How to Use the Command 'pdftotext' (with Examples)

The pdftotext command is a powerful tool within the open-source Xpdf suite of utilities, designed to convert PDF documents into plain text format. This conversion is beneficial for various purposes, such as enabling easy searchability, text extraction for editing, data analysis, and more. By transforming PDFs into plain text, users can further manipulate and analyze the content with other text-processing tools. The command supports multiple options to tailor the conversion process according to specific needs.

Use Case 1: Convert filename.pdf to Plain Text and Print to stdout

Code:

pdftotext filename.pdf -

Motivation:

In scenarios where you need a quick glimpse of the content of a PDF file without the intention of saving it immediately, printing the text directly to stdout (standard output) is extremely convenient. This is particularly useful for large PDFs where you want to check the content before deciding to perform further operations like editing or saving.

Explanation:

• filename.pdf: This argument specifies the input PDF file you want to convert.
• -: The dash indicates that the output should be directed to stdout (the terminal or console window), rather than saving it to a file.

Example Output:

This is the content of the PDF document displayed in your terminal.

Use Case 2: Convert filename.pdf to Plain Text and Save as filename.txt

Code:

pdftotext filename.pdf

Motivation:

If you have a PDF document that you frequently refer to, it makes sense to convert and save it as a text file for easier future access and modifications. By saving the conversion to a .txt file with the same basename as the original PDF, you maintain a clear linkage between the files for organizational purposes.

Explanation:

• filename.pdf: The PDF file you’re targeting for conversion.
• No additional arguments are required if you wish the output to be saved as filename.txt, using the original PDF’s basename.

Example Output:

The content of filename.pdf is successfully extracted and saved into filename.txt.

Use Case 3: Convert filename.pdf to Plain Text and Preserve the Layout

Code:

pdftotext -layout filename.pdf

Motivation:

Sometimes, documents have a specific formatting or layout that is crucial to maintain for readability, especially for tables or multiple-column layouts. Preserving the layout during text extraction ensures that the critical spatial structure of the document remains intact, which is indispensable when recreating or referencing the document.

Explanation:

• -layout: This option tells pdftotext to preserve the original layout of the PDF as much as possible, keeping the text in its relative position.
• filename.pdf: The PDF document you are converting, with the layout preserved.

Example Output:

The output text replicates the original structure and spacing of the PDF closely, maintaining the look intended by the document’s author.

Use Case 4: Convert input.pdf to Plain Text and Save as output.txt

Code:

pdftotext input.pdf output.txt

Motivation:

In situations where multiple PDFs might be processed, consistent and descriptive output naming conventions are necessary for file management. Converting input.pdf directly to a specified output.txt allows for greater control over where and how files are saved, perhaps for collation or specific batch operations.

Explanation:

• input.pdf: The input file you want to convert.
• output.txt: Directs pdftotext to save the converted content to a file named output.txt, rather than the default naming scheme.

Example Output:

The text extracted from input.pdf is present in its entirety in the specified output.txt.

Use Case 5: Convert Pages 2, 3, and 4 of input.pdf to Plain Text and Save as output.txt

Code:

pdftotext -f 2 -l 4 input.pdf output.txt

Motivation:

You might not always need the whole document converted; sometimes certain sections are all that’s relevant. When working with large PDFs, targeting specific pages for conversion saves time and storage space and allows for focusing on pertinent information.

Explanation:

• -f 2: This option specifies the first page to begin conversion, in this case, page 2.
• -l 4: This indicates the last page to convert, which is page 4.
• input.pdf: The file you are operating on.
• output.txt: The extracted content from the specified page range is saved into output.txt.

Example Output:

Only the text from pages 2 through 4 of the PDF file is extracted and saved into output.txt.

Conclusion:

The pdftotext utility simplifies the process of converting PDF documents into plain text, offering flexibility and fine control over how and what content is converted. Whether you need to quickly review a document, preserve complex layouts, or manage file conversions programmatically, pdftotext provides robust options to suit these needs efficiently.