Cannot copy/paste the text from a excel file saving as PDF

Report · Aug 20, 2023

I used to save excel files as PDF then copy the text and paste to note or somewhere else for work.

But today I tried to do the same work and it could not paste the text from the pdf file which was save by excel.

And I also tried to copy/paste the text from the pdf file which was save by excel one week ago, it worked fine.

Another test was opened the pdf by Chrome and it worked fine.

And I checked the file "Content Copying : Allowed".

Did anyone have this issue?

Please try to copy the text which I upload if you have the same latest Acrobat Reader ver.

Thank you 🙂

Acrobat Reader - Continuous Release | ver. 2023.003.20269 | 64bit

Excel - 2307(Build 16626.20170)

Report · Aug 21, 2023

It works without any issue.

Report · Aug 25, 2023

I am having this issue as well (and at different computers). The data from cells of an excel file saved into a pdf are not able to be copied. I can confirm what the original poster states where older excel files saved as pdf's data can be copied, but the data from new excel files saved as pdf's can't.

Attached is sample set of data I'm not able to copy now.

I've tried using a different pdf reader software and it can copy the data just fine.

Acrobat Reader - Continuous Release | Version 2023.003.20284 | 64-bit

Excel - 2307(Build 16626.20170)

Report · Sep 01, 2023

Same issue - I have an excel file that I have used for ages for making invoices which I then save as pdf and I have always been able to copy for example a name of the invoice recipient to the excel form where I do a summery of transaction and now for a month or so it has not worked anymore. The text can be copyed to word though. Interestingly enough when copying to the word the text is being pasted as a table not as a plane text. Perhaps that is the reason it cannot be copyed to the excel...

Report · Sep 01, 2023

I have exactly the same problem on these versions of Adobe Reader and Excel.
However, if I open a PDF file, e.g. in the Edge browser, copying works.
Or if I add text to the PDF with the Fill & Sign tool, I can copy that text from Adobe Reader too.
I found one solution, when I print excel sheet via Microsoft Print To PDF then copying from PDF works.

Acrobat Reader - Continuous Release | ver. 2023.003.20269 | 64bit

Excel - 2307(Build 16626.20170)

Report · Sep 20, 2023

This is quite annoying.... it worked all fine since August, but now the only option is "SAVE AS PDF" which is the one below "SAVE AS", this will allow I copy contents from the PDF file. Otherwise, edit the PDF file, then I can also copy the content .

Report · Sep 09, 2023

Have you sorted out any sulotions? This has been annoying me for month now as it worked all fine previous and suddenly it just cannot copy and paste from the PDF file saved as from Excel....

Report · Sep 20, 2023

We have the same problem on few PCs. Reinstall Office and check again. Files saved before didn't works but new files works fine.

Report · Sep 20, 2023

I just tried to reinstall office but still the same. It works ok if I "SAVE AS PDF". I can copy content from the PDF, but not with the option "SAVE AS" then "PDF", still nothing pasted.