Highlight PDF and Save

[kah5683]

I bought an ebook in pdf format.  As I am reading and re-reading, I would like to be able to use the highlight tool to put a yellow highlight over text, and then be able to save it, either in the original file or a second file, so that I can quickly scan what is important to me.

I can highlight in evince and others, but it doesn't let me save.

Any suggestions?

[KarlM]

Can you highlight the whole book, then copy and paste into a Open Office Writer file?

[kah5683]

Yes, I can do that...and that is an option, thank you.  However, I would prefer, if at all possible, for it to be in the pdf so that I can keep the design and formatting.

If I don't get another pdf solution, that would be my only option then to put in doc and highlight that way.

Thanks for the response!

Any suggestions on keeping it in the pdf and highlighting and saving?

I did install pdfcrack in synaptic, but I cannot get it to open.  Don't know if this is a solution or not.

[tschommer]

I just tried it in Okular (KDE4) by activating the "Reviews" function (function key F6), highlighting some text, then exiting review mode (again F6) and saving the file. Upon opening the file again the marks were where I had made them.

I read in the help file that the highlighting itself is saved separately, so that could possibly be a problem later on. But as far as I could see it works fine.

[The Chief]

I bought an ebook in pdf format.  As I am reading and re-reading, I would like to be able to use the highlight tool to put a yellow highlight over text, and then be able to save it, either in the original file or a second file, so that I can quickly scan what is important to me.

I can highlight in evince and others, but it doesn't let me save.

Any suggestions?

Well, the whole point of a pdf is to prevent the viewer changing it - so it's working as designed.

[dj_bridges]

I have also struggled with this problem. My original plan was to highlight the sections and then print the pdf to a pdf printer. Unfortunately the highlights you make in okular don't make it to the printer. The only programme that I have found that allows you to add things to a pdf and then print the pdf with the markings is Adobe reader in windows. I think having this functionality in okular would be very useful. I did a quick search on google and some people have requested this functionality, although no idea if it will be implemented.

Anyone else found anything??

[menotu]

The only programme that I have found that allows you to add things to a pdf and then print the pdf with the markings is Adobe reader in windows

Have you tried the Adobe reader in the PCLos repo's?  I think its at version 8.xx

I don't use Adobe Reader for PDF so I don't know whether the highlighting options is saved or not, but I thought I'd mention it in case it helps.

Just checked the Adobe web site and they have version 9.3 for Linux (.rpm or .deb or .tars)
ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/unix/9.x/9.3.1/enu/

Note: If you install the version from the Adobe site you may want to try it in an test environment and NOT in your regular system

[craesz]

Before you install Adobe Reader search for my prior posts on the subject.... just to be aware of what might happen...

[dj_bridges]

Sorry - I typed the wrong thing - I was only able to do this markup in Adobe Acrobat ie the $$$ version and not the free reader. Sorry for any confusion caused and fingers crossed no-one has installed reader on my advice 

Like craesz says - reader can be a pain and I don't use it in linux.

[fraxinus]

I'm afraid to say that there is no easy way (to my knowledge) of doing this using FOSS. I am a professional editor - I am editing and annotating PDFs every day and I use a full (paid-for ...) version of Acrobat to do this. I run this in a Windows XP install under VMWare. The free Adobe Reader will not do what you want.

• You could take a look at PDFedit (in the repos). I myself find it quite difficult/unintuitive to use so nowadays I avoid it, but it certainly seems to have plenty of features if you can work them out!
• I have heard that the Foxit PDF creator runs well under Wine. Perhaps this will do it? I have never used it myself.

[menotu]

kah5683

I came across this site which may (or may not  ) be of use to you, but thought I'd pass it just in case....

http://www.pdfescape.com/

Free Online PDF Editor
It allows you to:
Add text, shapes, whiteout & more to PDF files
Move, delete, & insert PDF pages
Create links to other PDF pages or web content
Change PDF information tags
Encrypt PDF contents using a password
Add & edit PDF annotations (sticky notes)

I think the unregistered options only allow you to upload pdf's with a max of 50 pages (unsure what you get if you register) and of course dependent on your broadband speed if may take a while to upload a BIG file, but if its only text pdf's yours may not be that big.

Anyway, thought I'd pass it on.

ps, see attachment for a view of some of the options.

[attachment deleted by admin]

[The Chief]

Like craesz says - reader can be a pain and I don't use it in linux.

I recommend against it anywhere.  Foxit forever!