How to Do Search within PDF

Searching within a PDF file may be a bit more difficult because most desktop search programs do not index PDF text. However, there are always ways to going about doing things and searching for specific keywords is possible even amid a mass of PDF files. Effective and efficient searches with PDF Multitool are easier to do and can include broad or narrow searches with different kinds of data.

How to do PDF search with PDF Multitool

PDF Multitool can be your best friend when it comes to searching for something within a PDF. Open the application and then open the PDF file you wish to search. On the left side of the screen, you will see “Find Text” under “Text and Data” category, click on it to open a new search window. Simply type the phrase or keywords you are looking for and press “Search” and await your results.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) search

OCR is a recent technology that allows you to convert documents into searchable and editable data. When you scan or take a picture of something, the information is uploaded as an image or a non-editable (and therefore not searchable) document. You will have a hard time searching through scanned PDF files for example because the device itself does not recognize any of the text on the image, just the image itself. In order to have a PDF that is both searchable and editable, you will need to do an OCR search. PDF Multitool has the advanced option for OCR search built into its program. All you need to do is select “Find Text” and then fill in the settings for OCR search in the pop-up window. There are various options, including automatic searching, but you can specify from where the search should be held, such as vectors, fonts (repaired fonts as well), and/or images. Major languages supported for OCR search in PDF Multitool include English, German, Spanish, and French. PDF Multitool’s OCR search is ingenious and offers specialized filters like the removal of horizontal or vertical lines, to better tweak the process and get excellent results.

Making a PDF searchable online

If you wish to save yourself the trouble of downloading an extra application on your computer or tablet, you can always opt for OCR search or a plain search online. Pdf.co offers this option for all users free of cost, you can save to iCloud, and it also supports major languages.

Other methods to search within PDF

PDF Multitool is not the only program that can search within a PDF file. Others can also be used even web browser extensions have the option. The common command for a quick search involves using CTRL+F to open a search box option. Type your keywords and then press enter. The entered keywords will then be highlighted for easy guidance. However, if you desire a full PDF rich search, it is may be best to follow through with an advanced search as mentioned above.

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