search function on inserted pdf documents

Question

Hi,

I am suddenly unable to use the search function on inserted PDF documents. I have inserted the PDF as a printout, and when I right-click on it, there is no option "make text in image searchable". I am currently using a MacBook, and the search function has been working on it before.

Is there anything I can do to fix this?

Answer 1

Hi Jennifer,

Welcome to the Microsoft Community. 

From your description, sorry to hear that you have experienced some issues. 

Sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced. I went through your question, and it seems you have issues with your imported PDF files in OneNote for Mac not being searchable, as they appear as a picture.

I tested from my environment, and I can see the same behavior. Once you insert a PDF file as a Printout, it will appear as a picture.

However, OneNote for Mac has an OCR mechanism that can allow you to copy text from a picture and then search. You right click the picture and select Copy Text from Picture.

OneNote for Mac has an OCR mechanism of its own which can find and index text inside any image so it can be searched. Search depends on OCR feature. In OneNote for Mac, an OCR engine is deployed on the Microsoft servers. Usually, it takes few minutes to few days or even longer before the Copy Text from Picture command is available.

We understand, it’s huge inconvenience to look for text when Search is not working as expected. In this regard, I kindly suggest you submit your feedback by clicking onSend Feedback button on the OneNote · Community (microsoft.com) and let the Developers Team know so that they can work on this issue as soon as possible.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. Should any uncertainties arise subsequently, please feel free to seek assistance once again. 

Best regards,

Serena - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist