E11 Apps

How to make a PDF from plain text on your phone

By E11 Apps, the developer of PDF Burrow. Updated . 4 min read.

To make a PDF from plain text on your phone, open a text to PDF tool, type or paste your text (or load a .txt file), and save. The tool lays the words out on proper pages with margins and a readable font. The result looks the same on every phone and computer, which a plain message or a .txt file does not.

Why turn plain text into a PDF?

Plain text is quick to write but awkward to send formally. A PDF is better when:

  • you need to submit a statement, a letter or a declaration as a file;
  • a form asks for a "document" upload and will not accept a message;
  • you want text to print neatly on A4 or Letter;
  • you are sharing notes, minutes or instructions that should not be edited;
  • you want something that looks finished rather than like a chat message.

A .txt file can look very different depending on the app that opens it. Long lines may run off the screen, and fonts vary. A PDF fixes the look.

How to convert text to PDF on Android

  1. Open the text to PDF tool.
  2. Type your text, paste it from another app, or load a .txt file.
  3. Check the preview for line breaks and paragraph spacing.
  4. Choose the page size if the tool offers it, such as A4 or Letter.
  5. Create the PDF and give it a clear file name.
  6. Open the result and read it through once before sending.

Write so it reads well on a page

Plain text has no headings or bold, so structure comes from the writing itself:

  • Start with a clear title line and a blank line beneath it.
  • Use short paragraphs, separated by a blank line.
  • Put dates, names and reference numbers on their own lines so they are easy to find.
  • Use simple numbered points typed as "1." and "2." for steps or conditions.
  • End with your name and contact details if it is a letter.

If you need real formatting, such as bold headings, tables or a logo, a Word document or a template is a better starting point. See how to make a résumé PDF from a template for one example.

A plain-text PDF can look bare. Adding a footer with page numbers, the date or your name makes it look more like an official document. It also helps the reader keep printed pages in order. The headers and footers guide explains how to add them after the PDF is made.

Useful things to make from plain text

  • Short letters, such as a notice to a landlord or a leave request.
  • Statements and declarations for an application.
  • Meeting notes you want to circulate without edits.
  • Recipes, instructions or packing lists to print.
  • Copies of messages or emails you want to keep as a record.
  • Simple price lists or service menus for a small business.

For a bill or a quote, a dedicated invoice layout with totals and tax is clearer than plain text. The invoice guide covers that.

Text in other languages

If you write in a script other than Latin, such as Arabic, Urdu, Hindi or Chinese, the PDF needs a font that contains those characters. A good text to PDF tool embeds a suitable font, so the text displays correctly even on a device that does not have that font. Always open the PDF and check that no letters appear as empty boxes.

Common problems and how to fix them

Long lines run off the page. The tool should wrap lines automatically. If it does not, check that you pasted text rather than an image.

Strange symbols appear. Copying from some apps brings hidden formatting characters. Paste into a plain notes app first, then copy again.

Paragraphs run together. Add a blank line between paragraphs before converting.

The PDF is too long. Remove repeated signatures, quoted replies and long links that you copied with the text.

Making a PDF from text with PDF Burrow

The Text to PDF tool in PDF Burrow lets you type or paste text, or load a .txt file, and makes a clean PDF on your phone. You can then add a footer with Header & Footer, number the pages with Page Numbers, or sign it with Sign PDF. If you would rather start from a layout, Templates includes ready-made options such as a résumé, planner and invoice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change the text after making the PDF?

Small changes are possible with a PDF editor, but it is easier to keep your original text, edit that and create the PDF again.

Will links in my text be clickable in the PDF?

Plain text does not carry links, so web addresses may appear as ordinary text. You can add clickable links afterwards with a hyperlink tool.

Is a PDF made from text small enough to email?

Yes. Text takes up very little space, so even a long document is usually a small file that is easy to email or upload.

Can I add my signature to a text PDF?

Yes. Create the PDF first, then place your signature on it with a signing tool, just as you would with any other PDF.

More PDF Burrow guides