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In today’s digital age, PDFs have become an essential part of our lives. Whether it’s for work, school, or personal use, we often find ourselves dealing with PDF documents. However, one common challenge faced by many is the inability to highlight text or make annotations on these files. This can hinder productivity and make it difficult to effectively review and analyze the content within a PDF.
Fortunately, there are several methods and tools available that can help overcome this challenge. In this blog post, we will explore different ways to highlight a PDF on a Mac, offering step-by-step instructions, pros and cons for each method, and some additional tips and alternatives for when specific methods don’t work.
Video Tutorial:
What is Highlighting a PDF?
Before delving into the methods, let’s first understand what highlighting a PDF means. When we talk about highlighting a PDF, we refer to the act of marking specific sections of the document or text with a color or other visual indication. This serves as a way to draw attention to important points, make notes, or simply enhance the reading experience.
Now that we have a clear understanding of the task at hand, let’s explore the different methods available to highlight a PDF on a Mac.
The Challenge of Highlighting a PDF on Mac
1. Limited functionality in default PDF viewers: The default PDF viewers on Mac, such as Preview, often have limited features when it comes to making annotations and highlighting text. This can be frustrating for users who require advanced markup options.
2. Compatibility issues with third-party software: While there are numerous PDF editing software options available, not all of them are compatible with Mac. Finding a reliable and Mac-compatible PDF editor with robust highlighting capabilities can be a challenge.
3. Costly software subscriptions: Many professional PDF editors come with a hefty price tag, often requiring a subscription plan. This can be a deterrent for individuals or small businesses on a tight budget.
4. Complexity of some methods: Some methods for highlighting a PDF on a Mac may require technical expertise or may not be user-friendly for individuals with minimal computer skills. It’s important to consider the ease of use when exploring different options.
Method 1. How to Highlight a PDF on Mac using Preview
Preview is the default PDF viewer on Mac, and while its highlighting capabilities are limited, it can still be used for basic annotation tasks.
Step 1: Open the PDF file using Preview by double-clicking on the file or right-clicking and selecting "Open With" > "Preview."
Step 2: Click on the "Markup Toolbar" button located at the top of the window. It looks like a toolbox.
Step 3: From the toolbar, select the "Highlight" tool. It appears as a marker icon.
Step 4: Now, click and drag the cursor over the desired text within the PDF to highlight it. You can change the highlight color by clicking on the colored square next to the "Highlight" tool icon.
Pros:
1. Easy and convenient access to the default PDF viewer on Mac.
2. Basic highlighting functionality available without the need for additional software.
3. Minimal learning curve for users already familiar with Preview.
Cons:
1. Limited functionality compared to dedicated PDF editors.
2. No advanced annotation options like text boxes or shapes.
3. Unable to save highlighted PDF without creating a copy.
Method 2. How to Highlight a PDF on Mac Using PDFelement
PDFelement is a powerful PDF editor that offers advanced features for annotating and highlighting PDFs. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools for various PDF manipulation tasks, including highlighting.
Step 1: Download and install PDFelement from the official website.
Step 2: Open the PDF file using PDFelement by either double-clicking on the file or opening the software and selecting "Open File."
Step 3: From the toolbar, click on the "Markup" tab.
Step 4: Select the "Highlight" tool from the toolbar. It is represented by a highlighter icon.
Step 5: Click and drag the cursor over the desired text within the PDF to highlight it. You can change the highlight color by clicking on the color palette icon.
Pros:
1. Extensive annotation and highlighting features.
2. Ability to customize highlight colors and styles.
3. Advanced PDF editing capabilities beyond highlighting.
Cons:
1. Paid software with a free trial.
2. Requires installation of third-party software.
3. Potential learning curve for users new to PDFelement.
Method 3. How to Highlight a PDF on Mac using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a widely-used PDF reader that provides basic annotation tools, including highlighting.
Step 1: Download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC from the official website.
Step 2: Open the PDF file using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC by either double-clicking on the file or opening the software and selecting "File" > "Open".
Step 3: From the toolbar, click on the "Comment" tab.
Step 4: Select the "Highlight Text" tool from the toolbar. It is represented by a highlighter icon.
Step 5: Click and drag the cursor over the desired text within the PDF to highlight it. You can change the highlight color by right-clicking on the highlighted text and selecting "Properties."
Pros:
1. Well-known and widely-used PDF reader.
2. Basic annotation capabilities including highlighting.
3. Available for free.
Cons:
1. Limited functionality compared to Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2. Advanced features like editing require a subscription or purchase.
3. Requires installation of third-party software.
Method 4. How to Highlight a PDF on Mac using Online PDF Editors
Online PDF editors provide a convenient way to edit and highlight PDF files without the need for installation.
Step 1: Open your preferred online PDF editor in a web browser.
Step 2: Upload the PDF file you want to highlight through the available button.
Step 3: Locate the highlight tool, typically represented by a highlighter icon, in the toolbar or menu.
Step 4: Click and drag the cursor over the desired text within the PDF to highlight it.
Pros:
1. Accessible from any computer with an internet connection.
2. No need for software installation.
3. Simple and user-friendly interface.
Cons:
1. May have limitations on file size or number of edits for free versions.
2. Risk of privacy and security concerns when uploading sensitive documents.
3. Limited offline functionality.
Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Highlight a PDF on Mac
While the methods mentioned above should cover most scenarios, there may be instances where they don’t work due to various reasons. If you find yourself unable to highlight a PDF on your Mac, you can consider the following alternatives:
1. Use a different PDF editor software: If the methods mentioned earlier don’t meet your requirements, explore other PDF editing software options that are compatible with Mac. Some recommended alternatives include Adobe Acrobat Pro and Foxit PhantomPDF.
2. Print and manually highlight: If digital highlighting is not essential, you can always print the PDF document and use traditional highlighters to mark the text. This method is suitable for those who prefer physical annotations or need to share the highlighted version with others.
3. Take screenshots: If you only need to highlight a few sections or quotes, take screenshots of the PDF and use image editing tools or applications to highlight the necessary areas. This method is not ideal for extensive highlighting, but it can serve as a quick workaround.
Bonus Tips
1. Use different highlight colors: To make your annotations more organized and visually clear, consider using different highlight colors for different topics or categories within the PDF.
2. Utilize other annotation tools: Highlighting is just one aspect of PDF annotation. Take advantage of other tools like underline, strikethrough, shapes, and text boxes to enhance your annotations further.
3. Export as a new PDF: If you want to keep the highlighted version separately, consider exporting the highlighted PDF as a new file. This way, you won’t lose the original version and can easily access both documents.
5 FAQs about Highlighting a PDF on Mac
Q1: Can I highlight a PDF on a Mac using Microsoft Word?
A: While Microsoft Word offers basic PDF editing capabilities, it does not support direct highlighting of PDF text. It is recommended to use PDF editing software explicitly designed for this purpose.
Q2: Can I still highlight a PDF if it is password-protected?
A: It depends on the specific software or online editor you are using. Some PDF editors may require you to enter the password to unlock and edit the document, while others may not support highlighting password-protected PDFs at all.
Q3: Can I reverse or remove highlighted text in a PDF on Mac?
A: Yes, most PDF editors, including Preview, PDFelement, and Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, allow you to remove or change the color of highlighted text. You can usually access these options within the annotation toolbar or by right-clicking on the highlighted area.
Q4: Are there any free PDF editors available for Mac?
A: Yes, there are several free PDF editors available for Mac, including Preview and Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. However, these free versions may have limitations in terms of advanced functionalities or may come with occasional ads.
Q5: Can I highlight a PDF on a Mac using online free tools?
A: Yes, there are numerous online PDF editors that offer free basic annotation features, including highlighting. Some popular online editors include Smallpdf, Sejda, and PDF24. However, keep in mind that these free tools may have limitations in terms of file size, number of edits, or potential privacy concerns.
In Conclusion
Highlighting a PDF on a Mac can be a valuable skill, allowing you to efficiently review, analyze, and make notes within PDF documents. While the default PDF viewers on Mac offer basic annotation options, they may not fulfill all your requirements. Therefore, considering using third-party PDF editors like PDFelement or Adobe Acrobat Reader DC can provide a more comprehensive solution with advanced highlighting functionality.
Remember to explore alternative methods like printing and manual highlighting or utilizing online PDF editors if the primary methods don’t work. With the bonus tips and FAQs provided, you should be well-equipped to tackle any challenges that arise during the process of highlighting a PDF on your Mac.