Won't select text nor search

[jcarerra]

I just switched to PDF Xchange from FoxIt after a recommendation in Windows Secrets newsletter, but cannot get PDF Xchange to select text in a document, nor will it search in the pdf doc.

Is there a configuration I need to change or a plugin missing or what?

Thanks.

[Will - Tracker Supp]

Hi jcarerra,

Thanks for the post and welcome to the forums!

The most likely reason for this is that the document(s) is/are not actually text, but rather an image of text. To solve this, you will need to OCR (stands for Optical Character Recognition) the document. This can be done in the Viewer by going to Document [Tab] --> OCR Pages

HTH!

[jcarerra]

Oh my. So simple. I should have 'computed' that. I tried a different doc and it works fine.
A bit stupid of me---I know better.

But I do have a question...

I am not seeing that the Select text "T" button does anything; it does not change from an off to on state when clicked, and text seems to be highlightable both before and after clicking the "T" control. What exactly does it do?

Also, is there any way to increase the font size of the menu line and size of the buttons? I do not have excellent eyesight, plus just had cataract surgery that left me with worse clarity than before.

[Will - Tracker Supp]

Hi jcarerra,

No worries

I am not seeing that the Select text "T" button does anything; it does not change from an off to on state when clicked, and text seems to be highlightable both before and after clicking the "T" control. What exactly does it do?

Could this be because it is the tool that is first active when you load the Viewer? I've not seen see myself; it always changes to the " I " cursor when hovering over text for me. Does it not do this for you? (That is what the Text Select tool is for).

Also, is there any way to increase the font size of the menu line and size of the buttons? I do not have excellent eyesight, plus just had cataract surgery that left me with worse clarity than before.

I'm sorry to hear that! You'll be pleased to know that there is - you can increase your screen-resolution in Windows, that way the buttons and text will appear larger. However, this will most likely result in some windows in the Viewer being larger than the screen, so you then will have to go to Edit [tab] --> Preferences --> Customize U.I. and lower the font size, and that should remedy the issue.

HTH!

[jcarerra]

Ah, OK. I have now found at least three different types of pdf files that behave differently. That was part of the confusion. Apparently even some TEXT type pdfs can have certain functions 'denied.'

As for the T button, I was thinking it was a click on/click off toggle. Now, after your comment, I see that 'off' requires selecting a different button. And I finally opened a pdf of a type where it worked as expected--changed to the I bar.

On size, I definitely do not want to change the machine screen resolution. Over time, I have gotten it to a happy medium where most programs/web sites work OK (in conjunction with adjusting the size within the program or browser). I'd thus suggest y'all consider making some options internal to the app for setting size of text/buttons. Several programs I use have an option for large buttons or small buttons. Also, the "File Edit View..." font is much smaller than that which appears in Explorer or other programs; PDF Xchange is not picking up the system settings for that.

With your help, I think I am 'good to go' with it now. I especially REALLY like the ability to annotate pdf's!

[Will - Tracker Supp]

Hi jcarerra,

Ah, OK. I have now found at least three different types of pdf files that behave differently. That was part of the confusion. Apparently even some TEXT type pdfs can have certain functions 'denied.'

That's correct, sorry, I should have mentioned that some PDF's may have security settings to disable many of the functions in the Viewer; if you don't know, then you can check these by going to File --> Document Properties --> Security Settings

As for the T button, I was thinking it was a click on/click off toggle. Now, after your comment, I see that 'off' requires selecting a different button. And I finally opened a pdf of a type where it worked as expected--changed to the I bar.

Great, glad we got that figured

On size, I definitely do not want to change the machine screen resolution. Over time, I have gotten it to a happy medium where most programs/web sites work OK (in conjunction with adjusting the size within the program or browser). I'd thus suggest y'all consider making some options internal to the app for setting size of text/buttons. Several programs I use have an option for large buttons or small buttons. Also, the "File Edit View..." font is much smaller than that which appears in Explorer or other programs; PDF Xchange is not picking up the system settings for that.

I completely understand! Don't quote me on this, but the Editor (Viewer Version 3) is coming out late March, and the U.I will be far more customize-able, so it may be that the option to enlarge the buttons will be in that. I'll put in a feature request regardless, and we'll see what we can come up with (no promises though, as it is ultimately up to the Dev. Team as to whether features are implemented)

With your help, I think I am 'good to go' with it now. I especially REALLY like the ability to annotate pdf's!

Great! Glad to hear it, and I agree, that's one of my favourite features too - I use all of the options quite a bit.

So, glad we've got everything sorted, if you need anything else, give us a shout!

[jcarerra]

Thanks much for putting in the enhancement request on fonts/buttons size.

All good now. Great forum.

[Will - Tracker Supp]

No problem

Have a good one!