How to Remove Highlight from PDF Adobe: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding PDF Highlights

PDF highlights are visual annotations applied to text within a PDF document to emphasize specific areas. These highlights can be created using various PDF editing tools and software, including Adobe Acrobat and online PDF editors. Understanding the different types of highlights is crucial for effectively removing them.

• Annotations: These are interactive highlights created using highlighting tools in PDF editors. They are easily removable using the same tools.
• Static content (flattened highlights): These highlights have been permanently embedded into the PDF content, often during the printing or saving process. Removing these requires more advanced editing techniques, such as using object editing tools.

Removing highlights can be challenging because some highlights become static elements, and PDFs can have security restrictions. Understanding these factors is important to solving common issues.

Removing Highlights with Adobe Acrobat (Paid Version)

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC offers several methods for removing highlights, providing flexibility based on the type of highlight and user preference. These methods include direct deletion, using the comments list, and unlocking locked properties. Each method provides a slightly different approach to ensure users can effectively clean their PDF documents.

Method 1: Deleting Highlights Directly

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2. Select the Highlight Tool (usually found in the "Comment" or "Tools" pane).
3. Click the highlight you want to remove. A blue outline should appear around it.
4. Press the Delete key or right-click and select "Delete".

This method is straightforward and effective for removing most interactive highlights. It is the quickest way to remove highlights that are recognized as annotations.

Method 2: Using the Comments List

1. Open the Comments List panel (typically located in the right pane).
2. Ensure the filter option is set to "Show all comments".
3. Select the highlight comment you wish to delete.
4. Right-click on the comment and select "Delete".

This method is useful for managing and removing multiple highlights at once. The comments list provides an overview of all annotations, making it easier to select and remove them.

Method 3: Unlock Properties

1. Right click on the highlighting. If you do not see “Delete” as one of the options, select “Properties”.
2. In the bottom left corner of the “Highlight Properties” popup UNCHECK the “Locked” checkbox.
3. Then CHECK the “Make Properties Default” checkbox. Select “OK”.
4. Now right click on the highlighting.  You should now see “Delete” as one of the options.  Also, if you left click on the highlighting, you will see the Trashcan icon.

This method is good if properties are locked preventing deletion. Unlocking properties allows direct deletion.

Method 4: Removing Flattened Highlights (Edit Object Tool)

When highlights are "flattened", they become part of the static content of the PDF, making them harder to remove with standard methods. The Edit Object tool can directly select and delete these flattened highlights. This method is more technical but effective for removing embedded highlights.

1. Go to Tools > Print Production and then select the Edit Object tool.
2. Select the highlights as box objects and delete them.
3. You might need to move text boxes to access highlights located behind them.

Method 5: Changing Highlight Color to White

Another method is to cover up the highlights. Using this method, you use the highlight tool and select the color white to cover it up.

1. Use the Highlight tool to select the color WHITE
2. Highlight over to remove highlights

Removing Highlights with Adobe Acrobat Online Services

Adobe Acrobat Online Services provide another avenue for highlight removal, often with a simpler interface. This online tool is useful for quick edits without needing the full desktop application. The process is generally more streamlined and accessible.

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Online.
2. Select the area of text that you wish to highlight.
3. Single-click on the area of highlighted text you wish to remove.
4. A small toolbox will appear with two options, allowing you to change the color of your highlight or delete the highlight altogether.
5. To remove your highlight, click the trash can icon.

Other PDF Editors

Besides Adobe Acrobat, several other PDF editors offer highlight removal features. Some popular alternatives include Foxit PhantomPDF, Nitro PDF, PDF-XChange Editor, and PDFgear. These editors often provide similar functionalities with slight variations in the user interface and pricing.

The general steps for removing highlights in these editors typically involve opening the PDF, selecting the Highlight Tool or accessing Comments, and then deleting the unwanted highlights. Check the specific documentation for the editor you choose for precise instructions.

Addressing Common Issues and Limitations

Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to remove highlights. One common problem is the inability to select the highlight, which can occur if the highlight box is behind a text box. Permissions restrictions or security settings on the PDF can also prevent highlight removal. Flattened highlights present another challenge, as they become static elements requiring more advanced editing.

• Problem: Can't select the highlight. Solution: This might occur if the highlight box is behind the text box. Click on the text box and “cut” it, then delete the highlight box and “paste” the text box back down in the same spot.
• PDF is secured. Solution: Select “erase” next to the highlight button on the tool bar and get rid of the highlight.

Introducing BreezePDF as a Solution

BreezePDF offers a user-friendly and accessible solution for removing highlights from PDF documents. Its intuitive interface and straightforward tools make it easy for users of all skill levels to clean their PDFs. BreezePDF operates entirely within your browser, ensuring your documents remain private and secure.

With BreezePDF, there is no need to sign up or install any software, making it a convenient option for quick edits. Whether you need to remove annotations or deal with flattened highlights, BreezePDF provides the tools you need, and you can leverage features like adding fillable fields to a PDF or password protection if needed.

Step-by-Step Guide: Removing Highlights with BreezePDF

Removing highlights with BreezePDF is a simple and efficient process. BreezePDF does not save your PDFs to the server for processing ensuring complete privacy.

1. Upload your PDF to BreezePDF.com.
2. Open the PDF in the BreezePDF editor.
3. Identify the highlight removal tool/option. This is usually the pointer icon.
4. Select the highlight you want to remove by clicking on it.
5. Press the Delete key, or right click on it and select the Delete option.
6. Save the cleaned PDF.

Best Practices

When editing PDFs, it's always a good idea to follow certain best practices to avoid accidental data loss or corruption. Always work on a copy of the original PDF to preserve the original document. Save the cleaned PDF as a new file to prevent overwriting the original, and check for permissions restrictions before starting any editing tasks.

Conclusion

Removing highlights from PDF documents can be accomplished using various methods, from Adobe Acrobat's comprehensive tools to simpler online solutions. BreezePDF stands out as a user-friendly, private, and efficient option for easily removing highlights and you can remove unwanted pages as well. BreezePDF offers a hassle-free experience, ensuring your documents remain clean and professional. Try BreezePDF today and experience the ease of PDF editing without compromising your privacy.