Expert: Ken Black - 2/17/2009

Question
Is it possible to keep the embedded http link when converting a doc to a pdf?  How can we make the content of a pdf non-searchable?

Answer
Hi Rome,

Keeping links in pdf files depends on the software that is creating the pdf. When you create a pdf from I'm assuming a Word doc, go to Change Conversion Settings in your pdf menu and under Application Settings check on the Add links to Adobe PDF.

As far as making it non-searchable - there may be methods in posting your content on your website or blog that can prevent it, but I cannot help with that. One way is to make your text within the pdf outlines so it is an image instead of text, for that you will need additional software, such as Enfocus PitStop in order to edit the document.
You could also open the pdf in Photoshop and rasterize the document, this will rid the document of any text and leave you with an unsearchable image.

However, all this non-searchable business may be going by the wayside soon. There are several sites and softwares that are now using optical recognition to identify pictures specifically people, but this may soon lend itself to text as well.

Thanks,

Ken Black

www.bestprintingonline.com