Batch processing - Search and replace text in several thousand PDF files

[TinAthens]

Dear community,

my job is to find and replace a text in several thousand PDF files. It is always the same process - the photo shows the desired change. The wording and position of the text is always the same and the files are all in one folder.

I have already tried Acrobat and the detour via Illustrator, unfortunately the action does not go through.

I hope I have provided all the necessary information and look forward to your answers or solutions.

Greetings Tina

[try67]

If the text is always in the same location you can use a script to redact the old text and replace if with the new one, either as the overlay text of the redaction or by adding a text field or comment and then flattening the file.

This will require writing a custom-made script, though.

[TinAthens]

Thanks for your fast respond! I have already expected that an individual script will be required. I will now investigate the solution and send an update here.

Many thanks first!

[Thom Parker · Accepted solution]

Here's an article on scripting redaction:

https://acrobatusers.com/tutorials/auto_redaction_with_javascript/

This article will be helpful as well:

https://www.pdfscripting.com/public/PDF-Page-Coordinates.cfm?sd=40

[TinAthens]

A final feedback on this topic: An expert creates an individual script for us, otherwise it can´t be solved.

Thanks for your advice!

[Thom Parker]

If the Redact Search and Replace, shown by JR below, doesn't work, then contact me though messaging here, or through this website www.windjack.com

[JR Boulay]

Acrobat Pro's Redact tools can do it easily, without programming or JavaScript.

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[Dave22384896ez5w]

How difficult can it be for Adobe   to just  Add a - replace all-  button?

The interface already was  a crime against humanity , but for more than 26 years not adding a "Replace All button" is damn wrong evil !
That

[Dig38609456d1d0]

Something tells me the replace all button is not there on purpose

[Thom Parker]

Yes, its not there on purpose, because PDF is not a content creation format. Specifically it doesn't reflow text at the block and page level (as opposed to a single line, which is will do), so any replacements have to happen within the given space. 

You can argue all you want about having word or Indesign level features, but the fact is that Acrobat is not that kind of tool.