file2txt

file2txt is a command-line utility designed to extract plain text content from various file types. Its primary function is to simplify the process of accessing the textual information embedded within documents that are not inherently plain text, such as PDFs, Microsoft Word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. By converting these complex file formats into a simple text stream, file2txt allows users to easily read, search, and process the content using standard text manipulation tools.

The tool supports a wide range of input formats, making it a versatile solution for data extraction. Its operation is typically straightforward: the user specifies the input file and the output destination, often standard output or a new text file. file2txt then parses the source file, identifying and extracting the textual elements while discarding formatting, images, and other non-textual components. This results in a clean, unformatted text representation of the document's content.

file2txt is particularly useful in scripting and automated workflows where programmatic access to document content is required. Developers and system administrators can integrate it into scripts for tasks like indexing documents for search engines, performing bulk text analysis, or migrating data from proprietary formats to more accessible plain text. Its command-line interface ensures compatibility with various operating systems and environments where graphical user interfaces may not be available or practical.