# PDF to Text for lawyers

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/for/lawyers/pdf-to-text_

Arthize lets legal teams extract text from a PDF in a private workspace — free, with no watermark. Converting PDF to text extracts the raw words into a plain .txt file, OCRing scans first, so you can reuse the content anywhere.

## Why lawyers extract text from a PDF

Before a filing, a paralegal merges statements and exhibits into one bundle, adds consistent page numbers for the court, and redacts personal data so nothing privileged leaks — all inside a private workspace rather than a free public converter.

**Built for contracts.** Whether it's contracts, court bundles, exhibits, Arthize's pdf to text keeps the work inside your private workspace. Client files are privileged. A contract or discovery packet uploaded to a stranger's ad-funded server is a confidentiality risk lawyers can't take.

## What matters when you extract text from a PDF

Text extraction gives you the raw words without layout.

Scanned PDFs are OCR'd first so the text comes through.

It is the quickest way to reuse PDF content in another tool.

## How to extract text from a PDF

1. **Open the convert tool** — Sign in, open Convert and choose Text.
2. **Add your PDF** — Upload the PDF; scans are OCR'd first.
3. **Convert** — Arthize pulls the text into a plain .txt file.
4. **Download** — Get the extracted text ready to paste anywhere.

## FAQ

### How do lawyers extract text from a PDF for free?

Converting PDF to text extracts the raw words into a plain .txt file, OCRing scans first, so you can reuse the content anywhere. On Arthize it's free with no watermark, and the file is deleted after the job — which is why legal teams can use it for contracts without a confidentiality risk.

### Is it private to extract text from a PDF sensitive contracts?

Yes. Client files are privileged. A contract or discovery packet uploaded to a stranger's ad-funded server is a confidentiality risk lawyers can't take. Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job.

### How do I extract text from a PDF?

Converting PDF to text extracts the raw words into a plain .txt file, OCRing scans first, so you can reuse the content anywhere. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### Can I get text out of a scanned PDF?

Converting PDF to text extracts the raw words into a plain .txt file, OCRing scans first, so you can reuse the content anywhere. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.