Searching for text within pdfs

will103 · 12-05-2005, 03:12 AM

Hi I was wondering if it is possible to search for text withion pdf files? I could convert them to ascii text files and then use grep, but would rather a one-step method if possible. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance

will103

Artanicus · 12-05-2005, 04:30 AM

Most pdf readers have this per default. xpdf, kpdf and adobe reader atleast.

Ynot Irucrem · 12-05-2005, 05:02 AM

Yeah, in most it is ctrl+f.

will103 · 12-05-2005, 05:24 AM

Hi, sorry I should have made it clear in my post that I am looking for a way to search multiple pdfs for keywords. I didn't think that Acrobat Reader could do that?

Will103

T.Hsu · 12-05-2005, 05:43 AM

Adobe Reader 7 can search all pdfs in the same directory.

Some desktop search engine like beagle can also search for text within pdf files.

http://www.beagle-project.org/

Artanicus · 12-05-2005, 06:16 AM

Kat and beagle both convert the pdf:s to plaintext and index the plaintext.. So, if you realy want to make an automated searcher, then plaintext conversion is the way to go..

will103 · 12-05-2005, 09:41 AM

Hi,

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I have decided to give Beagle a go.

Will103