Have you ever been in a situation where you need to copy text from a PDF, only to find that it’s not as easy as you’d hoped? Whether you’re a student trying to pull out key quotes for a research paper, a professional repurposing content for your latest project, or a lawyer reviewing legal documents, the process can be more challenging than expected.
But every problem has a solution. Here, we’ll explore why copying text from PDFs is often difficult and introduce you to three tools that can make your life significantly easier. From user-friendly online extractors to robust professional editors and specialized document extraction tools, we’ll help you find the right fit for your needs.
Why is it so hard to copy text from a PDF?
What exactly is the root of the issue?
The technology behind PDFs means they’re not like your average text document. PDFs store words as paths and shapes, ensuring high-quality appearance on any screen. This structure creates issues when pulling text out for editing, often resulting in jumbled letters, incorrect line breaks, and other formatting issues.
Additionally, PDF files may include security measures to protect sensitive information, which can create extra challenges for those trying to extract text. Getting past these barriers often requires specialized tools or technologies to extract text from protected documents.
Armed with the right know-how and technology, you can transform the once-frustrating task of copying text from PDFs into a seamless, efficient process.
3. Smallpdf: an online PDF text extractor
Smallpdf is a web-based tool that allows you to upload a PDF and automatically generate a text document for you to copy and paste from.
Smallpdf offers a premium subscription that unlocks additional features. You can convert PDFs into Word or Excel files and access editing tools for quick adjustments. This is great for professionals who need an easy way to make quick edits to PDFs without downloading software.
2. Adobe Acrobat Pro: a professional PDF editor
Adobe Acrobat Pro is a premium solution for PDF editing, operating on a subscription-based model with a free trial for new users.
Acrobat Pro isn’t just designed to copy text from PDFs but is meant to be an all-in-one platform for PDF needs. Its features include collaboration tools, document conversion, and e-signature capabilities.
For many users, however, Acrobat Pro may offer more than they need at a price point that’s less budget-friendly. Still, if you need a comprehensive tool to centralize all your PDF requirements, Adobe Acrobat Pro is a reliable choice.
1. LexSelect: a dedicated document extraction tool
LexSelect was designed by lawyers for lawyers to improve productivity and workflows, but its technology is accessible to anyone needing to extract text from PDF documents efficiently.
LexSelect allows you to upload any PDF document and easily copy text into another document. You can also automatically generate citations and customize the formatting to suit your specific needs, eliminating the need for manual edits after pasting text. LexSelect integrates directly into Microsoft Word as an add-in, allowing you to work seamlessly within your existing workflow.
Currently in open beta, LexSelect is a great option for anyone who works with PDF documents on a regular basis. Create an account for free today and see how easy it is to copy text from PDFs.
Conclusion: choosing the best tool for you
Picking the right tool to copy text from PDF documents can be a game-changer for your productivity. Consider how often you need to extract text and let that guide your choice. An occasional need might be met with a free or budget-friendly tool, but if you’re regularly working with PDFs, investing in a comprehensive solution could significantly boost your efficiency.
We created LexSelect because we were tired of the headaches and countless hours spent extracting text from PDF documents. No existing solution got the job done quickly and efficiently, so we built one ourselves. LexSelect doesn’t just handle text extraction; it offers productivity-enhancing features like citation generation, formatting customization, and the ability to upload and revisit multiple documents. With its seamless integration into Microsoft Word, LexSelect becomes the productivity companion you didn’t know you needed.
While the tools listed here are some of the best on the market, it’s always worth exploring other options to find the best fit for you. In the meantime, if you’re interested in creating a free LexSelect account or scheduling a demo, we’d be happy to help.