Format comparison
PDF vs TXT
How do PDF and TXTcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
Portable Document Format
PDF is the universal standard for sharing documents. It preserves formatting, fonts, and layout across all devices and operating systems. From contracts to resumes, PDF is the format the world relies on.
.txt
Full guide →Plain Text File
TXT is the simplest document format — pure text with no formatting. It's universally compatible, lightweight, and readable by every operating system and text editor in existence.
| Specification | TXT | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Portable Document Format | Plain Text File |
| Extension | .txt | |
| MIME type | application/pdf | text/plain |
| Category | Document | Document |
| Developer | Adobe Systems | N/A (universal standard) |
| Year introduced | 1993 | 1960s |
PDF advantages
- Consistent display on all devices
- Supports digital signatures and forms
- Compact file sizes with good compression
- Industry standard for official documents
PDF limitations
- Difficult to edit without specialized software
- Not ideal for responsive or reflowable content
- Can be large with embedded fonts and images
- Accessibility can be poor if not properly tagged
TXT advantages
- Universal compatibility — works everywhere
- Tiny file sizes
- No formatting issues or version problems
- Human-readable and machine-parseable
TXT limitations
- No formatting, images, or styling
- No structure beyond line breaks
- No metadata or document properties
- Not suitable for professional documents
Which should you use?
PDF and TXT serve different purposes. PDF is ideal for business documents and contracts, while TXT excels at configuration files and logs.
Best uses for PDF
Business documents and contracts
Resumes and cover letters
E-books and publications
Government and legal forms
Best uses for TXT
Configuration files and logs
Quick notes and drafts
Data exchange between systems
README files and documentation
Convert between PDF and TXT
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.