How to Make a PDF Copyable? Simple & Quick Ways
PDF files are among the most commonly used document formats globally. They are easy to share and store. But they are also not easy to copy or edit. This is because the owner can protect the file from certain actions with a password. But what if the user wants to copy text from PDF? In this article, we will explore simple and quick methods to make a PDF copyable. It will ensure that the user is able to select the text within the file easily and copy it for future use.
Table of Contents:
What is a Copyable PDF? Why PDF is Not Copyable?
We have divided this section into 4 parts to answer everything related to PDF copy ability.
What is a Copyable PDF?
A copyable PDF allows users to select and copy text from it. This is just like a text document where any information can be selected and worked with. In a copyable PDF, the text is not locked or restricted.
How to Know if PDF is Text Copyable?
To determine if a PDF is text copyable or not, users can try selecting a portion of the text within the document. If they can highlight and copy it, then the PDF is copyable. However, if the text remains unelectable then the PDF is likely not copyable. The same is also the case if they receive a message indicating restrictions.
Why is PDF Not Copyable?
PDF documents may not be copyable for various reasons, including security and document protection. PDF creators or owners sometimes make their PDF files read-only to protect their content and maintain confidentiality.
Benefits of Making PDF Copyable?
The ability to make a PDF copyable offers several benefits. Users can freely quote, reference, and share the PDF data. It also makes the PDF page extraction process easier.
How to Make PDF Copyable with Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat DC (Pro & Standard) offers the ability to make a PDF copyable by making changes to the PDF security settings. Since Adobe offers both free and paid versions of Acrobat, make sure to install the paid version. The free version lacks the feature to change the copy ability in a PDF file. Here is a demonstration of the process:
Step 1. Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat DC.
Step 2. Go to File >> Properties/Document Properties.
Step 3. Go to Security >> No security (dropdown list).
Step 4. Enter the restriction password in the Password text box (yes, you need this to change settings in Adobe).
Step 5. Click OK and save the PDF document.
That’s it. With these steps, the user has unlocked all the security settings of a PDF file. Thus, the PDF data can now be copied.
How to Make PDF Copyable with Adobe Alternative [Reliable & Effective]
SysTools PDF Document Unlocker is a cost-effective alternative for making PDF documents copyable. With this tool, the user can easily remove copy protection from PDF files. Thus, making the file content copyable. This tool also allows the user to get rid of other security details if required. It has a user-friendly interface and costs a one-time fee of $39. So, not only is it easy to use but also affordable when compared to Adobe.
The best thing about this tool is that it operates on multiple PDF files at once. Plus, it is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. So, no matter what system the user has, this tool can be used to process multiple PDF files in bulk.
Here is a demonstration of how the tool works:
Step 1. Download and install the software according to the computer OS.
Step 2. Once done, launch it and click on the Add File button.
Step 3. Select and import the PDF files that need to be converted from non-copyable to copyable.
Step 4. Now, click on the Unlock button and the software will remove any restrictions, making the PDF copyable.
Step 5. Open the PDF file and do as the user wants.
Note: If the PDF document requires a password to open it, then the software will prompt the user to enter the password. Do note that this password and the restriction password are different. So, although the tool can remove the restriction password, the open password still needs to be entered manually.
Additional – Can We Make PDF Copyable on Mac Too?
Yes, users can make PDF files copyable on Mac using similar methods, such as Adobe Acrobat or the SysTools software designed for Mac.
Users can also try and do this online. However, we do not recommend it because it is not safe to upload important files online. After all, no one can guarantee the safety of the files and their content. It can be stored and distributed without the uploader’s knowledge.
Important: Adobe and other PDF editors provide an option to save a PDF file as an image. If the users’ query is to make an image PDF file copyable, then this article is not for them. In this case, first, the users need to make the file searchable, only then they can copy its content. So, go ahead and search for this online.
Summary
Sharing is one of the core values of the Internet. And PDF format is popular because of its ability to share content without the need for extra software. But a non-copyable PDF file has a lot less usability than a copyable one. Thus, in this article, we explored the ways to make a PDF copyable. We also provided you with the simplified steps for both Adobe and its best alternative. So, use the method as per convenience and copy and share its content as required.