Copy content from PDFs

Copy text and images from PDFs

You can easily copy content in Reader unless the PDF author has applied security settings that disallow copying.

If you receive a password-protected PDF, use the designated password to open the document. Some secured documents have restrictions that prevent you from printing, editing, or copying content. If a document has restricted features, any tools and menu items related to those features are dimmed in Reader.

If you have trouble opening a PDF, or if you are restricted from using certain features, contact the author of the PDF.

Confirm that content copying is allowed

  1. Open the PDF document in Reader. Right-click the document, and choose Document Properties.

  2. Click the Security tab, and review the Document Restrictions Summary.

    Check whether the content copying is allowed
    Check whether the content copying is allowed

Copy specific content from a PDF

  1. Open the PDF document in Reader. Right-click the document, and choose Select Tool from the pop-up menu.

    Choose the Select tool

  2. Drag to select text, or click to select an image. Right-click the selected item, and choose Copy.

    Copy selected content

  3. The content is copied to the clipboard. In an another application, choose Edit > Paste to paste the copied content.

Copy an entire PDF (Windows Reader application only, not browser)

  1. Open the PDF document in Reader. Choose Edit > Copy File to Clipboard.

    Copy file to clipboard

  2. The content is copied to the clipboard. In an another application, choose Edit > Paste to paste the copied content.

Copy an area of a PDF (Reader application only, not browser)

The Snapshot tool copies an area as an image that you can paste into other applications.

  1. Choose Edit > Take a Snapshot.

  2. Drag a rectangle around the area you want to copy, and then release the mouse button.

  3. Press the Esc key to exit Snapshot mode.

In another application, choose Edit > Paste to paste the copied image.

 Adobe

Get help faster and easier

New user?

Adobe MAX 2024

Adobe MAX
The Creativity Conference

Oct 14–16 Miami Beach and online

Adobe MAX

The Creativity Conference

Oct 14–16 Miami Beach and online

Adobe MAX 2024

Adobe MAX
The Creativity Conference

Oct 14–16 Miami Beach and online

Adobe MAX

The Creativity Conference

Oct 14–16 Miami Beach and online