How To Convert PDF To Notepad On Windows

Converting a PDF to Notepad format can be useful for extracting text for editing or note-taking. Notepad offers a simple, lightweight platform for handling plain text, making it ideal for quick edits and annotations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to convert PDF files into Notepad on Windows, ensuring you can easily access and manipulate the content you need. 

How To Convert PDF To Notepad On Windows

Method 1: Copy and paste the contents of the PDF Into Notepad

Firstly copy and paste the contents into Notepad. This method is effective when there are no restrictions on copying text or if the PDF is small. However, with large PDFs, doing so is time-consuming, and you will need a more professional method. If you have a PDF with a few pages, follow these steps to copy and paste text and convert the PDF to Notepad: 

Note: When you copy and paste the content from PDF to Notepad, the formatting, table structure, and everything else change. Once the text is copied, re-edit the spaces, paragraphs, and other indentations. If the PDF text is in image format, perform OCR and then copy and paste the text. However, if you want to save time, the best way is to use a PDF editing tool like Systweak PDF Editor.

Step 1: Open the Notepad app. You can use the Online Notepad app as well.
Step 2: Open the PDF you wish to convert on the default PDF reader installed on your PC.
Step 3: Click anywhere on the text in the PDF. Press CTRL + A to select all the content if you can select it.
Step 4: Press CTRL + C to copy the content and open the NotePad app. Press CTRL + V to paste the contents.
Step 5: Click the File tab on the top, choose Save, and enter the filename in the prompt box.
Step 6: Your file will automatically be saved to your default download folder.

Also Read: How To Change Default PDF Viewer

Method 2: Use Systweak PDF Editor

Systweak PDF Editor is a multi-functional PDF Manager tool that helps users edit, convert, compress, etc, and carry out many other functions with their PDF files. Here are the steps to convert PDF to Notepad on a Windows PC:

A PDF file may contain text, images, and text embedded as images. To ensure you copy all the text on your Notepad, you must perform an OCR and convert the text embedded as an image to normal text.

Step 1: Download and Install Systweak PDF Editor on your computer.

Step 2: Launch the software, click Open PDF in the left panel, and select the PDF you wish to convert.
Step 3: Once the PDF is loaded within the software, click the Tools tab.

Step 4: Next, click the Perform OCR button and change the settings if required.
Step 5: Click the Perform OCR button in the new box and wait.
Step 6: A second PDF will open within the app interface. This PDF will have selectable text.
Step 7: Click on the Convert tab and click on the Convert To option to choose PDF To Text.
Step 8: Verify the Output Format as TXT and Output Folder and click the Convert To Text button.
Step 9: Click on the OK button.
Step 10: Click on the Open button to open the Notepad file.

Also Read: How to Convert Scanned PDFs with OCR

Method 3: Use MS Word

MS Word is another application that can help you. However, you need a registered version of Office 365 or MS Word as a standalone app for this. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Open the MS Word app.
Step 2: Click on the File tab and select Open.

Step 3: Click on Browse and select the PDF file you wish to convert.
Step 4: Click on the Open button.
Step 5: You will get a prompt box that will perform OCR on your PDF file to make it editable in MS Word. Click on the OK button.

Step 6: Once the text appears on your MS Word document, you can change the text or format and then click on the File Tab on the top.
Step 7: Choose Export in the left panel.
Step 8: Click on Change File Type in the right section.

Step 9: Click on the Plain Text option under Other Files Types.

Step 10: Finally, click on the Save As button and specify the location where you want to save the Notepad file on your computer.

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Method 4: Online Tools

Converting a PDF to Notepad can also be accomplished using online tools. These tools do not require users to install software on their computers. Here are a few tools that can help users in converting documents.

• PDF 2 Go
• PDF24
• Small PDF

We have demonstrated the steps using PDF 2 Go. The steps are the same for all online PDF converter tools.

Step 1: Navigate to PDF 2 Go to the web application.
Step 2: Click the Choose File button and select the PDF you wish to convert.
Step 3: Click the Start Button and wait for the process to complete.

Step 4: Click the Download button to get the file in your default downloads folder.

Also Read: Why is PDF Editing Essential for Every Modern Business?

What Are The Advantages Of Dedicated PDF Editing Software

Comprehensive Features – These tools provide a wide range of functionalities, including text editing, image manipulation, annotation, and form creation.

User-Friendly Interface – PDF editors have intuitive interfaces, making it easy for users to navigate and utilize various features.

Enhanced Security – Specialized PDF editing software often includes advanced security options, such as password protection, redaction, and encryption to safeguard sensitive information.

Batch Processing – PDF editors allow editing multiple PDFs simultaneously, saving time and increasing efficiency for large projects.

High-Quality Output – Maintain the integrity and quality of the original document, ensuring professional results.

Regular Updates – Software typically receives updates that improve functionality and security, ensuring users can access the latest features.

Support and Resources – Users often benefit from dedicated customer support and comprehensive resources, such as tutorials and guides, to assist them in using the software effectively.

Also Read: How to Sign PDF Files? A Boomer’s Guide to Electronic Signatures

What Are The Advantages of Free Online PDF Converters

• As the name suggests, they are free to use, making them accessible for individuals and small businesses without a budget for paid software.
• These tools can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, allowing users to convert PDFs without installing software.
• Users don’t need advanced technical knowledge to use these tools, making them suitable for everyone.

Conclusion: Which Method To Choose To Convert PDF To Notepad

If you have a small PDF, you can use the first method and copy and paste the contents into the Notepad app. It could be one of the best options if you have MS Word installed on your PC. However, we do not recommend purchasing an MS Word subscription just to convert PDFs. Instead, you could purchase a dedicated PDF management software like Systweak PDF Editor that allows users to make changes and modify the PDF. Finally, we do not recommend using any online tool, mainly if the PDF contains important data that is confidential. This is because users have to upload their PDFs onto the Web tool’s server to make changes, and there is no guarantee that the uploaded PDF will be removed after the user has completed the task.

Please let us know your thoughts about this in the comments section below. Also, please mention the method you chose and why.