Can't Edit Some Text in PDF

[kater_2025]

I'm not able to edit some of the text in my pdf: test - service order - flat

Not sure if it has something to do with the original - Service Order Editable or if this is a common problem in Acrobat. 

When I hit edit it allows me to edit the generic text: Name, Address, phone number. But not the text that was typed into the form fields. 

Any assistance is appreciated. Thank you!

[Thom Parker]

The ex-field text in the flattened pdf cannot be edited because it is not text. The flattening process converted the field text to outlines, i.e., graphic drawing operators. 

How was the PDF flattened? Doesn't look like it was Acrobat. The metadata would suggests it was done by a less-than-well-behaved application. 

[Luke Jennings3]

To elaborate on the good information above, use Acrobat or Reader to fill out the form, when you printed to pdf from microsoft, you removed the ability to edit the form.

[kater_2025]

Thank you, @Thom Parker and @Luke Jennings3. I was under the impression that you could edit all text when you had Adobe Standard. I stand corrected. Thank you again for your time on this.

[Thom Parker]

I think standard can be used to flatten the PDF properly so that the field values convert to text.

Run this code in the console window

this.flattenPages();

you can also download a flattening tool here, and a console display tool for Reader/Standard. 

https://www.pdfscripting.com/public/Free_Acrobat_Automation_Tools.cfm

[kater_2025]

I reviewed the link and saw a few membership only automation tools:

• Selective Flattener
• Flatten Page content Tool
• Use Bookmarks to re-order pages

By chance do you have step by step videos on these tools? Or a more in depth description of how these automations interact with documents?

The way we have been flattening documents is selecting Print and selecting "Microsoft Print to PDF"

[Thom Parker]

All of the downloads at that link are free. You have to scroll down the page to see them. 

The "Microsoft Print to PDF" prepares a document for printing, so it's main concern is the look of the document, not it's functionality as a PDF, which is why it converted the text to vector graphic outlines instead of a font based text run.   If you want a flattened PDF, then you need to use a true flattening tool. 

[kater_2025]

This is very helpful! Thank you!

[kater_2025]

Just wanted to share when I tried to download the "Selective Flattener" is said I had to be a member

[Thom Parker]

There is a large library of Acrobat JavaScript tools at the site for members. You must have done some searching in the automation tools section.    But all the tools at the posted link are free.