Convert TXT to PDF on Mac
Select the TXT files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose PDF and press Return. FileFlip saves each PDF next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert TXT to PDF with FileFlip
Select the TXT files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from TXT. Type “PDF” to jump to it.
Choose PDF and press Return
The PDF files appear next to the originals with the same names. The TXT files stay as they are.
TXT and PDF
Plain text has no formatting, headings or images. A PDF looks the same on every device and is the safest way to send something to be read or printed.
What changes when you convert
- A PDF looks the same on every device but is hard to edit, so keep the TXT if you’ll need to make changes.
| Property | TXT | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Plain text | Portable Document Format |
| Best for | Notes, code and text you want to reuse anywhere | Sharing, printing and archiving documents |
| Opens in | Every text editor on every system | Every browser, Preview, Acrobat and every phone |
| File extension | .txt | |
| In FileFlip | Opens and saves | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.
TextEdit
Open the TXT in TextEdit and choose File → Export as PDF.
TextEdit keeps basic formatting; complex layouts may change.
Pages
Pages is free from Apple. Open the TXT in Pages and choose File → Export To → PDF.
Handles more complex layouts than TextEdit.
Terminal
cupsfilter, part of the macOS printing system, can turn a text file into a PDF.
cupsfilter notes.txt > notes.pdfBuilt into macOS. The result has a plain layout.
Print to PDF
In almost any app that opens the document, choose File → Print, open the PDF menu and choose Save as PDF.
Works from nearly every app.
Questions about TXT and PDF
Can I convert many TXT files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose PDF. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where is the PDF file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .pdf extension. The TXT file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert PDF back to TXT?
Yes, FileFlip converts PDF to TXT as well.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a folder of documents at once
FileFlip also handles images, camera raw files, video, audio, PDFs and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac