How to Copy Text from PDF on PC and Online
PDF is a file format widely used across platforms, but you can’t always extract its text and copy it elsewhere.
Whether you’re a student who has to quote a passage or a professional who has to sift through a report, the ability to copy text from PDF is a useful skill to possess.
In this article, we explain how to copy text from PDF documents using simple techniques from built-in software and more advanced third-party applications. We provide instructions to help you work on the text in your PDF.
Icecream PDF Editor
When you need to extract text from a PDF without hassle, the easiest way to do so is with Icecream PDF Editor. Using a clean and user-friendly interface, you can easily select text from any kind of document.
Look how to pull out text from PDF:
- Download free PDF editor for PC.
- Open the PDF file. Hit the "Edit" tab located on the top.
- Choose "Select" from the left toolbar.
- Utilizing this tool, simply press and move your cursor across the desired text to copy. The selected text will be highlighted automatically.
- Once you have picked all the needed text, tap "Edit" and select "Copy" or press "Ctrl+C" on your keyboard.
In case you experience any problems while copying content from a PDF, verify that the document is not encrypted or saved as an image. In these cases, copying text may not be possible.
Pros:
- Features an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate and perform various tasks without a steep learning curve.
- Free PDF editor for Windows offers a range of editing tools, including image and text addition, annotations, and highlighting, allowing users to make modifications to PDFs effortlessly.y
- Enables users to merge multiple PDFs into a single document, providing flexibility in managing content.
- Allows users to add password protection to PDF files, ensuring confidentiality and security when sharing sensitive documents.
- Supports filling out interactive PDF forms, streamlining the process of completing them digitally.
Cons:
- Lacks OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capabilities.
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Acrobat Reader is a standard PDF software used for viewing, editing, and sharing documents. The ability to copy and paste from PDF is one of its features.
Check how to get text from PDF:
- Install the reader from its official website.
- Launch the app and open the PDF document from which you want to copy text.
- Select text from PDF. You can do this:
- By clicking and dragging your cursor over the text.
- By pressing once at the beginning of the text and then holding down the "Shift" key while tapping at the end of the page.
- Once you have selected the text, right-click on it and hit "Copy" from the drop-down menu. Another way to perform this action is by pressing the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl+C" (Windows) or "Command+C" (Mac).
Copying text from a scanned PDF in Acrobat requires additional steps because such files typically contain graphics instead of plain text. However, with its OCR feature, you can convert the scanned text into editable one and then copy it.
Here's how you can do it:
- Open the PDF.
- A notification bar may appear at the top of the document, prompting you to enable OCR.
- If not, navigate to "View" > "Show/Hide" > "Customize Toolbar" > "Scan/OCR" > "Recognize Text".
- After OCR is complete, you can now select the text you wish to copy.
Pros:
- Offers built-in OCR, allowing users to extract text from scanned PDFs.
- Has a "Copy with Formatting" option, minimizing the need for manual adjustments after copying.
Cons:
- Encounter compatibility issues when copying text from PDFs with complex layouts or non-standard fonts.
- Access to the OCR feature requires a subscription to the Pro version, which may not be feasible for users with limited budgets.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud-based platform that allows users to store and share files online. It can easily handle documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other types of files. It is also a good tool to grab text from PDF.
Here are the instructions:
- Commence by opening your Google Drive account and uploading the desired PDF.
- Once the file is uploaded, right-click on it and select "Open with Google Docs". This will convert the PDF into a Google Docs file.
- Click and drag to pick the text you want to copy. Alternatively, use keyboard shortcuts like "Ctrl + A" (Windows) or "Cmd + A" (Mac) to select all text.
- Right-click on the selected text and choose "Copy" from the context menu, or press the hotkey "Ctrl + C" (Windows) or "Cmd + C" (Mac).
Pros:
- Widely accessible and can be used on various devices and platforms.
- Facilitates collaboration by allowing multiple users to access and edit PDFs simultaneously.
Cons:
- The necessity to change the PDF into a Google Docs document before text extraction.
- Requires an internet connection for accessing and working with documents.
- You need to have Google account.
Why can't I copy text from PDF?
There could be several reasons why you're unable to extract text from a PDF:
- Document Restrictions. The file may have DRM protection or other controls placed on it by the author or creator that prohibit copying.
- Scanned Document. If it is a PDF consisting of images only, you can’t copy the text directly. You need to OCR the scanned file first to convert the pictures into plain text.
- PDF Viewer Limitations. Some versions of the PDF viewer do not support copying the text for pasting. Make sure you’re using a good PDF reader that supports copying text.
- Document Corruption. In some instances, the actual document might be damaged and the text might not copy. Try opening the file in a different PDF viewer or repair it if possible.
FAQ
It's essential to remember to respect copyright laws when copying text from PDFs, ensuring that the information is used responsibly and ethically.
- Can I copy images or tables from a PDF?
- Yes, you can also extract images and tables using the same method as copying text (right-click or use Ctrl+C).
- Is there a way to copy an entire page from a PDF?
- Yes, you can use the "Select All" option (typically located in the "Edit" menu) to highlight and copy all of the content on a page.
- What do I do if the copied text is garbled or jumbled up?
- This could be due to compatibility issues between the font used in the PDF and your computer's system fonts. Try changing your settings or using a different program to copy and paste text from PDF.
How to copy text from PDF: conclusion
Throughout this guide, we've explored various methods and tools for extracting text from PDFs. These range from straightforward solutions built into basic viewers to complex solutions that provide OCR capabilities.
We've highlighted the importance of understanding document restrictions, dealing with scanned images, and selecting the right tools to ensure efficient and accurate text extraction.
By following our step-by-step instructions, readers can enhance their productivity and streamline their workflow when working with documents.
Expert Tech Writer
