How to Remove Highlight in PDF
Learn how to remove highlight in a PDF, whether it is an annotation or part of the page content, and what to do if it cannot be edited.
How to Remove Highlight in PDF (Quick Answer)
You can remove highlight in a PDF if the highlight is a selectable annotation in a PDF editor or reader.
The usual process is:
- Open the PDF in an editor
- Click the highlight
- Press delete or choose remove
- Save the file
If the highlight is baked into the page image, you may need a different approach.
Check Whether It Is an Annotation
Highlights are often added as annotations, which makes them easier to remove.
If you can click on the highlight separately from the text, that is a good sign.
If you cannot select it, the highlight may be part of a flattened page or scan.
Remove the Highlight Carefully
Before deleting anything, make sure you are removing only the highlight and not the text underneath it.
Check:
- The original wording is still visible
- No other annotations were selected
- The file still opens correctly after saving
This matters more in important documents where marking changes can be sensitive.
What If the PDF Is Flattened?
If the highlight is flattened into the page, it may not be removable in a normal editor.
In that case, you may need to:
- Recreate the file from the source document
- Cover the area with a new clean layout
- Use a different version of the file
That is common with scanned or exported PDFs.
Best Practice Summary
If you want the short version:
- Try removing the highlight as an annotation first
- Make sure the text underneath stays intact
- Save a fresh copy after editing
- Use the source file if the PDF is flattened
- Recheck the file after removing the highlight
That is the simplest way to remove highlight in a PDF.
FAQ
Can I remove highlights from any PDF?
No. It depends on whether the highlight is editable.
Does removing a highlight delete the text too?
It should not, if you remove only the annotation.
Why can’t I select the highlight?
It may be flattened into the page or part of a scanned image.
Should I edit a copy of the PDF?
Yes. That is the safer approach.
Can I remove multiple highlights at once?
Often yes, if your editor supports selecting several annotations.
Is highlighting the same as redaction?
No. Highlighting only marks text, while redaction removes or hides content.