How to Convert Text to PDF and EPUB: Complete Guide (2025)

TL;DR: Convert text to PDF using: online converters (fastest), Word processors, command-line tools, or programming libraries. For EPUB ebooks, use dedicated converters with metadata support. Best free option: use our Text to PDF Converter and TXT to EPUB Converter for instant browser-based conversion.

Have plain text files you need to convert to PDF or EPUB? Whether you're creating documents, publishing ebooks, or archiving content, converting text files to these formats is essential for sharing and distribution.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn how to convert text to PDF and EPUB using free tools, with step-by-step instructions and best practices for professional results.

Why Convert Text Files to PDF or EPUB?

Text to PDF Use Cases:

• Professional Documents - Create resumes, letters, and reports
• Forms and Templates - Generate printable forms
• Archiving - Preserve text content in universal format
• Sharing - Send documents that look the same everywhere
• Printing - Create print-ready files from text
• Legal Documents - Create tamper-resistant documents
• Web Publishing - Embed downloadable documents

Text to EPUB Use Cases:

• Self-Publishing - Create ebooks for Kindle, Apple Books
• Manuscript Conversion - Transform drafts into readable ebooks
• Blog to Book - Compile blog posts into ebook format
• Documentation - Create readable technical documentation
• Reading Lists - Convert articles for e-readers
• Educational Content - Create course materials as ebooks

Part 1: Convert Text to PDF

Method 1: Free Online Text to PDF Converter (Fastest)

The easiest way to create PDFs from text is using a free online converter.

Using CreatorFormat Text to PDF Tool:

1. Visit our Text to PDF Converter
2. Type or Paste your text directly in the text area
3. Customize font size (8-24pt) and line spacing (1-3x)
4. Set custom filename for your PDF
5. Click "Convert to PDF"
6. Download your professional PDF document

Step-by-Step Process:

Enter Text → Customize Format → Convert → Download PDF
    ↓             ↓               ↓          ↓
 Unlimited    Font & Spacing   Instant   Print-ready

Advantages:

✅ No software installation required ✅ Works entirely in your browser ✅ Privacy-focused (no server uploads) ✅ Customizable formatting ✅ Instant conversion ✅ Unlimited conversions ✅ Cross-platform compatibility

Best For: Quick documents, letters, notes, simple text conversion

Alternative Online Tools:

PDF24 Tools - Easy text to PDF with no system requirements (source)

FreeConvert - Supports files up to 1GB (source)

i2PDF - 100% free with unlimited conversions (source)

Smallpdf - Clean interface with instant conversion (source)

Method 2: Using Microsoft Word or Google Docs

Word processors provide more formatting control for PDF creation.

Microsoft Word Method:

1. Paste your text into new Word document
2. Format with fonts, styles, headers, and layout
3. Add images, tables, or other elements if needed
4. File → Save As → Choose "PDF" format
5. Save with your desired filename

Google Docs Method:

1. Open new Google Docs document
2. Paste text and format as desired
3. File → Download → PDF Document (.pdf)
4. Save to your computer

Pro Tips:

✅ Better Formatting:

• Use styles for consistent headings
• Add page breaks where needed
• Insert headers and footers
• Enable line numbers for legal documents

✅ Professional Touch:

• Add cover page
• Include table of contents
• Insert page numbers
• Use columns for newsletters

Best For: Complex documents, formatted content, professional reports

Method 3: Command Line Tools

For automation and batch processing, command-line tools are ideal.

Using pandoc (Universal Converter):

# Install pandoc
# macOS
brew install pandoc

# Ubuntu
sudo apt-get install pandoc

# Windows
choco install pandoc

# Convert text to PDF
pandoc input.txt -o output.pdf

# With custom options
pandoc input.txt -o output.pdf \\
  --pdf-engine=xelatex \\
  --variable margin-top=2cm \\
  --variable margin-bottom=2cm \\
  --variable fontsize=12pt

# Batch convert all TXT files
for file in *.txt; do pandoc "$file" -o "${file%.txt}.pdf"; done

Using wkhtmltopdf:

# Convert text file via HTML intermediate
echo "<pre>$(cat input.txt)</pre>" | wkhtmltopdf - output.pdf

# With custom styling
cat << EOF > style.html
<html>
<style>
  body { font-family: Arial; margin: 2cm; }
  pre { white-space: pre-wrap; }
</style>
<body><pre>
$(cat input.txt)
</pre></body>
</html>
EOF

wkhtmltopdf style.html output.pdf

Best For: Automation, bulk conversion, server-side processing

Method 4: Programming Solutions

For developers, programmatic PDF generation offers maximum control.

Python with ReportLab:

from reportlab.lib.pagesizes import letter
from reportlab.pdfgen import canvas
from reportlab.lib.units import inch

def text_to_pdf(input_file, output_file):
    # Create PDF canvas
    c = canvas.Canvas(output_file, pagesize=letter)
    width, height = letter

    # Read text file
    with open(input_file, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
        text_content = f.read()

    # Settings
    y_position = height - inch  # Start 1 inch from top
    line_height = 14
    max_width = width - 2 * inch

    # Write text line by line
    for line in text_content.split('\\n'):
        if y_position < inch:  # New page if needed
            c.showPage()
            y_position = height - inch

        c.drawString(inch, y_position, line)
        y_position -= line_height

    c.save()

text_to_pdf('input.txt', 'output.pdf')

JavaScript with jsPDF:

import { jsPDF } from 'jspdf';

function textToPDF(text, filename) {
  const doc = new jsPDF();

  // Split text into lines
  const lines = doc.splitTextToSize(text, 180);

  // Add text to PDF
  doc.text(lines, 10, 10);

  // Save PDF
  doc.save(filename);
}

// Usage
const myText = "Your text content here...";
textToPDF(myText, 'output.pdf');

Best For: Custom formatting, integration into applications, automated workflows

Part 2: Convert TXT to EPUB (Create Ebooks)

EPUB is the standard format for ebooks, compatible with Kindle, Apple Books, and all e-readers.

Method 1: Free Online TXT to EPUB Converter

Using CreatorFormat TXT to EPUB Tool:

1. Visit our TXT to EPUB Converter
2. Upload your TXT file (drag & drop or browse)
3. Add Metadata:
   • Book Title
   • Author Name
   • Language
4. Click "Convert to EPUB"
5. Download your professional EPUB file
6. Read on Kindle, Apple Books, or any e-reader

Smart Chapter Detection:

The converter automatically detects chapters based on:

• "Chapter 1", "Chapter 2" patterns
• "CHAPTER" headings
• Numbered sections
• Double line breaks (for long documents)

Metadata Importance:

✅ Why Metadata Matters:

• Appears in e-reader libraries
• Enables proper sorting and organization
• Required for publishing platforms
• Improves discoverability
• Professional presentation

Best For: Self-publishers, authors, content creators, ebook conversion

Alternative TXT to EPUB Tools:

Convertio - Free online converter with batch support (source)

Zamzar - No software required, email delivery (source)

FreeConvert - Supports files up to 1GB (source)

CloudConvert - Fast conversion with API access (source)

Method 2: Using Calibre (Desktop Software)

Calibre is the gold standard for ebook management and conversion.

Step-by-Step Calibre Conversion:

1. Download Calibre from calibre-ebook.com
2. Install on Windows, Mac, or Linux
3. Add Book - Click "Add books" and select your TXT file
4. Edit Metadata:
   • Right-click book → Edit metadata
   • Add title, author, cover image
   • Set language and tags
5. Convert:
   • Right-click → Convert books
   • Output format: EPUB
6. Configure Settings:
   • Structure Detection - Auto-detect chapters
   • Page Setup - Set margins and page breaks
   • Table of Contents - Generate from headings
   • Look & Feel - Font embedding and styling
7. Convert - Click OK and wait for completion
8. Transfer to your e-reader or send to Kindle

Advanced Calibre Settings:

Optimal TXT to EPUB Conversion:
├── Input
│   ├── Formatting: Markdown formatting
│   └── Structure: Paragraph style
├── Look & Feel
│   ├── Fonts: Embed fonts (optional)
│   ├── Text: Remove spacing between paragraphs
│   └── Styling: Use CSS for formatting
├── Structure Detection
│   ├── Detect chapters: //h:h1 | //h:h2
│   ├── Insert page breaks: Before detected chapters
│   └── Remove fake margins: Enabled
└── Table of Contents
    ├── Force use of auto-generated TOC: Yes
    └── Level 1 TOC: //h:h1

Best For: Power users, extensive customization, large libraries, professional publishing

Method 3: Markdown to EPUB Workflow

For structured text, Markdown provides excellent formatting control.

Using Pandoc with Markdown:

# Convert Markdown to EPUB
pandoc book.md -o book.epub \\
  --metadata title="My Book" \\
  --metadata author="Author Name" \\
  --toc \\
  --epub-cover-image=cover.jpg

# With custom CSS
pandoc book.md -o book.epub \\
  --css=style.css \\
  --metadata title="My Book" \\
  --metadata author="Author Name"

Example Markdown Structure:

---
title: "My Book Title"
author: "Author Name"
language: en-US
---

# Chapter 1: Introduction

This is the first paragraph of Chapter 1.

This is the second paragraph.

# Chapter 2: Getting Started

Content for Chapter 2 goes here.

## Section 2.1: Setup

Subsection content.

Best For: Technical writing, structured content, version-controlled books

Best Practices for Text to PDF/EPUB Conversion

Before Converting:

✅ Prepare Your Text

• Fix typos and grammar errors
• Remove extra spacing and line breaks
• Ensure consistent formatting
• Add chapter markers (for EPUB)

✅ Structure Content

• Use consistent heading levels
• Add section breaks
• Include table of contents
• Organize logically

✅ Check Encoding

• Save as UTF-8 for special characters
• Verify international characters display correctly
• Test accents and symbols

During Conversion:

✅ Format Settings

• PDF: Choose appropriate font size (11-12pt for body)
• EPUB: Use relative font sizes (readers adjust)
• Set proper margins (0.5-1 inch)
• Configure line spacing (1.5x recommended)

✅ Metadata (EPUB)

• Always add title and author
• Set correct language
• Include publication date
• Add ISBN if available
• Use relevant tags

✅ Chapter Detection

• Use consistent chapter headings
• "Chapter 1", "Chapter 2" format
• Or "1.", "2." numbering
• Double line breaks between chapters

After Conversion:

✅ Quality Check

• Open in PDF reader or e-reader
• Check all pages/chapters
• Verify formatting and layout
• Test on target devices

✅ Test EPUB Files

• Validate with EPUB Validator
• Test on multiple e-readers
• Check table of contents
• Verify metadata displays correctly

Advanced: Creating Professional Ebooks

Adding Cover Images (EPUB):

Using Calibre:

1. Right-click book → Edit metadata
2. Click on cover area
3. Choose image file (JPEG/PNG)
4. Calibre auto-resizes to optimal dimensions

Recommended Cover Size:

• Width: 1600 pixels
• Height: 2400 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 2:3
• Format: JPEG (smaller file size)
• File Size: Under 2MB

Creating Table of Contents:

Manual TOC (Calibre):

1. Convert to EPUB
2. Right-click → Edit book
3. Tools → Table of Contents → Generate TOC
4. Select headings to include
5. Save changes

Auto-Generated TOC (Pandoc):

pandoc input.txt -o output.epub --toc --toc-depth=2

Formatting Text Files for Better Conversion:

Use Markdown Syntax:

# Chapter 1: Title
## Section 1.1
### Subsection 1.1.1

**Bold text**
*Italic text*

- Bullet point 1
- Bullet point 2

1. Numbered list
2. Second item

[Link text](https://example.com)

> Blockquote text

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue 1: PDF has Poor Formatting

Problem: Text doesn't wrap properly or margins are wrong.

Solutions:

1. Use online converter with formatting controls
2. Convert to Word first, then PDF
3. Adjust page size settings
4. Use pandoc with margin variables

Issue 2: EPUB Doesn't Show Chapters

Problem: All text appears as one continuous chapter.

Solutions:

1. Add clear chapter headings ("Chapter 1", etc.)
2. Use double line breaks between chapters
3. In Calibre: Enable chapter detection
4. Manually edit EPUB to add chapter breaks

Issue 3: Special Characters are Missing

Problem: Accents, symbols, or foreign characters don't appear.

Solutions:

1. Save text file as UTF-8 encoding
2. Use Unicode-compatible converter
3. Embed fonts (for EPUB)
4. Check original file displays correctly

Issue 4: File Size Too Large

Problem: Generated PDF or EPUB is bigger than expected.

Solutions:

1. PDF: Don't embed fonts (use system fonts)
2. EPUB: Compress images before adding
3. Remove unnecessary formatting
4. Use text compression tools

Issue 5: EPUB Won't Open on Kindle

Problem: Kindle doesn't recognize the EPUB file.

Solutions:

1. Modern Kindles (2022+): Send via email to @kindle.com
2. Older Kindles: Convert EPUB to MOBI using Calibre
3. Use Send to Kindle app
4. Transfer via USB if email fails

Text to PDF/EPUB: Tools Comparison

Related Workflows and Tools

Enhance Your Text Conversion:

Before Converting:

• PDF to Text - Extract text from existing PDFs
• PDF to Word - Convert PDF to editable format

After Converting:

• EPUB Viewer - Preview your ebooks online
• PDF Merger - Combine multiple PDF documents
• PDF Compressor - Reduce PDF file size

Alternative Formats:

• PDF to EPUB - Convert existing PDFs to ebooks
• Word to PDF - Convert formatted documents

Conclusion: Best Way to Convert Text to PDF and EPUB

After comparing all methods, here's our recommendation based on your use case:

For Quick PDF Creation:

Use Our Text to PDF Converter

• No installation required
• Instant browser-based conversion
• Customizable formatting
• Perfect for letters and documents

For Ebook Publishing:

Use Our TXT to EPUB Converter + Calibre

1. Convert TXT → EPUB online
2. Add cover and fine-tune in Calibre
3. Publish to Kindle/Apple Books

For Maximum Control:

Calibre (for EPUB) or Pandoc (for both)

• Professional-grade results
• Extensive customization
• Batch processing
• Ideal for serious authors

For Automation:

Command-line tools (Pandoc, wkhtmltopdf)

• Perfect for scripts and workflows
• Batch processing hundreds of files
• Integration with other tools

Ready to Convert Your Text Files?

Start converting now with these free tools:

• Text to PDF Converter - Create professional PDFs from text
• TXT to EPUB Converter - Build ebooks for Kindle and e-readers
• PDF to Text - Extract text from existing PDFs

Questions about text conversion? Leave a comment below!

Related Articles:

• How to Extract Text from PDF
• How to Convert PDF to Kindle Format
• EPUB vs PDF: Which Format Should You Use?

Sources:

• PDF24 Text to PDF Tool
• FreeConvert TXT to PDF
• Smallpdf Text to PDF Guide
• Convertio TXT to EPUB
• Zamzar TXT to EPUB Converter
• CloudConvert TXT to EPUB
• Kindle Supported Formats 2025