Create and manage an index in a PDF

You can reduce the time required to search a long PDF by embedding an index of the words in the document. Acrobat can search the index much faster than it can search the document. The embedded index is included in distributed or shared copies of the PDF. Users search PDFs with embedded indexes exactly as they search those without embedded indexes; no extra steps are required.

Add an index to a PDF

  1. With the document open in Acrobat, choose Advanced > Document Processing > Manage Embedded Index.
  2. In the Manage Embedded Index dialog box, click Embed Index.
  3. Read the messages that appear, and click OK.
    Note: In Outlook and Lotus Notes, you have the option of embedding an index when you convert email messages or folders to PDF. This is especially recommended for folders containing many email messages.

Update or remove the embedded index in a PDF

  1. Choose Advanced > Document Processing > Manage Embedded Index.
  2. Click either Update Index or Remove Index.
  3. Click OK in the confirmation message.