How to Export Highlighted Text and Comments from Adobe Acrobat Reader
Question details
The user needs to export a readable summary of highlighted text and comments from a PDF, but the default export function only generates a raw FDF data file.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Exporting PDF annotations and highlights into a standalone, readable document.
- Observed behavior
- Using the 'Export All to Data File' command creates an FDF file that links to the original PDF instead of generating a new document containing the summarized highlighted text.
Ensure that 'Copy Selected Text into Highlight, Strikethrough, and Underline Comment Pop-ups' is enabled in your Adobe Acrobat preferences before you start highlighting, so the text is captured correctly.
Use the Summarize Comments Option in the Print Dialog
This method generates a readable PDF document containing all your comments and highlighted text laid out clearly, avoiding the creation of an unreadable FDF data file.
The 'Export All to Data File' option intentionally creates an FDF file for importing and exporting raw comment data across PDFs. It is not designed to create a readable text summary.
Open your PDF file with highlights and comments in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Go to the 'File' menu in the top left corner and select 'Print'.
In the Print dialog box, locate and click on the 'Summarize Comments' button.
A prompt will appear asking if you want to include the text of summarized comments in the printed document. Click 'Yes' to proceed, choose your preferred layout, and generate a new PDF containing your summarized highlights.
Easily Manage and Export PDF Comments with WPS Office
Avoid complex export dialogs and unexpected data file formats. WPS Office provides a lightweight, intuitive PDF editor that makes reading, managing, and extracting highlighted text seamless.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document containing the highlights and comments.
- 2. Navigate to Comments: Click on the 'Comment' tab on the top ribbon menu to access all annotation tools.
- 3. View Annotation List: Click on the 'Comment List' icon on the left sidebar to open a dedicated panel showing all highlights and notes in an organized summary.
- 4. Extract and Manage: Select the comments you need to review or easily copy the text directly from the organized summary panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my exported comment file save as an FDF?
FDF (Forms Data Format) is designed specifically to store raw annotation and form data separately from the PDF content. It is meant to be imported back into another PDF document rather than read as a standard summary.
How do I ensure my highlighted text is copied into the comment pop-up automatically?
In Adobe Acrobat, go to Edit > Preferences > Commenting. Check the box labeled 'Copy selected text into Highlight, Strikethrough, and Underline comment pop-ups' and click OK. You must enable this before you create the highlights.
Can I extract only the highlighted text without the rest of the document layout?
Yes. By using the 'Summarize Comments' feature via the Print dialog, you can generate a new PDF layout that focuses on your highlights and notes. Alternatively, you can use dedicated third-party scripts to pull just the text into a plain text file.
