Can’t Highlight Text in PDF – Fixed
Are you facing the frustrating issue of being unable to highlight text in a PDF document? You’re not alone. In this article, we will explore the common reasons behind this Can’t highlight text in PDF problem and provide simple solutions to fix it. Whether it’s due to document restrictions, a scanned PDF, or other issues, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step guidance.
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PDF documents are a versatile and widely used document format. However, sometimes users may encounter a PDF that doesn’t allow them to highlight or select text. This can be incredibly frustrating if there is a need to emphasize key points or make notes. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this issue and discover how to resolve it.
All Reasons Behind Unable to Highlight Text in PDF
1 – Document Restrictions: Some PDF documents are created with specific security settings that restrict users from making changes, including highlighting text. These restrictions are typically set by the document’s creator to protect its content.
2 – Scanned or Image-Based PDF: If the PDF is generated from scanned documents or consists of images instead of selectable text, users won’t be able to highlight the text. This is because there is no actual text to select and highlight.
3 – Outdated or Incompatible Software: Using outdated or incompatible PDF viewer software can lead to issues in highlighting text. Ensure that the PDF reader supports annotation features.
4 – Corrupted PDF File: A corrupted PDF file can cause various issues, including the inability to highlight text.
5 – Password Protection: Password-protected PDF might restrict various operations, including highlighting text.
6 – Browser or Software Issues: In some instances, browser or software issues can interfere with the ability to highlight text in a PDF.
Now that we’ve identified the possible reasons, let’s explore how to fix the “Can’t highlight text in PDF” issue.
Can’t Highlight Text in PDF Because of Restrictions
Document restrictions are a common cause of the inability to highlight text in PDF. Here, we’ll discuss two effective methods to address this issue.
Method 1: Professional Software
Step 1: Download and install PDF Unlocker software on the computer.
Step 2: Launch the software and click Add File to import the restricted PDF.
Step 3: Select the destination path for the output PDF file.
Step 4: Click Unlock to remove the PDF restrictions.
Step 5: Once the process is complete, open the PDF using the preferred PDF reader.
Now users should be able to highlight text without any restrictions.
Method 2: Adobe Acrobat DC Pro
Step 1: Open the PDF document in Adobe Acrobat.
Step 2: Navigate to the File menu and select Properties.
Step 3: In the Document Properties dialog, go to the Security tab.
Step 4: Click on Show Details to view the security settings.
Step 5: Enter the document password if required.
Step 6: Under Security Method, select No Security from the drop-down menu.
Step 7: Click OK to save the changes.
Now the PDF should be free of restrictions which allows users to highlight text using Adobe Acrobat.
Check if the PDF is Scanned or Image PDF
Sometimes, users can’t highlight text in PDF due to the PDF being scanned or image-based. To check and address this issue, follow these steps.
Step 1: Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
Step 2: Click on the View menu and select Tools, then Recognize Text.
Step 3: Choose In This File to perform OCR on the entire document.
Step 4: Wait for the OCR process to complete. This will convert scanned images into selectable text.
Step 5: Once the process is finished, try highlighting the text again. Users should now be able to select and highlight the text in the PDF.
Also Read: How to Edit Secured PDF file?
Solutions to Other Reasons Behind Can’t Highlight Text in PDF
For issues related to outdated software, corrupted PDF files, read-only settings, password protection, write protection, or browser/software issues, the solutions may vary. Consider the following actions:
- Update Software: Ensure that the PDF reader is up to date. Update the software to the latest version.
- Repair or Recreate PDF: If the user suspects a corrupted PDF, try repairing it using PDF repair tools. If that fails, recreate the PDF from the source document.
- Change Permissions: If the PDF is set to read-only or write-protected, users will need to change the permissions. Check the document properties and adjust the settings as needed.
- Enter Password: For password-protected PDF documents, enter the correct password to unlock editing and highlighting functions.
- Browser/Software Troubleshooting: Clear the browser’s cache or try using a different PDF reader software to see if the issue persists.
Also read: How to Add Comments to PDF Documents?
Conclusion
The frustration of not being able to solve Can’t highlight text in a PDF can be resolved. By identifying the root cause of the issue, users can apply the appropriate solution. Whether it’s removing permissions, performing OCR on scanned PDF files, updating the software, or addressing other issues, users can regain the ability to highlight text in PDF documents.
FAQs
Q: Why can’t I highlight text in some PDF files?
The inability to highlight text in PDF documents can be due to various reasons, such as document restrictions, scanned PDF, outdated software, or password protection. This article provides solutions to address these issues.
Q: What is OCR, and how does it help in highlighting text?
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is a technology that converts scanned images in a PDF into selectable text. By performing OCR on a scanned PDF, users can make the text within the images selectable and highlightable.
Q: What should I do if I encounter a corrupted PDF?
If the user encounters a corrupted PDF, he/she can use PDF repair tools to attempt to fix the issues. If the repair fails, consider recreating the PDF from its source document.
Q: How can I check if my PDF is scanned or image-based?
Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, go to the View menu, select Tools, then Recognize Text. Choose In This File to perform OCR. If OCR is successful, the PDF is likely scanned or image-based.