Finding the word count on a PDF document can be a bit tricky, but it’s totally doable! You just need the right tools and a few simple steps. Whether you’re a student trying to meet a word count requirement for an assignment, a professional preparing a report, or just someone curious about the length of a PDF document, this quick overview will help you achieve your goal.
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to know that you’ll need a PDF reader or editor that has the word count feature, or you can use online tools designed for this purpose. Now, let’s get started!
Open your PDF document using a word processor that can handle PDF files, like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
When you open a PDF in a word processor, it might take a moment for the software to convert the PDF into an editable format. Once it’s done, you’ll be able to access all the features of the word processor, including the word count tool.
Find and click on the ‘Word Count’ tool usually located in the ‘Tools’ or ‘Review’ tab of the word processor.
The word count tool will display a box with various statistics about your document, including the total number of words. Keep in mind that the word count might include text in headers, footers, and text boxes, so you might need to adjust the count depending on your needs.
Read the word count displayed in the box and note it down if necessary.
After completing this action, you’ll have the word count of your PDF document. You can use this information to meet word count requirements or to gauge the length of the document you’re working with.
Most native PDF readers do not have a word count feature, so you’ll likely need to convert the PDF to a text format or use a specialized tool.
No, standard word count tools will not include text in images unless the PDF has been processed with OCR technology.
You’ll need the password to unlock the PDF before any tool can access the content to count the words.
Most will give a close approximation, but always double-check if the word count is critical, as some formatting or elements may be misinterpreted.
Yes, most word count tools will give you the option to include or exclude these elements from the final count.
Congratulations, you’ve just learned how to find the word count on a PDF document! Whether you were looking to satisfy your curiosity, meet a word count requirement for an essay, or prepare a report, knowing how to quickly ascertain the length of a PDF is an invaluable skill in today’s digital age. Remember, while not all PDF readers provide this functionality natively, with the help of word processors or online tools, this task is a breeze. So next time you’re faced with a word count conundrum, just whip out these handy steps, and you’ll have your answer in no time. And hey, isn’t it awesome to add another useful trick to your tech-savvy repertoire? Keep exploring, keep learning, and stay curious – the digital world has so much to offer. Keep this guide bookmarked for those moments when you need to find word count on PDF, and you’ll be good to go!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.