Can’t Highlight Text in PDF? Causes and Easy Fixes

Can’t Highlight Text in PDF? Here is How to Do It

Highlighting text in a PDF is one of the most common ways to review documents. However, many users face a frustrating issue where they can’t highlight text in PDF files.

In this guide, I will explain why you can’t highlight text in PDF. You will learn how you can fix this issue using simple methods.

Why You Can’t Highlight Text in a PDF?

There are several reasons why the highlighting feature may not work in a PDF file. Understanding the cause will help you choose the right solution.

1. The PDF Is Scanned or Image-Based

Many PDF files are created by scanning paper documents. In such cases, the file contains images instead of selectable text.

Because there is no actual text layer, PDF viewers cannot recognize it.

2. The PDF File Has Security Restrictions

Some PDF documents are protected by the author. These restrictions can prevent actions such as:

• Highlighting text
• Copying content
• Editing the document

When these permissions are disabled, you cannot select the text inside the file.

3. Your PDF Reader Does Not Support Highlighting

Not all PDF viewers support annotation tools like highlighting or commenting.

Older or limited PDF viewers may lack these features. For this, it may require paid versions to enable them.

4. The PDF File Is Corrupted

Sometimes the file itself may be damaged due to incomplete downloads or due to software issues.

A corrupted PDF can disable certain features.

5. The PDF Is Opened in Read-Only Mode

If the PDF file is opened in read-only mode, editing and annotation features may be disabled.

This prevents users from making any modifications. This includes highlighting.

Manual Methods to Fix “Can’t Highlight Text in PDF”

Before using any tools, you can try some simple manual solutions.

Method 1: Check if the PDF Contains Selectable Text

First, check whether the document actually contains selectable text.

Steps for this:

1. Open the PDF file.

1. Try selecting a word using your mouse cursor.

If the text cannot be selected, the file may be scanned.

In this case, highlighting will not work. For this, the file has to be converted into editable text.

Method 2: Try Opening the PDF in Another Viewer

Sometimes the problem is caused by the PDF viewer.

Steps for this:

1. Download the PDF file to your device.

1. Open it using another PDF viewer or browser.

1. Try selecting and highlighting the text again.

Check, if editing is possible. Most times, the PDF’s are non-editable.

Use an Online Tool to Remove PDF Restrictions

If the problem is caused by PDF security restrictions, you may need to remove those permissions first.

One simple solution for this is to use the OnlinePCtool.com. The PDF Unlocker tool helps you with this.

This tool removes restrictions that prevent actions such as:

• Highlighting text
• Copying content
• Editing the document
• Printing the file

After unlocking the PDF, you can easily highlight. You can annotate the text.

Advantages of Using OnlinePCTools PDF Unlocker

• Removes PDF editing restrictions quickly
• Works directly in your browser
• No software installation required
• Simple interface for beginners
• Allows full access to the document features

Steps to Highlight Text in a PDF

Step 1. Open the OnlinePCTools PDF Unlocker tool in your browser.

Step 2. Click Upload PDF and select the PDF file from your device.

Step 3. After uploading is done, Click on Unlock PDF.

Step 4. Download the unlocked PDF file.

That is it!

Tips to Avoid Highlighting Issues in PDF Files

To prevent this problem in the future, consider these tips:

• Use a reliable PDF viewer with annotation features
• Avoid downloading files from unreliable sources
• Make sure the PDF file contains texts that are selectable
• Keep your PDF reader updated
• Save important PDFs correctly to avoid corruption

Conclusion

Not being able to highlight text in a PDF can be frustrating, especially when reviewing documents or studying important material. In most cases, the issue occurs because the file is scanned, restricted, corrupted, or opened using incompatible software.

Fortunately, many of these problems can be solved using simple methods. If the PDF is protected, removing the restrictions using a tool like OnlinePCTools PDF Unlocker can restore full functionality.

Once the restrictions are removed, you will be able to highlight text, add comments, and interact with the PDF without any limitations.

From my experience, using the OnlinePCTools PDF Unlocker made it easy to remove the restrictions. I was able to highlight the text in the PDF within seconds!

Also: Read How to Lock a PDF from Editing.

FAQs

Q1. Why can’t I highlight text in my PDF file?

You may not be able to highlight text because the PDF is scanned, protected with restrictions, opened in read-only mode, or damaged.

Q2. Can scanned PDFs be highlighted?

No. Scanned PDFs contain images instead of selectable text, so highlighting will not work unless the text is converted using OCR.

Q3. How do I enable highlighting in a protected PDF?

You must remove the editing or commenting restrictions first. Once the security settings are removed, highlighting will work normally.

Q4. Why does my highlight tool not work in my PDF viewer?

This may happen if your PDF reader is outdated or does not support annotation features.

Q5. Can online tools help fix highlighting problems in PDFs?

Yes. Online PDF tools can remove security restrictions and restore features like highlighting, copying, and editing.