Preview 5.0.3 Unable to highlight text - why?

hokeryx · hokeryx #1 (**permalink**)

01-15-2011, 01:41 PM

I don't seem to be able to highlight text in Preview. I have followed the directions in the help menu to no avail. I can add notes, comments, arrows, text, ovals and squares but when I click on highlight my mouse pointer stays as a pointer and doesn't shift to cross-hairs so I can't select any text to highlight. When I choose text in the tool bar I have the same problem. I have checked the encryption status in inspector and I am told that I have full permission. What's up? What can I do?

vansmith · vansmith #2 (**permalink**)

01-15-2011, 02:01 PM

Is the PDF itself a picture of the text as opposed to text itself? I know from experience that certain PDF files are simply scans of text or a picture of it and thus, it is not interpreted as text.

hokeryx · hokeryx #3 (**permalink**)

01-15-2011, 02:26 PM

Yes, of course. Thanks, I reckon the file I'm working on probably originated as a scan. That explains it. Many thanks.

vansmith #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 19, 2008 Location: Ottawa Posts: 15,463 Mac Specs: 2012 13" MBP (2.5 i5, 8GB)	01-15-2011, 02:01 PM Is the PDF itself a picture of the text as opposed to text itself? I know from experience that certain PDF files are simply scans of text or a picture of it and thus, it is not interpreted as text. Important Links: Community Guidelines : Use the reputation system if you've been helped. M-F Blog :: Write for the blog :: M-F IRC Channel - Chats every Sunday at 8PM EST.
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Preview 5.0.3 Unable to highlight text - why?

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hokeryx #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 15, 2011 Posts: 4	01-15-2011, 01:41 PM I don't seem to be able to highlight text in Preview. I have followed the directions in the help menu to no avail. I can add notes, comments, arrows, text, ovals and squares but when I click on highlight my mouse pointer stays as a pointer and doesn't shift to cross-hairs so I can't select any text to highlight. When I choose text in the tool bar I have the same problem. I have checked the encryption status in inspector and I am told that I have full permission. What's up? What can I do?
	QUOTE Thanks

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