How to Extract Highlights from PDFs

Learn how to extract and import your highlights from PDF files using various tools and methods

Extract highlights from your annotated PDF files and import them directly into Screvi. Whether you've been highlighting PDFs on your computer, tablet, or phone, this guide will help you get those insights into your digital library.

When to Use PDF Highlight Extraction

This feature is perfect when you have:

  • Academic papers with highlights and annotations
  • Annotated eBooks in PDF format
  • Research documents with important passages marked
  • PDF books with highlights from various PDF readers
  • Meeting notes or presentations with marked sections

Available Methods

1. Using PDF Annotation Export Tools

Most PDF readers allow you to export annotations and highlights. Here are the most common approaches:

Adobe Acrobat/Reader:

  1. Open your annotated PDF
  2. Go to Tools → Comment → Export Comments
  3. Save the file (usually as FDF or XFDF format)
  4. Use a converter tool to extract the text or copy manually to Screvi

Preview (Mac):

  1. Open the annotated PDF in Preview
  2. Go to View → Highlights and Notes
  3. Copy the highlighted text manually
  4. Paste into Screvi's manual import tool

PDF Expert, GoodNotes, Notability:

Most mobile PDF apps allow you to export annotations:

  1. Look for "Export Annotations" or "Share Highlights" option
  2. Export as text or copy to clipboard
  3. Use Screvi's manual import feature

2. Copy-Paste Method

For simple extraction when you have a few highlights:

  1. Open your PDF in any reader
  2. Select and copy each highlight individually
  3. Paste into a text document, separating each highlight with a double line break
  4. Use Screvi's manual import tool

3. Using Third-Party Tools

Zotero (Academic Users):

  1. Import your PDF into Zotero
  2. Zotero will automatically extract annotations
  3. Export annotations as notes
  4. Import into Screvi using manual import

Obsidian PDF Plugin:

  1. Use Obsidian's PDF annotation plugin
  2. Extract highlights to markdown format
  3. Copy the formatted text to Screvi

Step-by-Step Import Process

Once you have your PDF highlights extracted:

  1. Visit the Screvi manual import page: https://app.screvi.com/integrations/manual-input
  2. Fill in the document details:
    • Title: Enter the PDF document title
    • Author: Add the author name
    • Source Type: Select "Book" or "Article" as appropriate
  3. Format your highlights following these guidelines:
    • Separate each highlight with a double line break
    • Add "Note:" before personal comments
    • Use markdown formatting if desired
  4. Click "Parse Highlights" to import

Formatting Your Extracted Highlights

Basic Format

This is the first highlight from the PDF.

This is the second highlight with important information.
Note: My personal reflection on this highlight.

Another key insight from the document.

Handling Page Numbers

Many PDF tools include page numbers with highlights. You can either:

  • Keep them for reference: "Quote text" (p. 42)
  • Remove them for cleaner formatting
  • Add them as notes: Note: Found on page 42

Dealing with Broken Text

PDFs sometimes have formatting issues when copying text:

  • Fix obvious line breaks and spacing
  • Don't worry about perfect formatting - focus on content
  • Use the preview feature to check results

Tips for Best Results

  1. Clean up formatting: Remove unnecessary page breaks and fix spacing issues
  2. Group related highlights: Combine closely related highlights from the same section
  3. Add context: Include personal notes to explain why you highlighted specific passages
  4. Preserve important metadata: Keep page numbers or chapter references if helpful
  5. Use the preview: Always preview before importing to catch formatting issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my PDF reader doesn't export annotations?

Try copying highlights manually or use a different PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) which supports annotation export.

Can I preserve the original formatting from the PDF?

Basic formatting like bold and italic can be preserved using markdown syntax. Complex formatting will be simplified.

What about highlights with different colors?

Most extraction methods don't preserve highlight colors, but you can add this information as notes (e.g., "Note: Originally highlighted in yellow").

How do I handle mathematical formulas or special characters?

Copy formulas as plain text when possible, or describe them in notes. Special characters usually transfer correctly.

Can I import highlights from password-protected PDFs?

Yes, as long as you can open and view the PDF, you can extract and import the highlights.