Have you ever encountered a situation where you needed to save a copy of the currently open URL as a text file? Perhaps you wanted to keep a record of a webpage's content, share it with others, or simply needed to extract specific information. Whatever the reason, getting a .txt copy of a URL can be a useful skill to have. In this article, we'll explore a few methods to achieve this in a matter of seconds.
Method 1: Using the Browser’s Print Function
One of the quickest ways to get a .txt copy of a URL is by using your browser’s print function. Here’s how:
- Open the URL you want to save as a text file in your browser.
- Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac) to open the print dialog box.
- Change the printer destination to "Save as PDF" or "Print to file."
- Select "Plain Text" or "Text File" as the file type.
- Choose a location to save the file and click "Save."
This method works well, but the resulting text file may not be perfect, as it will include some extra formatting and headers.
Refining the Output with Browser Extensions
If you need a more refined output, you can use browser extensions like Print Friendly & PDF (Chrome, Firefox) or Text Fixer (Chrome). These extensions allow you to customize the output and remove unnecessary elements.
| Extension | Description |
|---|---|
| Print Friendly & PDF | Removes ads, navigation, and other distractions, saving only the main content. |
| Text Fixer | Allows you to customize the output, removing or adding elements as needed. |
Method 2: Using Online Tools
Another way to get a .txt copy of a URL is by using online tools. Websites like Snipt.net or Txtify.it allow you to enter a URL and receive a text file containing the webpage’s content.
These tools are convenient, but be aware that they may have limitations, such as:
- File size restrictions
- Content filtering or editing
- Potential security risks
Method 3: Using the Browser’s Developer Tools
For more advanced users, the browser’s developer tools can be used to extract the content of a webpage as a text file.
- Open the URL in your browser and press F12 to open the developer tools.
- Switch to the "Elements" tab and select the body element.
- Right-click on the selected element and choose "Copy" > "Copy outerHTML."
- Open a text editor and paste the content.
- Save the file as a .txt.
Key Points
- Use the browser's print function to save a .txt copy of a URL.
- Browser extensions can refine the output and remove unnecessary elements.
- Online tools offer a convenient alternative, but may have limitations.
- The browser's developer tools provide an advanced method for extracting content.
- Be mindful of file size restrictions, content filtering, and security risks.
Conclusion
Getting a .txt copy of a URL can be achieved in seconds using one of the methods described above. Whether you prefer using the browser’s print function, browser extensions, online tools, or the developer tools, there’s a solution to suit your needs. By saving a text file of a webpage’s content, you can easily share, reference, or analyze the information without having to revisit the original webpage.
What is the easiest way to get a .txt copy of a URL?
+The easiest way is to use the browser’s print function, selecting “Save as PDF” or “Print to file” and choosing “Plain Text” or “Text File” as the file type.
Are there any browser extensions that can help with this task?
+Yes, extensions like Print Friendly & PDF and Text Fixer can refine the output and remove unnecessary elements.
Can I use online tools to get a .txt copy of a URL?
+Yes, websites like Snipt.net and Txtify.it allow you to enter a URL and receive a text file containing the webpage’s content.
What are the limitations of using online tools?
+Online tools may have file size restrictions, content filtering or editing, and potential security risks.
Can I use the browser’s developer tools to extract the content of a webpage?
+Yes, by selecting the body element, copying the outerHTML, and pasting it into a text editor, you can extract the content of a webpage.