You are here:

Adobe Acrobat/Search words in pdf file

Advertisement

Expert: Ken Black - 10/5/2009


Question
I'm trying to do a search within in a pdf file but nothing comes up.  Is there something I need to do or is it because I have the 9.1 adobe reader & our scanner on the copier has a different version of pdf?

Answer
Hi Jenelle,

To search within a pdf file, the file must contain text.

It is likely that the file you created by scanning a document is only an image or a picture of words and not actual words created by live text.

Unless you are using OCR (optical character recognition) software, which will attempt to create text from scanned characters. If you are using OCR software, it may be that the text is not being recognized as whole words but rather as single characters, in which case you will not find the words you are searching for either.

Sorry I could not be of more help.

Regards,

Ken Black

www.bestprintingonline.com

Adobe Acrobat

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Ken Black

Expertise

With over 20 years experience in graphic arts as well as working as a preflight and prepress technician for Best Printing Online, I can answer any questions relating to graphic design and printing. This includes but is not limited to Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Quark Xpress and just about any other graphics related software.

Experience

Currently employed by Best Printing Online, I have been working as a graphic designer and printing professional for over 20 years. My experiences range from original design work including layout, illustration and photography to prepress production and troubleshooting. I have done consulting and training for some of the smallest print shops to the largest design agencies and printers in the industry.

Education/Credentials
Occupational Certificate in Darkroom and Printing Technologies from back when light tables and contacting frames were cool. Attended McHenry County College, Columbia College Chicago and Northern Illinois University and strive to attain new knowledge in this field wherever it may be hiding.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.