Select text only within a column, even in PDF files with poorly structured table columns SOLVED

[rakunavi]

Hello all,

Some PDF generating applications simply add the base content text one line at a time across multiple columns from the top of the page, without considering the structure of the table columns. For PDF files generated by such software, selecting text in table columns with the text selection tool or adding markers with the highlight tool will not work well, because the text is handled across multiple columns.

In such cases, PDF-XChange Editor allows you to specify a range as a rectangular area by holding down the Ctrl or Alt key and using the Text Selection Tool or Highlight Tool from outside the location of the text. Ideally, however, it would be very nice to be able to process only columns well even in such a poorly structured PDF file.

For reference, a PDF file created with JustSystems Ichitaro is attached.

• SampleFiles.zip

  (118.57 KiB) Downloaded 118 times

The following verification video first uses a sample Word file to add highlighting comments to text in a column. Selection is started in the middle of a line, and the text is successfully highlighted even when it is selected across multiple lines.

Then, using the Ichitaro sample file, a yellow highlight is added across adjacent columns when the text is selected from the middle of a line across multiple lines in the same way. Unfortunately, I am currently highlighting one line at a time (the blue highlight in the figure). If it is the left or right column, you can add a highlight by moving the cursor once to where there is no text, then holding down the Ctrl or Alt key and dragging it to the text you want to highlight (the green highlight in the figure). However, this method cannot be applied to a middle column surrounded by text on both sides.

• 

  Currently, there is no other way but to select one line at a time (blue marker)
  or to select a rectangular area while holding down Ctrl or Alt (green marker).

  
  

  

  This is a GIF animation. Click to play.

Ichitaro once held an overwhelming share of the Japanese market, but it has been overwhelmed by Microsoft Word and Google Docs, and now Ichitaro's market share is negligible. Nonetheless, it is still frequently used by educators, legal professionals, and even government agencies, so there are considerably more opportunities to see PDF files created with Ichitaro than its actual market share.

I don't know of any PDF software that can properly handle such a terrible column structure in the table. I am aware that this is very difficult to achieve, but I would like to make a feature request.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message.

Best regards,
rakunavi

- PDF-XChange Editor Plus Version: 10.3.0 build 386
- OS Version: Windows 11 Home 23H2 Build 22631.3447
- PC Model: Lenovo IdeaPad C340-15IWL, HP All-in-One 22-c0xx

[Daniel - PDF-XChange]

Hello, rakunavi

What If I told you... that we have recently improved our table handling, and all you need to do here is check off two checkboxes in the preferences?

Kind regards,

[rakunavi]

Thank you, Daniel, for letting me know.

I am amazed that a setting was already implemented that fits perfectly with what I am looking for. I will use it now.
I am also happy to see that the search can now be done correctly as well.
Thank you very much again.

Best regards,
rakunavi

[Daniel - PDF-XChange]