How to Convert PDF to Text File Easily (Step-by-Step)


Doc AI Tool Box - AI addon for google docs and slides

🧩 How to Convert PDF to Text Files with DocAI Toolbox

Ever opened a PDF that looked great but wouldn’t let you copy a single line? We’ve all tried to copy and paste from PDFs only to end up with broken spacing or missing words.

That’s why knowing how to convert a PDF to text is so handy. It turns a locked file into something editable, searchable, and easy to repurpose.

This guide walks you through it step by step using the DocAI Toolbox add-on for Google Docs™ and Slides™ — an AI OCR tool built for speed and accuracy.


💡 Why Convert a PDF to Text?

Here’s why users love this workflow:

  • ✏️ Edit effortlessly: Modify text without fighting PDF formatting.

  • 🔁 Reuse content: Pull text from reports or eBooks into new drafts.

  • 📊 Analyze data: Great for researchers and students.

  • Increase accessibility: Works with screen readers.

  • 🔍 Boost SEO: Search engines can index editable text, not locked PDFs.


🔍 Common Ways to Extract Text from PDFs

Copy & Paste – Free, but formatting often breaks.
Online Converters – Quick, but privacy and file-size limits can be issues.
Desktop Software – Reliable, but paid and requires setup.
AI Add-on (DocAI Toolbox) – Fast, accurate, and works inside Google Docs™ (just needs a Google account).

For most people, DocAI Toolbox hits the sweet spot — secure, cloud-based, and integrated right where you already work.


⚙️ Step-by-Step: Convert PDF to Text in Google Docs

Step 1: Install DocAI Toolbox

  1. Visit the DocAI Toolbox page on Google Workspace Marketplace.

  2. Click Install and allow permissions.

  3. You’ll find it under Extensions → DocAI Toolbox in Docs or Slides.

Step 2: Upload Your PDF
Open your document, select Convert PDF, and upload a file from your computer or Drive.

Step 3: AI OCR Conversion
DocAI uses Optical Character Recognition to read text from scanned pages and images — even tricky layouts.

Step 4: Edit Your Text
The converted text appears directly inside Google Docs. You can format, comment, and share instantly.


🧠 Example in Action

Imagine receiving a scanned contract. Instead of retyping it, just upload it to DocAI Toolbox and click Convert PDF to Text. In seconds, you have an editable version — saving hours of manual work.


⚡ Why Use DocAI Toolbox?

  • Accuracy: AI OCR minimizes errors.

  • 🚀 Speed: Handles large PDFs fast.

  • 🔒 Security: Everything stays in Google’s cloud.

  • 🧩 Integration: Works inside Docs™ & Slides™.

  • 🌍 Accessibility: Makes PDFs readable and searchable.


💬 Pro Tips for Better Results

  • Use clear scans for sharper recognition.

  • Double-check tables and special symbols.

  • Try Docs’ built-in editing and collaboration tools.

  • Explore other DocAI features like translation or text-to-speech.


🎯 Who Benefits Most?

Students: Extract notes from research PDFs.
Teachers: Convert worksheets into editable templates.
Businesses: Edit contracts and invoices quickly.
Content Creators: Repurpose PDFs into blog drafts or scripts.


🧰 Troubleshooting Quickly

Text missing? Check scan clarity.
Add-on hidden? Restart Docs.
Slow process? Large files need a bit more time.


📚 Related Resources

Check the DocAI Learning Hub for more guides like How to Extract Text from Scanned Documents and Top AI Tools for Google Docs Users.


🏁 Conclusion

Converting PDFs doesn’t have to be painful. With DocAI Toolbox, you can convert PDF to text right inside Google Docs — quickly, accurately, and securely.

Whether you’re a teacher, student, or business professional, this Google Docs add-on takes the hassle out of editing and reusing PDF content.

👉 Download DocAI Toolbox today and see how fast AI OCR can transform your documents.

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