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Saving Photoshop files in PDF so that text can be selected

New Here ,
Nov 25, 2020 Nov 25, 2020

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We have received Photoshop files from a client that wants us to make copy changes to artwork and then save them as a PDF.  This PDF needs to have the selectable text so that we can upload the PDF to their content approval system, annotate and highlight and link it to other PDFs uploaded to their system.

 

Saving as "Photoshop PDF's" flattens the artwork and doesn't allow us to select the text. This is an 80-page, layered document and we don't have time or budget to recreate it in InDesign. 

 

Can anyone suggest how we save PDF's with selectable text?

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correct answers 1 Correct answer

Community Expert , Nov 27, 2020 Nov 27, 2020

The faux bold for example: 

Screenshot 2020-11-27 at 11.52.53.png

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Community Expert ,
Nov 25, 2020 Nov 25, 2020

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»Saving as "Photoshop PDF's" flattens the artwork and doesn't allow us to select the text.«

When saving a pdf copy I get searchable text; how are you creating the pdfs exactly? 

Do the type layers employ faux styles? 

 

»This is an 80-page, layered document«

Photoshop has no pages, what do you mean exactly? 

 

And I wonder why your client gave you this job … trying to create an 80-page publication with text in Photoshop sounds like someone did not think something through. 

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New Here ,
Nov 26, 2020 Nov 26, 2020

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We received Photoshop files for an interactive document - I know this is not the correct programme for what we need to achieve, but here we are... looking for a solution, without having to recreate the 80 "pages/slides".

 

I have attached a screenshot (information deleted/blocked out). There are +-10 PSD files, each with about 10 different layer groups that represent separate " Pages/slides", or pop ups for interactivity. We need to edit the copy on each of these, then re-assemble into a PDF (with the single files form each layered group) that has searchable/editable text so that we can link the copy in their approval system. 

 

Please can you explain how to save the PDF copy with searchable text. I can only get a Photoshop PDF, that doesn't allow text searching, or only converts some of the text to be searchable.

Screenshot 2020-11-26 at 11.20.00.png

 

 

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New Here ,
Nov 26, 2020 Nov 26, 2020

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We do local work for a large international Pharma company that develops international material and then we localize it per country, by adding relevant information to a specific country to the artwork.

 

So the artwork that we receive varies in origination software. If we were to recreate these files it would defy the objective of them having a single document to have localised in different countries, so we have to try to figure ut how to do it. Not the best solution, but this is what we have.

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Community Expert ,
Nov 26, 2020 Nov 26, 2020

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I did another test and the pdf I created and opened in Acrobat

• has searchable text

• but the text is not editable in a meaningful way. 

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New Here ,
Nov 26, 2020 Nov 26, 2020

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Thanks I also did a test, and it seems like there were some font issues as well. If I replace the fonts it seems to clear up most of the issues, but not all. So some of the text is searchable and some not... which is confusing.

Fortunately we don't need to edit the text, just highlight it in the PDF and then upload to their approval system, for comments and annotations from the reviewers.

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Community Expert ,
Nov 26, 2020 Nov 26, 2020

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Do some of the Type Layers employ faux styles? 

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New Here ,
Nov 27, 2020 Nov 27, 2020

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Faux styles? Please clarify.

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Community Expert ,
Nov 27, 2020 Nov 27, 2020

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The faux bold for example: 

Screenshot 2020-11-27 at 11.52.53.png

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Community Expert ,
Nov 26, 2020 Nov 26, 2020

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So just to make sure: Are the Type Layers definitively Type Layers? 

 

Using 

File > Save As 

with »As a Copy« and setting »PDF« for the format (PDF/X-4) I get a pdf with searchable text. 

Editable may be another issue, though … 

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New Here ,
Nov 26, 2020 Nov 26, 2020

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Yes, most of the text layers are Type layers (not rastered). I will try the above and let you know.

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New Here ,
May 12, 2022 May 12, 2022

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First, make sure the text are not Faux styles in the character window as mentioned above. Then, when saving, in Save Adobe PDF dialog box, go to Security --> Permissions --> Put a tick to 'Use the password to restrict printing....' and put ticks to two other boxes at the bottom as well. Then, put a password and save. When saving, it asks the password again. After saving, you can select the text as well as select the links as well. Hope this helps 🙂

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Community Expert ,
May 12, 2022 May 12, 2022

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@Dushan24422497ywid wrote:

go to Security --> Permissions --> Put a tick to 'Use the password to restrict printing....' and put ticks to two other boxes at the bottom as well. Then, put a password and save.


 

How could adding security to disable printing possibly solve this issue?

Jane

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Community Expert ,
Nov 25, 2020 Nov 25, 2020

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Do it from InDesign. Photoshop is the wrong tool for this, totally unsuitable.

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New Here ,
Nov 26, 2020 Nov 26, 2020

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We were supplied with the Photoshop files.

 

I know it's the wrong tool, (would never design this kind of document in PSD)but somehow there are international designers who work in Photoshop to develop layered PSD files that they then convert to HTML. We need a step in between, for approvals.

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Community Expert ,
Nov 26, 2020 Nov 26, 2020

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This job needs creating in InDesign using Layers for the different languages. Maybe you could do a proposal for the company explaining how it might work – you might get the contract!

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New Here ,
Nov 26, 2020 Nov 26, 2020

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Unfortunately re-creating is not an option.

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Community Expert ,
May 12, 2022 May 12, 2022

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It seems as if we are at a bit of a loss in trying to assist you so far, although c_p has had success. I did notice in your screenshot that all the layers are in folders and all the folders are collapsed.

 

  • Can you expand one folder that has text layers so we can see what they look like?
    and
  • Select some of the live text with the Type tool and show a screen shot of the selected text with the Character panel (Window menu)?

 

If you can do this with several sections that have different formatting, that could be useful.

 

Jane

 

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New Here ,
May 31, 2023 May 31, 2023

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Late to the party, but updating bc I just went through this very painful process.

Make sure all type layers are updated. Missing fonts will prevent your desired result. Also, no faux underlining or any other faux style applications including subscript, superscript etc can be applied or your desired result will fail (PDF will export, but type will be raster). Select all artboards and got to File > Export > Artboards to PDF...

You can also run OCR/Scan in Acrobat, but the PDF will end up looking like garbage.

Best of luck all!

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New Here ,
Sep 05, 2023 Sep 05, 2023

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Hi! I just spent about an hour figuring this out! I only have a photography plan with Adobe and didn't want to have to get illustrator or indesign to create my resume so I used photoshop. But, when submitting to job applications, you need to have a searchable one. SO, here is the solution. 

 

1. Export your photoshop file as a .JPG. Flattening or rasterizing doesn't matter. 

2. Download Adobe Scan from the app store on your phone. 

3. Airdrop/email the .jpg files to your phone.

4. You can then upload those image file(s) to Adobe Scan and convert them to searchable PDF's!! For free!!

 

It's a little tedious. However, this works everytime! And makes it so I don't have to add InDesign to my subscription 🙂

Hope this helps!

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New Here ,
Sep 28, 2023 Sep 28, 2023

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hi! this actually helped me a lot, thank you very much! But I read through some other threads regarding this and someone suggested to use photopea to export pdf and it works! Hope you can try it out too sometime!

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