If you've ever wondered how to copy text from a PDF, you’re not alone. Whether you're citing research, collecting data, or just grabbing a quote, it's a common task—but not always an easy one. Some PDFs let you select and copy content directly, while others, like scanned documents or image-based files, require more advanced methods.
In this article, we’ll walk you through four free and effective ways to copy text from any type of PDF, whether it’s searchable, scanned, or highly structured (like forms). From built-in selection tools, ORC, to online converters and AI-powered solutions, you’ll find the right method for your needs.
Method 1: Select and Copy Text from a PDF Directly
If the PDF you're working with is text-based (searchable and selectable), you can copy text from it in a breeze. Here's how to select text in PDF directly:
Step 1: Open the PDF file with a viewer like PDF Reader Pro, your browser, or any default PDF reader.
Step 2: Click and drag to highlight the desired text.
Step 3: Right-click and choose Copy, or press shortcuts like Ctrl + C (on Windows) or Command + C (on Mac).
Step 4: Paste it into any document or notes app.
This method is best for small sections of text. If you're dealing with large amounts of content across multiple pages, or the text is scattered and inconsistent, consider using the OCR or conversion methods below for a smoother experience.
Method 2: Use OCR to Copy Text from a Scanned PDF
In some cases, traditional selection fails to work, and you may ask, 'Why can’t I copy text from a PDF?’. That’s because your PDF is a scanned document or an image-based file, so the text isn't recognized.
Here’s where OCR (Optical Character Recognition) comes in. Many PDF apps offer OCR, but if you're looking for a lightweight and accurate solution, a great option is PDF Reader Pro. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Open the scanned PDF in PDF Reader Pro.
Step 2: Click Tools, then select OCR.
Step 3: Choose the correct language and specify the page range.
Step 4: In the Output section, select Save as TXT, and choose a destination folder.
Step 5: Click Start, and then the extracted text will be saved as a plain text file.
Once extracted as text, your content becomes fully editable and searchable, especially handy before you move on to larger files or multi-page PDFs.
Method 3: Convert PDF to TXT or Word Online & Free
If you wonder how to select all text with ease, then the easiest way is to convert the entire PDF into a Word or TXT document. This is especially useful when the layout is simple or you need to work with the entire document.
For quick and free file conversions, online tools are often the best choice. Among the many available, PDF Reader Pro’s free online tools are reliable and easy to use. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Visit PDF Reader Pro Online Tools.
Step 2: Choose PDF to Word or PDF to TXT.
Step 3: Click Select your file to upload your PDF.
Step 4: The tool will automatically convert and download it, turning the PDF to text, and you can download the resulting document.
This is especially useful when dealing with full-document extraction. However, if your file has complex formatting, AI-powered methods may work even better.
Method 4: Use AI-Driven Document Extraction Tool to Copy Text from a PDF
When you're dealing with scanned PDFs, forms, or documents with complex layouts like tables or multi-column content, traditional methods might not extract the text cleanly. In such cases, AI-powered tools offer a smarter solution by recognizing and extracting structured information automatically.
A great example is the document extraction tool by ComPDF, which uses AI to analyze your PDF and extract content such as paragraphs, tables, and key-value data with high accuracy. It’s entirely free to use—no installation or login required. Here's how to use it:
Step 1: Visit the document extraction tool on ComPDF.com and click Open Your File to upload your PDF.
Step 2: The AI engine will automatically detect and extract the content.
Step 3: View and copy the structured text directly from the interface.
This is especially useful for documents where accuracy and layout awareness are key.
Conclusion
Whether you're dealing with a simple digital PDF or a scanned, image-heavy document, there's always a way to extract the text you need. To make this process smoother, we recommend combining tools based on your needs:
- Use PDF Reader Pro for accurate OCR and conversion.
- Try ComPDF's Intelligent Document Processing for clean, structured AI-driven text extraction, especially when precision matters.
Explore these tools and find the method that works best for you!
