How to View Only PDF Pages with Comments or Highlights
Question details
The user wants to filter a large PDF document to display or isolate only the pages that contain annotations, such as comments or highlights.
- Product
- PDF Editor
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing a large PDF document with multiple annotations scattered throughout the file.
- Observed behavior
- Standard PDF editors, including Adobe Acrobat, lack a native built-in command to automatically filter or extract only the pages that contain comments and highlights.
Since there is no native one-click filter in most standard PDF readers, be prepared to use custom JavaScript or manually extract pages. Always make a backup copy of your original PDF document before running any scripts that remove or extract pages.
Use a Custom JavaScript in Adobe Acrobat
Since Acrobat doesn't have a native filter, you can run a custom JavaScript via the console to remove pages without annotations.
Adobe Acrobat allows advanced users to execute custom JavaScript codes to manipulate document pages. By running a specialized script that iterates through the document's annotations, you can isolate and keep only the pages containing comments and highlights.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro and open the large PDF document containing your highlights and comments.
Press 'Ctrl + J' on Windows or 'Cmd + J' on Mac to open the JavaScript Debugger console.
Paste a trusted custom JavaScript code designed to delete unannotated pages into the console. Select the code and press 'Ctrl + Enter' (Windows) or 'Cmd + Enter' (Mac) to execute it.
Once the script finishes processing and the unannotated pages are removed, go to 'File' > 'Save As' to save the resulting document as a new PDF, ensuring your original file remains intact.
Manually Extract Annotated Pages via the Comments Panel
If you prefer not to use code, you can utilize the Comments list to identify annotated pages and manually extract them into a new file.
Manage and Navigate PDF Comments with WPS Office
WPS PDF provides an intuitive interface for viewing, managing, and navigating all your PDF annotations. Instead of relying on complex custom scripts, easily jump between highlights and comments using the dedicated, easy-to-read comment panel.
- 1. Download and Open WPS Office: Install WPS Office and open your target PDF document containing the annotations.
- 2. Access the Comment Tab: Navigate to the 'Comment' tab on the top ribbon menu to access all markup tools.
- 3. Open the Comment Sidebar: Click the 'Comment Panel' icon located on the left or right sidebar to reveal a complete list of document highlights and notes.
- 4. Navigate Instantly: Click on any comment in the list to jump instantly to that specific page, allowing you to bypass unannotated pages quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print only the pages with comments in a PDF?
Yes. While direct printing of only annotated pages is restricted in some basic readers, you can first extract those pages into a new document using the Organize Pages tool, and then print that new, smaller PDF file.
Is there a free tool that automatically filters annotated PDF pages?
Most standard free PDF readers do not offer a native automated filter for annotated pages. You typically need a Pro version to run extraction scripts, or you can manually navigate the pages using the comment sidebar in tools like WPS PDF.
How do I export a summary of all PDF comments?
In professional PDF editors like Adobe Acrobat, you can create a comment summary. Go to the Comments pane, click the options menu (three dots), and select 'Create Comment Summary' to generate a new PDF that lists all comments alongside their context.
Why aren't my highlights showing up in the PDF comments list?
If your highlights were added using a basic drawing or shape tool rather than an actual text-highlighting annotation tool, they might not register in the standard comments list. Ensure you use the official 'Highlight Text' tool for trackable annotations.
