How to Search for a Word or Phrase in One or a Series of PDFs

“Find” in a PDF on a PC

Recently I received the following email from Kathy Izzo, a subscriber to Quick Tech Tips for Seniors. She queried:

“Can I search for a word or phrase in a PDF document?  I’m researching a particular topic and downloaded a variety of PDF files on the topic and read about ‘……..’ ( a psychological term) in one of the PDF documents but don’t recall which one.

Rather than read through each of them again I’m wondering if I can search for that term in each of the PDF’s.”

Before I had a chance to respond, she had already discovered the answer:

“I’m so excited I figured out the answer to my question myself.  You may already know this, but just in case, if you open the PDF file, then on your computer go to “Edit,” then to “Find” and a little dialog box opens in the top right hand corner of the PDF file.  You type in your word or phrase and Adobe Reader does a search through the document.”

Although I’ve been using the “Edit” menu for years, only recently have I learned about/paid attention to “Find” which you can also access by the Keyboard Shortcut – on a PC – Control Key plus the letter “f” and on a Mac the Command Key plus “f.”  

“Find” in a PDF on a Mac

See examples of other “Find” searches, on Web pages and in Documents, here on Technology for Seniors Made Easy.

Have your own question? Leave it in the Comments section below.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *