In this article, you'll learn how to search for a specific word or phrase in a PDF document using the free Adobe Reader DC app or the browser in Google Chrome for Mac and PC, or using the On-Screen Preview feature on a Mac.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Adobe Reader DC
Step 1. Open a PDF document in Adobe Acrobat Pro
The relevant icon is red with an A in the middle in the style of Adobe Reader. After you have started this program, click File and then Open. Then select the PDF file and click Open.
If you don't have Adobe Reader DC yet, you can download it for free. Go to https://get.adobe.com/reader/ in a search engine of your choice and click Download Now
Step #2. Click Change on the menu bar
Step #3. Click Search
Step 4. Type a word or phrase in the dialog box of the Search function
Step 5. Click Next
The next place where the word or phrase you searched for occurs in the document will be highlighted in the document.
Click Next or Previous to see all the places where the word or phrase appears in the document
Method 2 of 3: Browse Google Chrome
Step 1. Open a PDF document in Google Chrome browser
Using the browser feature in Google Chrome, you can access a PDF document over the Internet, or you can open a PDF document stored on your computer by right-clicking the file, then clicking Open With and then select Google Chrome.
On a Mac with only one mouse button, you can simultaneously hold down Control and click or tap the touchpad with two fingers at the same time
Step 2. Click on ⋮
You will find this button at the top right of the browser.
Step #3. Click Search
This function is located near the button of the multi-choice menu.
Step 4. Type in the word or phrase you want to search for
As you type, Chrome will highlight the search results that appear in your document.
Yellow bars on the right scroll bar indicate the locations of the search results on the page
Step 5. Click
to move between the different search results on the page.
Method 3 of 3: Preview on a Mac
Step 1. Open a PDF document with the Preview application
Do this by double clicking on the blue Preview icon that looks like overlapping images, then click on File in the menu bar and on Open… in the drop-down menu. Select a file in the dialog box and then click Open.
The Preview app is Apple's original application that allows you to preview images. This application comes automatically with most versions of Mac OS
Step #2. Click Change on the menu bar
Step #3. Click Search
Step 4. Click Search…
Step 5. Type a word or phrase in the Search field
You'll find that field at the top right of the screen.
Step 6. Click Next
All examples of the word or phrase you were looking for are now highlighted in the document.