Extract Plain Text from WordStar Archives
When you need the words — and nothing else.
TL;DR
TXT makes an unreadable WordStar tree answerable. WordStar Converter unwraps high-bit flags into UTF-8 text locally. Trial 10 files. Standard $39.95.
Why a naive dump fails
Opening a `.ws` file in Notepad is not “plain text extraction.” Bit 7 on many characters is a wrap flag. Extended glyphs arrive as `1Bh xx 1Ch` triplets. Without an unwrap step, grep lies to you.
What clean TXT is for
Triage: find which letters mention a clause, name, or docket number before you spend DOCX/PDF budget on the whole tree. Scripting: feed UTF-8 into internal extractors. Search: drop `.txt` siblings beside masters for Windows Search or ripgrep.
Workflow
Batch the archive to TXT first, identify the hot set, then reconvert those paths to DOCX or PDF. One native parser, two passes — still offline.
Trial 10 files. Standard $39.95.
TXT vs Markdown
Use TXT when structure does not matter. Use Markdown when headings and emphasis should survive for docs or RAG. Neither path uploads the manuscript.
Convert your files
Related reading
Make the archive searchable
Trial 10 files. Standard $39.95.
Free trial
Full app features — up to 10 files
Windows 10 or 11
The Windows installer for the 10-file trial is coming soon. Same app you unlock with a license — 100% local on your PC.
Coming Soon
Windows installer