quickly to save time. When you search for some tools to extract text from PDF, you come across an abundance of options. This situation may create uncertainty, and you might need help deciding which tool to use. This article will tell you about some reliable tools to help you convert PDF to text with ease and precision. Let's dive in.
#1 WPS Office
WPS is an office suite with various tools to create, edit, manage, and save files. Moreover, it can also convert PDF to Word editable documents. Also, it has become a popular choice for users looking to convert PDF to text free of cost while providing a user-friendly interface.
Steps
Following are the steps to convert PDF to editable Word by using the WPS office
Step 1:
If you don't have WPS Office, install and open it. Now open the required PDF that you want to convert.
Step 2:
Click on the "Menu" in the top left corner, and search for the "Export PDF" tool. You will see this as a clickable option.
Step 3:
After selecting the Export PDF tool, you will see a dropdown menu. Choose the option of "Word" as the desired file format.
Step 4:
After selecting Word format, convert, and export your file. Here you will see the option of saving the file on your system. Select the suitable location and save the file.
Pros
Allow you to make a free trial before making a purchasing decision.
Help users to convert PDF to Word and convert pdf to text while providing an easy-to-use interface.
Compatible with DOC, PPT, PPTX, DOCX, PDF, XLS, XLSX, and much more.
Perform multiple productivity tasks eliminating the need to download multiple software.
#2 PDF to Text
If you are looking for a PDF image to text converter, the "PDF to Text" tool provides a straightforward way through its convenient features. Its user-friendly interface makes it a reliable solution to help you achieve your purpose.
Steps
To convert PDF to Text for free, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Go to the official website of the "PDF to Text" converter. Navigate down and locate the position to "Upload files." Click it.
Step 2:
You will see a file explorer window from where you need to select the file. It allows you to even select multiple files by pressing "Shift or Ctrl" while selecting files. After selecting the desired files, click "Open."
Step 3:
You can preview the converted file after conversion. Afterward, to save your file to your system, select the "Download" button.
Pros
Save your effort and time by quickly converting Pdf to text
Allow you to process your files directly from your web browser
Protect your files from unauthorized access to maintain security and privacy
No limitation on the size of files allowed for conversion with no watermark.
Cons
There are some ads on the website
#3 Smallpdf
Smallpdf is an online platform that provides various tools to open, edit, merge, and convert text to PDF. It provides 256-bit TLS encryption for the secure transfer and conversion of information and round-the-clock customer support. Its 7-day free trial lets you convert PDF images to text.
Steps
These steps can help you convert your PDF files.
Step 1:
Locate the "PDF to Text" converter tool from the Smallpdf website. Drag and drop your files at the place where "Choose file" is written.
Step 2:
If the text in your file is selectable, then choose "Convert selectable text" If the text is not selectable, select OCR to recognize and extract text from PDF. After that, your PDF file will be converted into text.
Step 3:
After conversion, you will get a download link for saving the file in the fully editable Word format.
Pros
Save time and effort by removing the pages you do not want to convert
Make sure the privacy and security of your files during the conversion process
Provide convenience and flexibility to access from various devices
Feature a user-friendly interface; no technical expertise is required to navigate
No need to install the software
Cons
Offer limited markup features
A limited number of PDFs are allowed for conversion per day
#4 PDF2GO
It is an online tool that helps you convert PDF to document using optical character recognition. It allows you to convert PDFs to text from any internet-connected device. You can enjoy a worry-free conversion without any need for installation or registration.
Steps
Let’s comply with the given steps:
Step 1:
Go to the official website of PDF2GO and upload the file that you want to convert or you can also drag and drop the file into the "upload" area on the website.
Step 2:
After uploading the file, click "start" to initiate the conversion.
Step 3:
When the file gets converted, you can download your text file, which you can view and edit later.
Pros
Provide clear instructions to help you convert your files
Help you explore features like PDF merging, compression, splitting, etc.
Allow you to convert online without the need to install the software
Cons
To use advanced features, a paid subscription is required
#5 Zamzar
Zamzar is a popular choice for users looking for a convenient way to convert your PDF to text. In addition to converting files online, it lets you download a desktop app. It also features an API for automated conversion for developers.
Steps
Step 1:
Visit the official Zamzar website and click the "choose file" option. Browse the file that you want to convert.
Step 1:
You will see different format options to convert your file. Select "TXT" as the desired format. Hence, your PDF will be converted into plain text.
Step 2:
The conversion is done when you will click the "Convert" button. Hence, you will get a download link.
Pros
Offer various file format options, a versatile option for different conversion needs
Make sure that your files are handled with confidentiality
Feature a user-friendly interface and hence eases the conversion process
No need to install software as you can access it online
Cons
Require registration before proceeding with the conversion process
The conversion speed is slower when compared to other online tools
#6 Xodo
Xodo provides a comprehensive solution for all your PDF needs. It is a mixture of a user-friendly interface and powerful functionality. It offers seamless integration across different devices to convert PDF files into text.
Steps
To extract text from PDF through Xodo, follow these steps.
Step 1:
Go to the Xodo website and upload the file by clicking the "Select File" button.
Step 2:
After uploading the file, click the "Convert" button.
Step 3:
You will get a download link when your required PDF file gets converted into text. Click on "Download" to save and edit the converted text file.
Pros
Provide an efficient and hassle-free way to convert PDF to text
Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Eliminate the need to download software
Allow you to go for a free trial before purchasing a paid subscription
Cons
To access the conversion tool, you need to register to the account
The free version provides only limited features
Why Convert PDF to text?
Sometimes it becomes difficult to copy text from a pdf file, and this is when you can feel the need to convert PDF to text. After conversion, you can easily copy text. Moreover, some PDF files don't allow any kind of editing, and after converting into text format, you can easily make desired changes. Text files are accessible across different platforms, and you can look for different functions easily within your text file as compared to PDF files.
What is the Difference Between TXT and TEXT?
Usually, both terms TEXT and TXT mean plain text, and you can use them interchangeably. But there is a little difference. You can edit Txt files by using a basic text editor, and it is linked with the .txt extension. However, on the other hand, Text files are more general and not associated with any particular extension. Hence many file formats can be regarded as Text files.
FAQs
Q1: Why can't I copy text from a PDF?
There are many reasons which restrict you from copying text from a pdf. Most common are described below.
Security settings to prevent unauthorized copying.
The text in the scanned images is not recognizable.
Files with text extraction protection cannot be converted into text.
The formatting of some pdf files restricts copying text from them.
Q2: How can I convert an image to text?
To convert your image to text for free, go to the official website of imagetotext.info. Upload or drag and drop your file and then click the submit button. Your image will start converting into text. On completion of the conversion process, download the text file.
Q3: How to extract text from pdf free?
To extract text from pdf free, go to the official website of PDF Forge online extract tool. You will see a place where "Choose file" is written; upload your PDF file there. Click on "Extract text," and the tool will start processing your PDF file. After completing the extraction process, Click the download link or button and download your extracted text.
Conclusion
After reading the whole article, you must be able to answer all your concerns regarding which tool to use for extracting text from PDFs. Moreover, it also tells you each tool's extraction method and its pros and cons. You can compare different tools to decide which one is your go-to option.
However, if you want an expert opinion on which is the best PDF-to-text converter, WPS Office stands out from the rest because of its unique features and ease of use. Which tool are you going to use to extract text from your PDF file?
