What is TXT (Plain Text)? Complete Guide to TXT Files

Year1963

TypeDocument

UsagePlain text storage

What is it?

TXT is the most basic document format, containing only plain text characters with no formatting. A TXT file is just raw text - no fonts, no colors, no images, no styles.

Despite its simplicity, TXT files are among the most universally compatible files in existence. Any device, operating system, and application can read a TXT file.

Technical Specifications

EncodingASCII, UTF-8, UTF-16

FormattingNone (plain text only)

SoftwareAny text editor on any OS

File SizeExtremely small

CompatibilityUniversal - works everywhere

Line EndingsLF (Unix/Mac) or CRLF (Windows)

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Universal Compatibility

TXT works on every device, operating system, and application ever made.

Tiny File Size

TXT files are extremely compact - a novel in TXT might be 1MB.

Future Proof

Plain text will be readable for centuries - no software obsolescence risk.

No Hidden Data

TXT contains only what you see - no hidden metadata or formatting.

Disadvantages

No Formatting

TXT cannot contain bold, italic, colors, fonts, or any visual formatting.

No Images

TXT files cannot embed images or media - text only.

No Structure

No support for tables, lists, or document structure beyond line breaks.

Line Ending Issues

Windows (CRLF) and Unix/Mac (LF) use different line endings causing display issues.

When to Use It

Here are the most common situations where TXT (Plain Text) is the right choice:

Code and Scripts

Source code files are stored as TXT with language-specific extensions (.py, .js, etc.).

Configuration Files

Server and application configuration files use plain text format.

Log Files

System logs and application logs are stored as plain text files.

Simple Notes

Quick notes, lists, and memos that do not need formatting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TXT and DOCX?

TXT contains only plain text. DOCX stores formatted text with fonts, images, tables, and styles.

What encoding should I use for TXT?

Use UTF-8 encoding for maximum compatibility across all systems and character sets.

How do I convert TXT to PDF?

Use our free online converter, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs to convert TXT to PDF with basic formatting.

Why do my TXT line breaks look wrong on different computers?

Windows uses CRLF line endings while Mac/Linux use LF. Use a text editor that handles both (like VS Code or Notepad++).

Is TXT format secure?

TXT files cannot execute code, making them inherently safe. However, they can contain sensitive information.