Expert: Ken Black - 9/29/2009

Question
Hi,
I have a PDF that I got off the website of the organization I work for.  I would like to use it for my own project but it is much too long and needs to be edited down.  I want to keep the same format and graphics, but just need to cut some sections out.  I've tried using Acrobat to do this, but it is my first experience with this software and I can't figure it out.  I've tried a few things like saving the PDF as "rich text" and opening it in another program, but when I do this the formatting is lost.  Do you know how I can cut sections of the PDF out while retaining all of its formatting?

Thank You, Nate

Answer
Hi Nate,

Unfortunately, not all pdf files are created equal. This is to say that certain editing functions can be available in one instance but not in all.

With Acrobat Professional you can make some text edits if the pdf was created with all fonts embedded. However, you do not have total control over the formatting, it should remain as it is with the exception of reflow.

You can use the "Touch-up Text" tool to make minor edits and possibly cut entire sections. You likely will not be able to move things around perfectly.

You may want to try a third party software such as Pitstop or NitroPDF. These give you more options to edit the file and are certainly more robust than the default tools Acrobat gives.

Thanks,

Ken Black

www.bestprintingonline.com