In Preview on my new computer, I cannot alter/edit annotations to a PDF originally created in Preview on my old computer

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In Preview on my new computer, I cannot alter/edit annotations to a PDF originally created in Preview on my old computer

I’ve used this technique for years with no problem on my old computers (from 2012) with various operating systems. After copying the PDFs to my new computer (15” MacBook Air running Ventura; Preview version 11), the annotations are locked and cannot be altered in any way. The PDFs are definitely not unlocked and permissions are wide open (no restrictions). All the old annotations show up in the Inspector window. I can add new annotations and alter them after saving and reopening.

Surely there is a way to fix this problem globally that doesn’t involve remaking and re-annotating 1000s of individual PDFs.

MacBook Air 15″

Posted on Jan 3, 2024 7:24 PM

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Answer 1

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mphillips3 Author

Level 1

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Jan 7, 2024 7:32 AM in response to mphillips3

It required a two-hour call with multiple Apple tech support workers to solve this problem. It's actually more of a workaround but at least it's something. Here is the solution.

1) Open a PDF with annotations requiring editing/alteration.

2) Go to the File menu and select "Export..."

3) Make sure format = PDF and Quartz Filter = none

4) Put a checkmark beside "Create PDF/A" <<< this is the key!

5) I made sure that no permissions are required ... but you may have other requirements.

6) Click "Save"

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Answer 2

mphillips3 Author

Level 1

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Jan 3, 2024 8:05 PM in response to mphillips3

FYI … I just downloaded Acrobat Reader and, ironically, it would allow my to alter older annotations created with Preview on my old computer. Sadly that program is a royal P.I.T.A. for how I work with PDFs … completely useless except *maybe* for this one purpose.

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In Preview on my new computer, I cannot alter/edit annotations to a PDF originally created in Preview on my old computer

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