HTML to Text Converter
This converter turns an HTML email into its plain-text version. Paragraphs, headings and line breaks are kept, lists become dashes, links are written out after their text, images become their alt text, and styles, scripts and comments are removed. It runs as you paste, in your browser.
Paste HTML. Get the plain-text version of your email.
100% free • No signup • Runs in your browser
How to use the HTML to Text Converter
- 1
Paste your HTML
Paste the HTML of an email, or of any page. Styles, scripts and comments are removed.
- 2
Choose the options
Keep link addresses after the link text, and wrap lines at 78 characters if your sending tool doesn't.
- 3
Copy or download
Copy the plain text into your email tool's text version, or download it as a .txt file.
How each part is converted
| Part | HTML | Plain text |
|---|---|---|
| Paragraphs and headings | <h2>Hello</h2><p>First paragraph.</p> | Hello First paragraph. |
| Line breaks | Line one<br>Line two | Line one Line two |
| Lists | <ul><li>Fast</li><li>Private</li></ul> | - Fast - Private |
| Links | <a href="https://acme.com">Visit us</a> | Visit us (https://acme.com) |
| Images | <img src="logo.png" alt="Acme logo"> | [Acme logo] |
| Special characters | Fish & chips — © 2026 | Fish & chips — © 2026 |
Standards: RFC 2046 (sending HTML and text together), RFC 5322 (line length).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does an HTML email need a plain-text version?
An email can carry both versions, and the email app shows the one it can display best. The standard for this (RFC 2046, multipart/alternative) lets people whose app shows plain text, or who prefer it, still read your message properly.
What happens to links?
Each link becomes its text followed by the address in brackets, like "Get started (https://acme.com/start)", so readers can still find it. Turn the option off to keep only the text. Email links keep just the address.
What happens to images?
An image becomes its alt text in square brackets, and images with no alt text are dropped. Give your images alt text so the plain version still makes sense.
Should I wrap lines at 78 characters?
The email format standard (RFC 5322) says lines should be no more than 78 characters. Most sending tools wrap for you; turn wrapping on if yours doesn't. Long links are never split.
Is my HTML uploaded anywhere?
No. The conversion runs in your browser, and nothing you paste is sent to our servers or stored.