How to copy text from PDFs

Copying text from a PDF file: The Ultimate Guide

Every day we copy, cut and paste text from Word documents, which is easy. But when we need to copy and paste text from a PDF file, the situation is different.

Some PDF files are scanned and cannot be changed immediately. Other PDF files are locked to protect important information—such as online books, research papers, etc.

So, how do we copy and paste from a PDF file when we do need it? This is entirely possible, and our guide will show you how to copy text from a PDF file with copy restrictions or images instead of text.

Why can't I copy text from PDF?

Sometimes you try to copy text from a PDF file, but it just doesn't work. Why is this happening, and what can you do?

Here are the most common reasons why you can't copy PDF text:

• The PDF file has password restrictions.
• PDF files have usage-based restrictions.
• A PDF file is not text-based (for example, it is an image of text).

How to enable the copy and paste function of PDF

You can copy the required text from any PDF file in several different ways. Obviously, you should first try using well-known shortcut keys, e.g. ⌘ C and ⌘ V , because they are quick and convenient, without any attempt time.

Alternatively, you can select a piece of text by clicking and dragging the cursor (using the mouse or trackpad). Right-click the text and select Copy from the drop-down menu. The text should now be in your clipboard, ready to paste.

If you try paste but it doesn't work, keep reading.

How to copy text from a PDF with password limit

Sometimes you download a PDF file with the required information, but when you try to open it, you will receive a message prompting you for your password.

Unfortunately, you cannot copy text using such encrypted PDF files unless you know the password to unlock them. In this case, try contacting the author or publisher of the PDF to get your password.

How to copy text from a PDF with usage-based limitations

There are also some other types of PDF files that are difficult to copy text from. That is, PDF files with usage restrictions.

You may be able to open and read them easily, but your PDF viewer does not allow you to copy any text. Even if you select a text snippet and copy it, it won't register to your clipboard. So what should you do?

A good PDF editor can be used to restrict access or use of a PDF, and the author of a PDF may not want people to copy it. Therefore, it is best to contact them and request a non-restricted version.

If you can't do this, you can still use a text recognition application like TextSniper to get the job done.

TextSniper is a clever app that allows you to extract text from anywhere on the screen. It not only works with PDF files, it can also revolutionize the way you take notes. Never have to re-enter anything – just use TextSniper.

Here is how to extract text from a locked PDF using TextSniper:

1. Open TextSniper.
2. Press Shift Command 2.
3. Select the PDF section to which you want to copy the text. All text in the screenshot will be automatically copied to your clipboard.
4. Use Command V to paste the text anywhere you want.

How to copy text from an image-based PDF

Sometimes you might get a PDF file that has no text layer but consists of scanned text images. You can't highlight and copy text from images in PDF like that.

However, you can use TextSniper as we described above. With TextSniper, you can convert a PDF containing only images into a document with full text in just a few steps, which can be searched and modified as needed.

How to easily copy text from any PDF file

One of our best tips for copying text from PDFs quickly and easily is to use tools like Nitro PDF Pro.

Nitro PDF Pro is a premium PDF editor for Mac that can easily perform any type of PDF operation. You can create and edit documents, merge multiple files into one file, convert PDFs to other formats, and more. You can even fill out and sign forms and add a password to keep your documents safe.

However, the top-level feature of the app is related to optical character recognition (OCR), which scans any PDF and converts it into editable text. With it, you can easily add content, correct errors, create signatures, delete sensitive information, and save changes. Most importantly, you can drag and drop page thumbnails to move the page or merge multiple PDFs into one.

Overall, Nitro PDF Pro is a gift for anyone who processes PDF files. Once you start using it, you won't be able to imagine life without it!

Did you know that you can add PDFs to any Word file? You don't even have to copy and paste the text from PDF into your Word document. Instead, you can import and embed the PDF itself directly. Please refer to our detailed guide.

How to copy text from PDF for free

You may be wondering if you can copy and paste from PDF using just macOS native tools.

Preview is a common method for Mac users to read and process PDF files. The good news is that your Mac can scan many PDF files by default, so you just need to open them in the preview and copy and paste what you want.

In fact, we have written a guide on how to edit PDF files on your Mac. Check it out.

If you use a clipboard manager like Paste, you will make copy-paste faster overall on your Mac. This utility remembers everything you copied before and lets you get rid of the worst limitations of macOS – only copy and paste one thing at a time.

Additionally, you can use Automator (the default Mac utility) to extract text from PDFs. Here is how to select text in a PDF and save it to a text file:

1. Start Automator from the application folder.
2. Select Application in a new window.
3. Select PDF➙ to extract PDF text.
4. Drag to your workflow.
5. Save Automation and you will find the app on your desktop or anywhere you save it.
6. Drag your PDF to the app icon and voila!

Although Automator is not complicated, applications like Nitro PDF Pro are more intuitive and easy to use.

How to copy text from PDF: Final Thoughts

Copying information from a PDF may seem like an easy task, but sometimes it can be very tricky, especially if you don't have the right tools.

That's why you should come with a powerful PDF editing app. TextSniper will help you copy text from anywhere, Nitro PDF Pro will enable you to OCR any PDF document, and Paste will expand your clipboard infinitely.

Best of all, TextSniper, Nitro PDF Pro and Paste are available for free for seven days with the Setapp trial, a platform with over 240 top-notch apps for Mac and iOS. Trial all of these apps for free and find more efficient ways to work.

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