Recently, while going through some of  my PDF file’s, I came across few knowledgeable points.

I wanted to copy those text for my future reference, but when I tried copying the text from the pdf file could not be copied. Despite of my pressing the “ctrl+c” to copy text from pdf file, it didn’t worked.

By now, I knew that PDF was secured and wont allow me to copy text, as it had some DRM restriction that restricted me to copy text from that pdf file.

But I had to copy that piece of information!! 

I tried various ways, tools but with no luck….but later I found a work around to achieve my goal! 

To say,  I made use of technology to beat technology 

Since I started blogging, I have been using an image capturing tool called “SnagIt” (it isn’t free.. but has 30 days trial) to capture images and upload them for my blog. I must say SnagIt has a better image quality.

Wait a minute, you might be thinking .. WTF it has to do with PDF that blocks copying of text ? 

That’s the secret !

1. Download this tool and install it on your machine
2. Run it
3. Capture the image of page in the pdf
4. Save that image.

We have now done with major part of our work … lol .. hope that was easy.

Now the tool!!

I used a tool called Google Docs… wait.. did I said Google Docs ??

Yes, Google Docs.

Here to get our work done, we would use Google doc as a tool.

1. Browse the url : http://www.google.com/docs
2. Select upload link, select the image that was saved previously.
   
3. In the check box, make sure you check the selection: “Convert text from PDF or image files to Google Docs documents.”
   
4. Click “Start Upload.”

and Magic! once done, you would see your image in text format and you can easily copy your text now!!

ummm… you might be thinking when you can upload a pdf file to google docs directly, why are we uploading an image ?

Well,I admit that PDF’s can be uploaded straight away and can be converted, that would give the same results.

But google converter only support 2 MB of file at this moment.. and mine was a 16mb file! 

If you have your pdf file less than 2 mb, upload that file directly instead of 2 mb.. or try this hack.

I prefer image, as its faster.

Thus we can defeat technology using technology! 

Chintan Waghmare

A hardcore system administrator, super-passionate about technology. Enjoy learning and working on different technologies, like helping people to understand technology, love trouble-shooting problems, fun loving & an unpredictable person