# PDF to Text: Arthize vs PDFtk

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/vs/pdftk/pdf-to-text_

To extract text from a PDF, Arthize offers a free, private pdf to text with no watermark — a focused alternative to PDFtk. Converting PDF to text extracts the raw words into a plain .txt file, OCRing scans first, so you can reuse the content anywhere.

## Arthize's pdf to text vs PDFtk

PDFtk is a command-line PDF toolkit. PDFtk is a free command-line tool for scripted PDF operations.

**Arthize's approach:** Converting PDF to text extracts the raw words into a plain .txt file, OCRing scans first, so you can reuse the content anywhere.

- A visual workspace instead of memorising command-line flags.
- 50+ tools live in one workspace, so you don't jump between single-purpose pages.
- Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job — never sold or used to train models.
- Handles conversion, OCR, signing and editing that PDFtk doesn't.

## How to extract text from a PDF with Arthize

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 with Arthize

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

### Is Arthize a good PDFtk alternative to extract text from a PDF?

Yes. Converting PDF to text extracts the raw words into a plain .txt file, OCRing scans first, so you can reuse the content anywhere. Arthize does it free with no watermark and deletes the file after the job. PDFtk is excellent for developers automating simple, repeatable PDF tasks from scripts.

### 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.