File2Text review
An offline Mac converter for turning mixed files and scans into usable text.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
File2Text is a Mac desktop app for converting documents, spreadsheets, presentations, eBooks, images, and other file types into Markdown or plain text. Its focus is useful for people preparing source material for AI pipelines, moving legacy files into Markdown repositories, or extracting text from scans. It works locally and offline, so the conversion workflow does not depend on cloud processing. That makes it a fit for solo users and small teams whose work is centered on a Mac and text output, rather than broad cross-platform file conversion.
Its conversion tools cover more than 50 formats, with batch processing for mixed file types and folders. OCR handles scanned documents and images, while hybrid extraction combines embedded text with OCR. File2Text also aims to retain document structure such as headings, lists, tables, and columns. For recurring workflows, a watched folder can automatically convert new files, and a Finder Quick Action offers a direct way to start conversions. These features suit users with repeated local conversion tasks; those who need to preserve the original file type or produce other output formats should look elsewhere.
The free tier is available, and the vendor lists a Full Version, but the published plan information does not specify the free tier's limits or describe what the full unlock includes. Integrations named for the product include Hugo, Jekyll, Gatsby, Obsidian, and Notion imports, which align with text-focused publishing and note workflows. Email is the listed support channel. Choose File2Text when offline Mac conversion, OCR, and structured text output are the priorities. It is a narrower choice for anyone who needs a Windows or web app, cloud conversion, or more varied output formats.
File2Text pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Converts more than 50 formats to Markdown or plain text
- Batch conversion, watched folders, and Finder Quick Actions
- Local OCR and structure preservation work offline
- Where it doesn't
- Available only on macOS
- Output is limited to Markdown or plain text
- The free tier's limits are not specified
File2Text fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update