This tutorial is very similar to ‘Extracting a logo from a PDF,’ but in this case, we are eliminating text but keeping the other elements within a PDF. Sometimes, one may need to remove some art elements from a PDF. Why doesn’t the company go back to the original drawing? Great question. It could be the company lost contact with the person who created the PDF. Perhaps the file created in the software that the company no longer has access to it. Or maybe, nobody knows how to use AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or 3DS Max.
In all, it doesn’t matter. The end goal is to remove text from an architecture blueprint. And change the colour of the elements from the layout. The example I am using in this tutorial, I have gone ahead and manipulated the map to change some of the street names and buildings. I haven’t created detailed cartography for over eight years!
Steps in Removing Elements in a PDF
- Let’s open our map legend in Illustrator.
- A missing font dialogue box may pop up. If so, one could ignore this if you are planning to delete all the text. Or, activate the font.
- Select All : Mac: Command-A or PC: Control-A
- And Ungroup: Mac: Command Shift G or PC: Control Shift G
- By ungrouping this allows you to use the black arrow tool (Selection Tool) if you wanted too. If you didn’t ungroup, chances are the drawing was a group when it was saved
- Two tools you may use: the white arrow tool (Direct Selection Tool) and the black arrow tool (Selection Tool)
- If you are new to Illustrator, you could work in a wireframe or outline view mode. Mac: Command Y or PC: Control Y
- For faster selection, you can make a marquee selection with either the white arrow tool (Direct Selection Tool) or the black arrow tool (Selection Tool)
- And when ready, click on delete. Do watch what you delete, one could over-delete. If you make a mistake either use the history panel to go back a few steps or Undo: Mac: Command Z or PC: Control Z
- Save your file, but do call it something else if you have to go back to the original PDF