Convert PDF tool

PDF to Text

Extract searchable text from reports, articles, statements, and other text-based PDFs without sending the document to a server.

Choose PDF

Processing happens locally in this browser. Keep this tab open until the result is ready.

Drop a PDF file hereor select a file from this device · adaptive limit based on this device
Leave blank for all pages.
Text-based PDFs only: image-only scans require OCR and may produce an empty result.
Choose a file to begin.

Trust and output notes

Use this quick checklist before replacing an important PDF.

What stays local

Your selected PDF is handled in this browser session. BQ PDF Tools does not add your document to the offline cache or upload it to an application server.

What this tool preserves

  • Converted files are created locally.
  • Generated outputs are reviewable before download.
  • The browser clears temporary object URLs during reset.

What to check

Conversion may change layout, resolution, text selectability, or file size depending on the chosen output.

Practical examples

Example 1

Turn phone images into a single PDF.

Example 2

Export PDF pages as images for a presentation.

Example 3

Extract selectable text from a PDF into a plain TXT file.

How to pdf to text

Step 1

Choose a text-based PDF and select the pages to read.

Step 2

Choose smart lines or simple reading order.

Step 3

Extract the text, preview or copy it, and download the TXT file.

What this tool does

PDF text does not always contain normal paragraphs. The smart-line option groups nearby text items by their page coordinates, while simple reading order follows the sequence supplied by the PDF parser.

Privacy note: selected files are handled by JavaScript running on your device. The application does not intentionally transfer document contents to a BQ server. Browser extensions, managed-device policies, and the browser itself remain outside the site’s control.

Compatibility note: PDF is a complex format. Very large, encrypted, malformed, digitally signed, or unusually constructed files may not process correctly. Keep the original document until you have checked the result.

Frequently asked questions

Does this tool perform OCR?

No. It extracts text already stored in the PDF. Image-only scans need OCR, which is not included in this lightweight release.

Why can columns appear in the wrong order?

PDF files store positioned text fragments rather than guaranteed document paragraphs. Complex multi-column layouts may need manual cleanup.

Can I copy the result without downloading?

Yes. Text results include a preview and copy action.

Related PDF tools

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Accessibility and keyboard shortcuts

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Keyboard shortcuts

Ctrl/ + K
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Ctrl/ + Enter
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Cancel active processing or close a dialog
Ctrl/ + Z
Undo a visual page change

Only display preferences and the dismissed welcome state are saved locally. Files, filenames, and document contents are never stored by these options.