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Microsoft Print to PDF Files Don't Allow Copy Text

Anonymous
2020-12-22T20:30:54+00:00

Hello,

PDF files I currently make using print driver Microsoft Print to PDF don't allow copying text. Only shows an arrow, not the cursor to select text. This started happening in June of this year as I have many pdf's created with this method and files from May 2020 are fine and those in June 2020 aren't. Only noticed it today though.

I can make the same pdf's using PDFCreator printer and those are fine.

I'm printing emails or items from other sites while in Msoft Edge that have problems. Using Firefox the pdf's are fine. I'd then guess it may be an EDGE problem during the creation of the file.

It's not an Acrobat security problem and the sandbox option is unchecked. If I open the pdf in Edge, still can't select text.

I have the latest version of Edge Version 87.0.664.66 (Official build) (64-bit) and latest updates for Windows 10.

Any ideas?

Update: looking at my notes, I had just upgraded MS Edge browser to the new Chrome version beginning of June, just before the first pdf I can't select text was created. It looks like the new Edge broke Microsoft Print to PDF printer driver function.

Thanks

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-12-29T13:03:00+00:00

    Exactly the same here! How disappointing...

    I printed a web page from Edge and wanted to highlight some text and send to someone. It can't be done.

    I couldn't find any settings in the Microsoft PDF Printer to change this.

    Solution 1: install Google Chrome, open web page, Print, and select destination as "Save to PDF".

    Solution 2: install any other PDF printer (such as the free PDF Creator).

    Really disappointed that I have to install additional software just for this. Disappointed, but not surprised...

    30+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2021-01-14T03:33:28+00:00

    How Sad. Microsoft admitted they were able to recreate this problem and nothing. Imagine everyone that needs to copy & past has to manually type in text. Many that have to do this 8 hrs a day.

    All I can say is use a non-Microsoft product for this that works. They broke it and nothing on fixing it.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2021-01-09T12:15:58+00:00

    Is Microsoft going to fix this since you're a Microsoft employee and have re created the problem?

    Thanks

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2021-01-15T15:47:44+00:00

    Who cares if Microsoft fixes this. I found 2 other options.

    I see a "Save to PDF" option at the top of printer drivers. Don't know where it came from or how I got it on my pc but it works great.

    I also have PDF 995 that I installed several years ago from H&R block. Still works great and is fast. They also have a free suite you can download, it does have advertisements though but not on the one I have.

    There's also PDF Creator but it's slow but does allow to convert to other formats ie. Jpg's.

    So Microsoft, fix what you broke and if not there's other options. 

    Done!!

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2021-01-22T14:53:24+00:00

    Good Morning

    Today I found that Microsoft PDF Printer behaviour changed: now the printer create documents that can be selected / copied.

    Well, I'm very glad that you solved some users needings, but instead I really need the printer like before, since I need pdf printed with vectorial curves and lines, making text non copyable.

    So, dear developers, I know, I can result annoying, but I'm asking: Please, can you add an option to print even documents like before (text converted as vectorial)?

    Thanks!

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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