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In today’s digital age, PDF documents have become an integral part of our professional and personal lives. Whether it’s for work, school, or leisure, we often find ourselves using PDF files for various purposes. One common task that many of us encounter is removing highlight in PDF files. This could be due to the need to edit or revise the document, or simply because the highlighted text is no longer relevant. In this blog post, we will explore different methods and techniques to effectively remove highlight in PDF on Mac. We will also discuss the challenges that come with this task and provide alternative solutions for those who may not have access to specific tools or software.
Video Tutorial:
What is Highlighting in a PDF on Mac?
Before diving into the various methods of removing highlight in PDF on Mac, let’s first understand what highlighting in a PDF document means. Highlighting refers to the practice of marking specific portions of a text or document to draw attention to specific information, key points, or important details. This can be done using different colors, underline, or strikethrough options. Highlighting is particularly useful when studying, conducting research, or when collaborating on a document with others.
The Challenge of Removing Highlight in PDF on Mac
While highlighting in a PDF can significantly enhance the reading and studying experience, there may come a time when we need to remove the highlights. This can be challenging due to various reasons:
- The highlighting tool used may not have a built-in feature to remove highlights.
- The PDF file may contain multiple layers or overlays that make it difficult to access the highlighted text directly.
- The PDF file could be password-protected or have restricted editing permissions, making it harder to modify or remove the highlights.
- Different software or tools may have different methods or techniques for removing highlights, requiring users to explore and experiment with multiple options.
Method 1: How to Remove Highlight in PDF on Mac Using Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is one of the most popular and widely used PDF editing software available. If you have access to Adobe Acrobat on your Mac, you can follow these steps to remove highlight in PDF:
- Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat on your Mac.
- Click on the "Comment" tab located on the right-hand side of the screen.
- Select the "Highlight" tool from the toolbar at the top of the screen.
- Hover over the highlighted text you want to remove and right-click on it.
- Choose the "Delete" option from the context menu that appears.
- Repeat steps 4-5 for all the highlights you want to remove.
- Save the modified PDF file by clicking on "File" and then "Save" or "Save As".
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Simple and straightforward process to remove highlighted text. | 1. May not be feasible for users who don’t have access to Adobe Acrobat. |
| 2. Retains the original formatting and layout of the PDF file. | 2. Requires a paid subscription or purchase of Adobe Acrobat. |
| 3. Allows for precise removal of highlights without affecting other text or elements. | 3. May not work effectively if the PDF file has multiple layers or complex formatting. |
Method 2: How to Remove Highlight in PDF on Mac Using Preview
Preview is a pre-installed application on Mac computers that can handle various file formats, including PDF. If you don’t have access to Adobe Acrobat, you can use Preview to remove highlight in PDF. Here’s how:
- Open the PDF file in Preview on your Mac.
- Click on the "Show Markup Toolbar" button located at the top of the Preview window.
- Select the "Highlight Text" tool from the toolbar.
- Click on the highlighted text you want to remove.
- Press the "Delete" key on your keyboard to remove the highlight.
- Repeat steps 4-5 for all the highlights you want to remove.
- Save the modified PDF file by clicking on "File" and then "Save" or "Export".
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Built-in and free application available on Mac computers. | 1. Limited features compared to professional PDF editing software like Adobe Acrobat. |
| 2. Simple and intuitive interface for removing highlights. | 2. May not work effectively if the PDF file has complex formatting or multiple layers. |
| 3. Allows for quick removal of highlights without the need for additional software. | 3. May not retain the original formatting and layout of the PDF file. |
Method 3: How to Remove Highlight in PDF on Mac Using Online Conversion Tools
If you prefer to use online tools instead of installing software on your Mac, there are several online conversion tools available that can help you remove highlight in PDF files. These tools typically offer a range of PDF editing features and can be accessed through a web browser. Here’s how you can use an online conversion tool to remove highlight in a PDF:
- Open a web browser and search for an online conversion tool that supports PDF editing.
- Upload the PDF file you want to remove highlights from.
- Select the option to edit the PDF or remove highlights in the tool’s interface.
- Locate and select the highlighted text you want to remove.
- Click on the "Delete" or "Remove" button provided by the tool.
- Save the modified PDF file by clicking on the relevant "Download" or "Save" button.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. No need to install additional software on your Mac. | 1. Requires an active internet connection to access the online conversion tool. |
| 2. Can be accessed from any device with a web browser. | 2. May have limitations on file size, number of documents, or usage restrictions in free versions. |
| 3. Provides an alternative solution for users who don’t have access to dedicated PDF editing software. | 3. May not retain the original formatting and layout of the PDF file. |
Method 4: How to Remove Highlight in PDF on Mac Using Other PDF Editing
Apart from Adobe Acrobat and Preview, there are various other PDF editing software available for Mac that can help you remove highlight in PDF files. Some popular options include PDF Expert, PDFelement, and Foxit PhantomPDF. The steps may vary slightly depending on the software you choose, but the general process is similar to the methods mentioned earlier. Here are the steps to remove highlight using PDFelement for Mac:
- Open the PDF file in PDFelement on your Mac.
- Click on the "Comment" or "Markup" tab located at the top of the screen.
- Select the "Highlight" tool from the toolbar.
- Click on the highlighted text you want to remove.
- Press the "Delete" key on your keyboard to remove the highlight.
- Save the modified PDF file by clicking on "File" and then "Save" or "Export".
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides alternative options for users who prefer different PDF editing software. | 1. May require the purchase or subscription of the PDF editing software. |
| 2. Offers additional features and functionality compared to basic PDF viewers. | 2. May have a learning curve if you’re not familiar with the specific software. |
| 3. Allows for precise removal of highlights without affecting other text or elements. | 3. May not retain the original formatting and layout of the PDF file. |
Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Remove Highlight in PDF
If you’re unable to remove highlight in PDF using the methods mentioned above, here are a few alternative solutions you can consider:
- Print the PDF file and scan it back as a new PDF without highlights.
- Contact the document’s creator or owner and request an updated version without highlights.
- Use optical character recognition (OCR) software to extract the highlighted text, create a new document, and manually remove the highlights.
Bonus Tips:
Here are some bonus tips to enhance your PDF editing experience:
- Back up your PDF files before making any modifications to avoid data loss or accidental changes.
- Regularly update your PDF editing software to ensure compatibility and access to the latest features.
- Explore additional PDF editing features such as adding comments, annotations, or digital signatures to make the most out of your PDF files.
5 FAQs about Removing Highlight in PDF on Mac
Q1: Is it possible to remove highlights in a password-protected PDF?
A: Removing highlights in a password-protected PDF may not be possible without the password or appropriate permissions. However, you can try removing the password protection or contact the document’s owner for assistance.
Q2: Will removing highlights in a PDF affect the document’s original formatting?
A: It depends on the method and software used. Some methods may retain the original formatting, while others may result in slight changes or loss of formatting.
Q3: Can I remove highlights in a PDF on a mobile device?
A: Yes, there are PDF editing apps available for mobile devices that allow you to remove highlights. However, the steps and features may differ from desktop applications.
Q4: What should I do if the highlighted text in a PDF is no longer visible?
A: If the highlighted text is not visible, it may be due to font or color changes. Try selecting the area where the highlight should be and deleting it.
Q5: Are there any free alternatives to Adobe Acrobat for removing highlights in PDF?
A: Yes, Preview, the built-in application on Mac computers, provides basic PDF editing features and can help you remove highlights. Online conversion tools also offer free options for removing highlights, although they may have limitations in terms of file size or usage.
In Conclusion:
Removing highlight in PDF files on Mac can be a simple and straightforward process with the right tools and techniques. Whether you have access to professional PDF editing software like Adobe Acrobat or opt for built-in applications like Preview, there are various options available to suit your needs. Additionally, online conversion tools provide alternative solutions for users who prefer not to install additional software. By following the steps and considering the pros and cons of each method, you can easily remove highlight in PDF on your Mac and continue working with your documents seamlessly.