Copying the content from PDFs is simple and quick. Using the Ctrl + C keys, you can extract text from a PDF document for any purpose. Now, imagine: facing the issue of “PDF content unable to be copied” certainly seems troublesome. This error certainly stops you from copying and repurposing the content for rightful needs. Now, follow this detailed guide to fix the issue of can’t copy text from PDF in one go. Using these methods, you can get complete access to copy the data from the document without any loss. So, let’s dive into it.
Reasons for “PDF Content Unable to be Copied”
If you’re constantly facing the issue of PDF file unable to copy text, there might be numerous reasons. This error can steal your productivity and cause delays in crucial work. Here are the common reasons why unable to copy text from PDF document:
- Scanned Content or Image in PDF
There are various cases where PDF documents are scanned. The data contains only an image, not the actual content or text. In this case, you need to use advanced software for analyzing the data and the actual text from a scanned PDF document.
- This PDF is Copy Restricted
Another reason behind PDF content unable to be copied is restrictions. To secure the content from repurposing, many document creators apply copy permissions. Here, you need to remove PDF permissions to access the content for copying and other requirements.
- Password Protected PDF Document
Despite the document permissions, PDFs are often secured with a password. In this case, viewers can’t open the document in the absence of the correct password. Hence, you need to remove the protection from the PDF to ensure content copying.
- Damaged PDF File
After the security, if the issue persists, it might happen due to file damage. Improper downloading or sharing errors cause damage to your document, making it unreadable. So, immediately check the issue and take action simultaneously.
- Limitations of Document Viewers
There are many cases where working on an outdated PDF viewer causes trouble. Additionally, few PDF readers won’t support the latest formatting or style of a PDF document. Hence, it shows a glitch or error, like unable to copy text from PDF document.
Overall, these are common reasons for text copying not showing or working in a PDF file. Now, you might be wondering about the quick fixes to mitigate this problematic issue. Before jumping into the methods, let’s first find out whether the permissions security is enabled or not in the PDF document.
How to Check PDF is Copy Protected or Not
To verify whether the copy permission is enabled or not, use advanced tools like Adobe Acrobat Reader. Using this software, you can review the document security. Below are the steps to follow for checking the copy protection in a PDF file:
- Use Acrobat Reader and open the document.
- Use the option > File > Properties and then, Security.
- Under Security feature > check for Document Restriction Summary.
- Now, verify whether Content Copying is restricted or not in the document.
If yes, then the below methods allow you to analyse the error and fixes to consider. So, let’s dive into it.
How to Fix PDF Content Unable to be Copied – Easy Fixes to Try
In the following section, we will share the quick ways to resolve the issue of PDF file unable to copy text. With this, you can get access to open, view, and copy the required data from the document without any hassle or data loss. So, let’s walk through the methods one after another.
Fixes 1: Remove Copy Permission from PDF
Previously, we have listed the ways to check the PDF copy permissions. If found that the PDF is locked with copy protection. Here, you need robust tools like SysTools PDF Unlocker, one of the cutting-edge and trusted software for unlocking the password or copy restrictions in batch mode. Moreover, this is available for both Windows and macOS, allowing you to remove any kind of security in one go.
The major highlights of this tool include a handy interface, modern and in-demand features, and most importantly, cost-effective for everyone. Unlike online, acquiring security is just a myth. Try this reliable tool that fits your industrial needs for unlocking the copy or other essential permissions. Below are the steps to fix PDF file unable to copy text using PDF Unlocking Tool:
- Open SysTools PDF Copy Protection Unlocking tool.
- “Add Files” to access the copy-protected document.
- Use the Save and then, Change button to set the location.
- Finally, hit the Unlock key to open the unsecured file.
Fixes 2: Convert Scanned PDF Content
The issue of PDF content unable to be copied mainly happens when the content is image-based instead of actual text. To convert the scanned PDF into a normal one, you need OCR tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro and other free online websites. Using these platforms, you can easily access the selectable content.
Here, you need to upload the document and convert it into a text-based PDF file. It is secure and another handy way to prevent the copying issue in a PDF document.
Fixes 3: Fix the PDF File Corruption
The PDF file damage or corruption leads to the issue of PDF file unable to copy text. Here, you should use reliable software like SysTools PDF Recovery Software. Using this tool, you can easily restore the content, including text, images, hyperlinks, etc. Since file corruption mainly occurs due to improper downloading or errors. Here, this software provides benefits and allows you to fix file corruption.
Using this tool, you can deeply scan the data and access the healthy document for copying, printing, and more. So, use this software when a PDF is unreadable or damaged.
Fixes 4: Update or Switch to Different PDF Readers
If the problem of PDF content unable to be copied happens again, it might happen if your PDF Reader is not working properly. Either you need to update or switch to another PDF viewer for managing or accessing PDFs for copying. Moreover, use tools like Nitro PDF Reader or Foxit Reader to resolve the error easily.
Fixes 5: Contact Immediately With Document Creators
After trying the above methods, if you’re addressing a similar issue, immediately contact to document creator. In this way, you can get the rightful permissions to copy content from a PDF file without any limitations.
Concluding Words
In the above guide, we have listed the 5 fixes for PDF content unable to be copied error. Using these methods, you can copy or repurpose the text from a PDF document. Additionally, use the SysTools PDF copy permissions removing tool to disable the security and get accessibility to copy data from PDF documents.