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PDF to Text API

The API for converting PDF document to a plain text file, extract text from PDF.

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PDF to Text features

Convert textual and scanned PDF document to a plain text file, extract text from PDF, apply OCR on a scanned PDF document before conversion.

API Endpoint

ConvertAPI offers a cloud-based solution, which makes PDF to Text conversion effortless with just a single REST-API call:

HTTP POST
Postman OpenAPI cURL CLI

Authenticate your API call

Converting pdf to txt via REST-API is now easier than ever. Sign up for a free account to obtain your authentication secret, append it as a query string parameter to the conversion URL, and voilà! You can find advanced authentication techniques in our docs.

QUERY AUTHENTICATION

Convert PDF to Text using REST-API in no time!

Once you have your authentication in place, you can convert your files using application/json, multipart/form-data and application/octet-stream content types. A simple HTTP POST request using JSON would look like this:

// Code snippet is using the ConvertAPI JavaScript Client: https://github.com/ConvertAPI/convertapi-library-js

// Code snippet is using the ConvertAPI Node.js Client: https://github.com/ConvertAPI/convertapi-nodejs

// Code snippet is using the ConvertAPI PHP Client: https://github.com/ConvertAPI/convertapi-php

// Code snippet is using the ConvertAPI Java Client: https://github.com/ConvertAPI/convertapi-java

// Code snippet is using the ConvertAPI C# Client: https://github.com/ConvertAPI/convertapi-dotnet

# Code snippet is using the ConvertAPI Ruby Client: https://github.com/ConvertAPI/convertapi-ruby

# Code snippet is using the ConvertAPI Python Client: https://github.com/ConvertAPI/convertapi-python

// Code snippet is using the ConvertAPI Go Client: https://github.com/ConvertAPI/convertapi-go

REM Code snippet is using the command line utility program: https://github.com/ConvertAPI/convertapi-cli

<!-- For conversions with the multiple file result please refer to this example: https://repl.it/@ConvertAPI/HTML-Form-with-multiple-file-result -->

Conversion request using cURL

You can easily convert pdf to txt with a simple cURL request. Our documentation provides more advanced cURL request techniques.

File conversion using CLI

ConvertAPI CLI allows you to convert files using our command-line file conversion utility tool. Check out CLI documentation for a detailed explanation and usage examples.

REM Code snippet is using the command line utility program: https://github.com/ConvertAPI/convertapi-cli

Try the conversion online - no coding required!

You can try out advanced conversion parameters and test the conversion result online using our interactive demo tool. This tool will produce the same conversion output as if you were using the library from your solution, and it will auto-generate the code snippet for you!

Try for FREE!

Conversion parameters

Password String

Sets the password to open protected documents.

PageRange String

Set page range. Example 1-10 or 1,2,5.

OcrMode Collection

Defines how OCR is applied during conversion. Auto performs OCR only when needed. Force applies OCR to all pages. Never disables OCR entirely.

Values:   auto force never

OcrLanguage Collection

Configure the OCR language for text recognition. If auto-detection fails, manually specify the language.

Values:   auto ar ca zh da nl en fi fr de gr ko it ja no pl pt ro ru sl es sv tr ua th

OcrEngine Collection

Select the OCR engine to use for text recognition. Each engine may produce slightly different results. If Tesseract is selected, the OcrLanguage property must be explicitly set, as automatic language detection is not supported.

Values:   native tesseract

IncludeFormatting Bool

Persist formatting while extracting text. Only works when RemoveHeadersFooters and RemoveFootnotes properties are disabled.

RemoveHeadersFooters Bool

Remove headers and footers from the document.

RemoveFootnotes Bool

Remove footnotes from the document.

RemoveTables Bool

Remove tables from the document.

Related converters

We offer a wide range of converters beyond just DOCX to PDF that you might find useful. Whether you're working with different file formats or looking to streamline your document processing, our collection of tools is designed to make conversions quick and easy.

Data security is our top priority

We ensure that all document processing is handled securely in the cloud, adhering to industry-leading standards like ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA. To enhance security even further, we can ensure that no files or data are stored on our servers and never leave your country.

Learn more about security

Businesses trust us

Highest rated File Conversion API on major B2B software listing platforms: Capterra, G2, and Trustpilot.

  • “Reliable and Scalable Conversion API for Heavy Traffic”

    ConvertAPI processes large volumes of conversions daily without issues. The documentation is well-structured, and the support team is fast, knowledgeable, and eager to assist with even edge-case issues. It scales well for growing demands.

    Artem K.,Head of Software Development

  • "A Powerful REST API That Helps us Manage Documents Easily"

    A powerful REST API that helps us easily convert all our documents from word to PDF. We decided to leave development & server management tasks for ConvertAPI and focus on what's more important for the business. We like that this API is so easy to set up and it is very reliable.

    Christopher RydahlCTO and Sr. Developer, Hublo

  • "Very Successful And Fast API"

    We have been using ConvertAPI for over two years. During this time, we have converted over 100,000 documents via this service. We find the API very successful and fast.

    Oscar BrownDirector of Development at Flocknote

  • "Great Solution For a Great Price!"

    First of all we didn't expect to have such easy integration. ConvertAPI's documentation was perfect, so we didn't have any questions while integrating it to our CRM system. Second benefit of ConvertAPI is that it gives great product for a great price.

    Edvinas kisielisIT Support Specialist, Vinted

  • “All-in-One Solution for All File Conversion Needs”

    We use ConvertAPI to convert and repair PDFs, extract text, and perform OCR. Previously, We relied on multiple APIs, but ConvertAPI simplified our workflow into one reliable solution with excellent stability and support.

    Giuseppe C.,Chief Technical Officer

  • "Great Product and Great Customer Support!"

    Great product and great customer support! Found an issue with their API, which was fixed very quickly after a brief conversation with the support - even as a free user at the time - definitely a nice versatile API!

    Dennis Aagaard MortensgaardCRM Consultant, DoWeb APS

  • "Simple Service That Does Exactly What Is Promised Every Time"

    Great documentation on their website makes it easy to get started. The support team has also been super responsive. They have a large number of plan options at decent prices. The service itself works exactly as promised and responds fast.

    JAKE, BDirector of IT and Salesforce Dev

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