Convert one or more PDF files to plain text directly from the Visual Studio Code Explorer. You can select individual PDFs, multiple PDFs, or an entire folder.
Features
Converts single or multiple PDF files in one operation.
Converts every PDF in a selected folder.
Optionally searches selected folders recursively.
Writes each TXT file to an output folder beside its source PDF.
Shows cancellable progress for batch operations.
Optionally adds PDF metadata and labeled page separators.
Lets you control overwrite behavior and reveal generated output.
Usage
In the Explorer, select one or more PDF files or a folder that contains PDFs.
Right-click the selection.
Choose PDF to TXT: Convert to TXT.
The default output layout is:
documents/
article.pdf
txt-output/
article.txt
You can also run PDF to TXT: Convert to TXT from the Command Palette. Run PDF to TXT: Open Settings to configure the extension.
Settings
Setting
Default
Description
pdfToTxtBatch.outputFolderName
txt-output
Output folder for generated TXT files. Relative paths start beside each source PDF.
pdfToTxtBatch.overwriteExisting
true
Overwrite an existing TXT file with the same name.
pdfToTxtBatch.includeSubfolders
false
Search selected folders recursively.
pdfToTxtBatch.includeMetadataHeader
true
Add the source path, PDF title, and page count.
pdfToTxtBatch.includePageSeparators
true
Add a labeled separator before each page.
pdfToTxtBatch.openOutputFolderAfterConversion
false
Reveal the first generated TXT file after conversion.
Notes
PDF processing happens locally. The extension does not upload document contents.
Text quality depends on the structure of the PDF. Image-only or scanned PDFs require OCR and may produce little or no text.
Password-protected or damaged PDF files may fail to convert. Details are written to the PDF to TXT Batch output channel.
Privacy
PDF to TXT Batch does not collect telemetry and does not send files or extracted text to external services.
License
Released under the MIT License. The complete license text is included with the extension.
