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Extract text from PDF

Extract selectable text and optionally use OCR for image text

Drop your PDF file here

or click to browse - up to 100 MB per file

Add a PDF file first

How it works

  1. 1

    Drop or upload a PDF file using the area on the left.

  2. 2

    If the PDF is scanned or image-based, enable OCR to read text from images.

  3. 3

    Click Extract Text, then copy or download the result.

Add a PDF file first

Add a PDF file first

Practical guides
How to OCR a Scanned PDF Into Copyable TextHow to Translate a PDF for International Teams
How to use this tool well

How to use this tool well

Extract Text from PDF

Extract selectable text from PDF files online. Turn scanned or digital PDFs into copyable text in seconds.

Use one clean processing pass, then do a quick QA review before you share the result.

Good fit for

  • Copy paragraphs from reports, contracts, and invoices.
  • Run OCR when scanned PDFs do not contain selectable text.
  • Download extracted output as TXT and searchable PDF formats.

Typical workflow

  1. 1. Upload your file to the Extract Text from PDF tool.
  2. 2. Choose processing options to match your output needs.
  3. 3. Process and download the result when ready.

Check before you share

  • Review first, middle, and last pages after processing.
  • Check text, tables, signatures, or stamps at 100% zoom.
  • If something looks off, change one setting and rerun once.

Related SentryPDF tools

Extract Text from Image (OCR)

Use OCR to extract text from PNG, JPG, and WebP images. Convert image content into editable text online.

PDF to Images

Convert PDF pages into image files (JPG or PNG). Export each page as a separate image for presentations and social media.

Translate PDF

Translate PDF and text documents between supported languages with downloadable translated output.

FAQ

Can I extract text from a scanned PDF?

Yes. Enable OCR mode to extract text from scanned or image-based PDFs. OCR reads text from the visual content of each page rather than embedded text data.

What output formats are available?

Extracted text can be downloaded as a plain TXT file or as a searchable PDF. TXT is best for pasting into other tools; searchable PDF preserves the visual layout with embedded text.

Which OCR languages are supported?

SentryPDF OCR currently supports English, German, and French. Select the appropriate language before running extraction for best accuracy.

Will the tool extract text from forms and tables?

Text in standard PDF form fields and table cells is extracted as part of the page text flow. Complex table layouts may not preserve column alignment in the TXT output.

Is my PDF kept after extraction?

No. Both the original file and the output are stored temporarily and automatically deleted within 30 minutes. Download your result promptly.

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How it works

  1. 1

    Drop or upload a PDF file using the area on the left.

  2. 2

    If the PDF is scanned or image-based, enable OCR to read text from images.

  3. 3

    Click Extract Text, then copy or download the result.

Add a PDF file first

Add a PDF file first

Related guides for this tool

Open tool: Extract text from PDF

Step-by-step guides

How to OCR a Scanned PDF Into Copyable TextHow to Translate a PDF for International TeamsAll guides

Workflow guides

Extract Text From Scanned PDF With OCROCR a PDF Before Translation WorkflowTranslate PDF Document Online for International TeamsAll workflow guides