CkPython Requires Chilkat v11.7.0+

Extract Text from a PDF that Forbids Copying

See more PDF Text Extraction Examples

Demonstrates a PDF that opens without a password but whose permissions do not allow copying text. The "text", "markdown", "search" and "tables" operations fail with that reason; "assess" always works. Loading the PDF with the OwnerPassword property set grants owner rights, and extraction works. CkPython

import sys
import chilkat

success = False

#  This example requires the Chilkat API to have been previously unlocked.
#  See Global Unlock Sample for sample code.

#  The PDF used in this example (owner password: owner-secret; copying not permitted) is available at no_copy_permission.pdf

pdf = chilkat.CkPdf()
json = chilkat.CkJsonObject()
jsonOut = chilkat.CkJsonObject()

#  The PDF opens without a password.
success = pdf.LoadFile("qa_data/pdf/no_copy_permission.pdf")
if (success == False):
    print(pdf.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

#  Extracting text is refused, because the PDF's permissions do not allow copying.
success = pdf.ExtractText("text",json,jsonOut)
if (success == False):
    print("Extraction refused: " + pdf.lastErrorText())

#  "assess" reports only counts and ratings, never text, so it is always allowed.
success = pdf.ExtractText("assess",json,jsonOut)
if (success == False):
    print(pdf.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

print("rating: " + jsonOut.stringOf("quality.rating"))

#  Load with the owner password to get owner rights, which include copying.
pdf.put_OwnerPassword("owner-secret")
success = pdf.LoadFile("qa_data/pdf/no_copy_permission.pdf")
if (success == False):
    print(pdf.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

success = pdf.ExtractText("text",json,jsonOut)
if (success == False):
    print(pdf.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

print(jsonOut.stringOf("text"))

#  Sample output:

#  Extraction refused: ChilkatLog:
#    ExtractText:
#      ...
#        The PDF's permissions do not allow copying or extracting text (load it with the owner password to extract).
#      ...
#  rating: good
#  Visitor Leaflet
#  
#  Welcome to the harbor lighthouse. The tower is open on weekends from July to September.
#  
#  Please keep to the marked paths and do not climb on the breakwater.
#  
#  The lantern room is closed in high winds.