PDF is one of the most widespread digital document formats, since, compared to other types, guarantees numerous advantages. They are easy to create, read and use and allow you to set different levels of access to protect the content in the way deemed most suitable. They may contain watermarks, passwords, digital signatures, and other graphics or layout elements that are never modified, regardless of the operating system, device, or software with which they are viewed. Edit, attempt to extract information or simply copy text from PDF it may seem complicated, but if you know the right methods all the operations can be carried out extremely easily.
Copy text from PDF it is one of the operations that is requested and performed most frequently. You can use Acrobat Reader DC and browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox. Let’s discover all the methods.
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1. What is a PDF
PDF (Portable Document Format) is a file format that was created by Adobe in 1993 to ensure the digital and secure transfer of documents. This format is displayed without changes in layout, content and graphics regardless of the environment in which you operate, the devices and programs used. This has favored its diffusion and made it perfect for all those files that contain important information.
UnPDF it can be created in many ways, so much so that a complete list is impossible. It can be done using text editors such as Word, which allow you to save contents in this format, through Google documents, with Acrobat reader or other tools that are easily available on the web for free and which allow rapid conversion of any type of file.
PDFs are safe, thanks to the ability to customize the security level and prevent any modification or intervention, quick to share, always having a small size, compatible with most devices, economical and simplifying printing operations.
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2. Copy text from PDF from Acrobat Reader
To use this method you need to download the application to your device Adobe Acrobat Reader by connecting to the official Adobe website. It is a free PDF reader with its basic functions and which allows you to view documents, sign them, insert notes and collaborate on creation.
If you want advanced features, such as editing and converting PDF files to other formats, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, protecting documents with passwords, and personalizing files with branding elements, if you have to opt for Acrobat Pro.
Acrobat is also available in a version designed for mobile devices useful for viewing and working on PDFs even when you are away from home or on the move or you need to carry out an urgent task in a short period of time.
After downloaded the software and completed the installationyou can proceed to view the PDF and copy the text or parts of text within it.
With Acrobat Reader you can identify any restrictions applied to the PDF. To find out click Menu and press on Document properties. In the window that opens, select the Security item and analyze the summary of the document’s limitations. All permitted and prohibited actions will be indicated here.
In detail, to be able to copy a text or a portion of text, the word Permitted must be present next to the entry Copy content. In this case you can proceed.
In the PDF file, highlight the part of the text you want to copy with the cursor and right-click. Choose the item Copy. The text is then copied to the clipboard and can be pasted into text editors or other fields.
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3. Use a browser to copy text from the PDF
To view, read and intervene on a PDF you can use a browser that allows it. These features are available on most solutions available to users, including Google Chrome, Firefox e Microsoft Edge.
If you want to use Chrome, locate the PDF file on your device, right-click on it, select You opencon and choose Google Chrome. Once the PDF opens in a browser page, select the text you want to copy with the mouse cursor and right-click.
Choose Copy. The browser will now have copied the text to the clipboard and you can paste it into any text editor or text box you want.
A similar operation can be carried out with Firefox o con Microsoft Edge. In this case you need to select the file on your device, right click, press on Open with and choose Firefox or Microsoft Edge based on the browser available to you or the one you prefer to use.
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