How to Copy Text from a Restricted PDF?

To copy text from a restricted PDF, remove restrictions for users using an offline desktop tool, or use a function like print on the PDF if it is open and only consists of a permissions password. Copying text is usually blocked in two scenarios: It consists of a user password, or the file has some restrictions for its users. Online websites as well as an offline PDF restriction remover can solve your problem easily. This guide covers different types of PDF permissions, methods to unblock them, and a suitable option for you to copy text from secured PDF, available on Windows and Mac Versions.

Why Am I Unable to Extract Text From PDF?

Before blaming your internet or device, check the permissions that are allowed on the PDF. Just like applications, PDFs also contain restrictions or password, which can only be seen in the backend. There are two main permissions you should know-

1. Owner permissions: While opening a restricted PDF, if the PDF asks for a password before showing the content, it has owner-level permissions. It means the person who is the author of the PDF has set up a password to encrypt the data and protect it from being misused. For copying text from such files, you need a password to open the file first.
2. User permissions: When you try to edit, copy, or extract text from a secured PDF and it does not work, it means it has protection at the user level. This restricts you from using the content of the PDF.

To perform these actions, you need to either print the PDF from the source, use some online methods, or download a PDF restriction remover tool.

Method 1: Try Print to PDF Option

You can try this method to check if the restrictions apply to a specific reader or if still printing is not allowed.

How to Check:

1. Select and open the PDF in Google Chrome.
2. Give print command or press Ctrl + P to see if it allows you to print.
3. If it works, save PDF as a new file and then it to copy text.
4. If the print option is not available, it means printing permission is also disabled.

Method 2: Find a solution Online

There are multiple online websites that can allow you to extract text from a secured file. Although it solves your problem, it does not guarantee data security and original formatting in the new file.

How to Check:

1. Open any online text extractor website.
2. Choose the PDF whose text you want to extract.
3. It will give you a download option for a new file.
4. Download the file and extract the desired content.

Note– If during the process, it shows the file is restricted or pauses the process, it means the file also has an owner password and needs it to decrypt the content. It may not give you the exact layout of the content you need.

Method 3: Download a PDF Restriction Remover Tool

This is the most favourable option to copy text from secured PDF. If you are unable to utilize its content, a tool such as PDF Password Unlocker Tool can fix your problem in minutes.

How to Check:

1. Download and install the PDF Password Remover on your desktop.
2. Select your PDF file(s) whose restrictions you need to remove.
3. If any file has an owner password, it will ask for a password before removing restrictions.
4. Click ‘Unlock’ and save the new copy with no restrictions.
5. Now you can easily copy the text from the PDF copy.

This is an optimal solution when you need a restriction-free PDF file to work on or to send it further.

Method 4: Use Google Lens on your Phone

If you want to extract text from PDF, you can do it with the help of Google Lens. This is only possible if your PDF has only user-level restrictions and not an owner password. To check that, you need to perform the below mentioned steps–

How To Check:

1. If your PDF opens without a password, take a screenshot of a page whose text you want to copy.
2. Open the screenshot in Google Lens.
3. Google Lens is capable of copying text from a screenshot.
4. You may not get the text in its actual format.
5. It will not work for you if you need to copy text with a proper layout.

Which Method You Should Try

Remember- If your PDF consists of some sensitive or confidential data, kindly avoid random online websites for removing restrictions. Some websites store your data in their server for further use. Instead, download a desktop tool, which works offline and stores information only on your device and not on any third-party server.

Conclusion

Password-protected PDFs are usually easy to unlock when you know what’s keeping it blocked. If the file is completely locked and asks for a password, in this case you need a password to unlock it and extract text from PDF that you require. When it lets you open the PDF file and see content, but are unable to print or copy, you are restricted to some actions. For a particular section of text, you can use Google Lens technique, but if you need to copy text from a scanned PDF or a permissions-restricted PDF with its original layout, use an offline tool. Keep in mind to save the original document, if it is signed or has some legal importance.

Still need help with how to copy text from a restricted PDF? Download a PDF restriction remover and extract text from PDF in seconds with no extra cost, or fear of losing sensitive data to the internet.

FAQs

Will the person who gave me this PDF know that I removed restrictions?
Ans. Likely no. When you unlock a permissions-restricted PDF from a tool, it creates a copy of the original PDF without duplicating any changes in the original document.
If I remove restrictions from a PDF, will it break its digital signature?
Ans. If you use any online website to simply print or copy text from secured PDF, it may lose its actual layout and, in this case, may break the digital signature. If this situation appears, use a PDF restriction remover tool to get better results.
How to copy tables from a restricted PDF without ruining its format?
Ans. You can try removing permissions from it using an offline desktop tool. It will provide you with a clean, restrictions-free copy of the PDF. From this copy, you can easily copy text to Excel in whichever format you need the data.
Why does copied text turn into symbols or some confusing text when I paste it?
Ans. The PDF permissions are set in such a way that when a user tries to copy any part, it turns into some weird symbols or language that users cannot decrypt. Run the PDF through a tool instead or print a copy of it using online websites.
Is it safe to upload a PDF to an online website?
Ans. If your PDF carries some sensitive or confidential data, it is always advised to use an offline desktop tool to unlock all its permissions and save it locally on your device. Online websites use third-party servers, which can misuse or store your data unknowingly.