What is a TXT file?
Learn about what a TXT file is and how this document type fits into your workflows.
Text File Documents or TXT files are one of the most basic file formats — these are used to create plain text files without any special formatting or styling. If having certain fonts and styles available isn’t a high priority for the type of project you’re working on, this file type could be a great choice for you.
TXT files are also a good option when you don’t have the appropriate software to host more complex file formats. This file type is good for simple text that may not be used for presentations such as coding and financial reports.
Now that you know the answer to “What is a TXT file?” let’s dive into some other information that can help you open, create, and edit your TXT files.
What can open a TXT file?
You can open a TXT file with just about any text editor and web browser.
- Mac. You can open a TXT file with Apple TextEdit, which is included in the Mac operating system. In TextEdit, click File > Open.
- Windows. Open your TXT file with the computer’s native TXT-supporting software, Microsoft Notepad or Microsoft WordPad. In either program, click File > Open.
- Chromebook. Open the Google Chrome Text app and click File > Open.
- Internet browsers. In Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, drag and drop a TXT file into a browser window. For Microsoft Edge, copy and paste the file’s location in the Edge address bar. All three of these options allow you to view your TXT file. However, you cannot edit your file in any of these browsers.
How do I create a .TXT file?
Depending on your computer’s operating system, you can easily create and edit your .TXT file.
Here’s how to create a TXT file:
- If you’re using a Mac, open the TextEdit application. For Windows, open Notepad.
- Type in or paste your text.
- Save your file.
Both of these applications will save the file with the .TXT extension by default.
Is Word a TXT file?
No, a Word file is not a TXT file. A Word file, which has the .DOC or .DOCX file extension, is created in Microsoft Word and can host a variety of design options such as italics, fonts, bolded words, and more. You can also read more about the difference between .DOC vs. .DOCX to be sure you're using the correct file type for your project. A TXT file has little to no formatting — it is simply plain text.
How to open a TXT file as a PDF.
You can use Adobe Acrobat online services to open your TXT file as a PDF.
Just follow these steps in Acrobat online services:
- Navigate to Acrobat online’s PDF converter in your web browser.
- Click Select a file and choose your file, or drag and drop your file.
- Download your new PDF file or sign in to share it.
- Once downloaded, click the PDF file, which will open in your default PDF viewer.
If you’re using the Acrobat application, follow these steps:
- In the File menu, choose Create > PDF.
- In the dialog box, choose the file you want to convert.
- Click Open.
- Click File > Save as. Name your new PDF file and choose where to save it.
Whether you’re converting PDF to TXT, or TXT to PDF, Acrobat has the tools in place for all your document needs.
Pros and Cons of TXT files.
TXT files are helpful in personal and professional settings, but consider the pros and cons of choosing this document type.
Pros
- Universal compatibility. This file has been a staple of documents since the early days of computers. It works with a wide range of computer systems.
- Smaller file size. TXT files are one of the most storage-efficient file types. Because of their complex nature, they can store a lot of data while being more storage-conscious.
- File review. Even if your file doesn’t contain plain text, it can be launched as a TXT file. This is helpful if you aren’t sure what file format your document is or if it’s missing a file extension.
Cons
- No image insertion. This file type doesn’t support attachments such as videos, images, and audio.
- Limited formatting. TXT files don’t contain text format settings such as italics, font size, and style.
- Low security. TXT files don’t come with more advanced features such as password protection and encryption.
View, create, and edit your files with ease.
TXT files, like all document types, have their time and place. Transforming your files into PDFs means anyone who needs to see them can easily view them across any device. Discover all that you can do with Acrobat today.
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