Can I extract text from a scan?
Only if the PDF has a searchable text layer. Run OCR first for image-only scanned pages; OCR errors should be checked against the page.
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Extract Text
Preview and download selectable PDF text.
Add a PDF to get started
Drag and drop files here, or choose from your device.
Choose a file to add it to this workspace.A practical guide
How to use Extract Text
Choose a PDF and select pages or ranges.
Preview the text PDF64 can read from those pages.
Download the extracted text as a UTF-8 TXT file.
Selectable text only
This tool reads embedded selectable text. Scanned pages without a text layer do not produce recognized words; run OCR first. Complex page layouts may be read in an order that differs from the visual arrangement.
Processing and limits
Text extraction runs in your browser. PDFs can be up to 100 MB and 2,000 pages, but extracting text from a very large file can take time and memory.