Convert PCAP to TXT
How to export Wireshark packet data files to text files.

How to convert pcap to txt file
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To convert a PCAP (Packet Capture) file directly to a TXT file, you can use command-line tools like tcpdump or tshark, or graphical tools like Wireshark. For example, with tcpdump, you can run a command such as:
tcpdump -nn -X -r input.pcap > output.txt
This command reads (-r
) the input.pcap file, prints packet data in both ASCII and hex formats (-X
), and directs the output to a text file (output.txt). Similarly, tshark—the CLI version of Wireshark—can generate a detailed text report using:
tshark -r input.pcap -V > output.txt
If you prefer a graphical interface, open the PCAP in Wireshark, then go to File → Export Packet Dissections → As Plain Text…, choose the desired output format and fields, and save to a TXT file. These methods make sharing or reviewing the packet information easy without requiring specialized software to parse PCAP files.

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Understanding PCAP and TXT file formats
PCAP (Packet Capture) is a file format used to capture and store network traffic data. It is commonly used by network administrators and security professionals to analyze network packets and diagnose network issues. PCAP files contain raw network data, including headers and payloads, which can be analyzed using various network analysis tools.
TXT (Text) is a standard file format that contains plain text. It is widely used for storing unformatted text data and can be opened and edited with any text editor. Converting PCAP files to TXT format allows users to view and analyze network data in a more readable format.
How to convert PCAP to TXT
Converting PCAP files to TXT format involves extracting the packet data and saving it as plain text. This can be useful for documentation, reporting, or further analysis using text-based tools.
Best software for PCAP to TXT conversion
One of the best tools for converting PCAP files to TXT format is Wireshark. Wireshark is a popular network protocol analyzer that allows users to capture and interactively browse network traffic. It provides a feature to export packet data to a text file.
To convert PCAP to TXT using Wireshark, follow these steps:
- Open the PCAP file in Wireshark.
- Go to File → Export Packet Dissections → As Plain Text...
- Select the desired options and save the file as a TXT document.
Another tool that can be used is Tshark, the command-line version of Wireshark. It allows for automated conversion of PCAP files to TXT format using command-line instructions.
Example command:
tshark -r input.pcap -V > output.txt