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PDF – Highlight Text in Make

What this module does

PDF4me — PDF – Highlight text scans any native PDF for the words and phrases you list and paints each one with your chosen color. Supply a HighlightList of text-plus-hex-color pairs and the module returns an annotated PDF ready to route into any downstream Make module: Drive, Dropbox, email, or a webhook.

Authenticating Your API Request​

Every PDF4me module in Make needs a valid Connection. Create or select a connection that holds your PDF4me API key so scenarios can call the service securely.

Get your API Key

Important Facts You Should Not Miss​

Map real binary content

File Content must be actual PDF bytes from a prior download module (e.g. Data from Dropbox Download). Mapping a URL string or a filename here leads to a failed run.

Native PDFs only

Highlighting requires an embedded text layer. Scanned or image-only PDFs must go through an OCR module first to generate a searchable PDF before colors can be applied.

Multiple colors per scenario run

Add as many items to HighlightList as you need. Each item carries its own Text phrase and HighlightColor hex code — all applied in a single module execution.

Make PDF4me module PDF – Highlight text with Connection selected, File section showing Filename and File Content mapped from a prior Dropbox download module, and HighlightList with two items each containing a Text phrase and HighlightColor hex value

Map Filename and File Content from a download module, then add each text-color pair to HighlightList.

Parameters​

Required: Connection, Filename, File Content, and at least one HighlightList item (with Text and HighlightColor).

ParameterRequiredWhat it doesExample mapping
ConnectionYesPDF4me API connection for the scenario.Your PDF4me connection
FilenameYesOriginal filename with .pdf extension from the source module.1. File Name
File ContentYesBinary PDF body from the download or source module.1. Data
HighlightList › TextYesThe exact word or phrase to find and highlight inside the PDF.Liability, OVERDUE
HighlightList › HighlightColorYesSix-digit hex color code to paint matched text. Include the # prefix.#FFFF00, #FF2C00

Quick Setup​

  1. Add PDF4me → PDF – Highlight text.
  2. Select Connection (or add one via Add).
  3. Map Filename to the filename field from the prior module (include .pdf).
  4. Map File Content to the binary data field (usually Data) from the download step.
  5. Click Add item under HighlightList. Enter the Text to find and a HighlightColor hex code.
  6. Repeat for each additional word-color pair.
  7. Save and click Run once to test. Verify the output contains annotated PDF data.

Workflow Examples​

Workflow ExamplesCommon Make scenario patterns using PDF – Highlight text.
Legal contract annotation
  1. Dropbox — Download a File for incoming contract PDFs.
  2. PDF – Highlight text: mark "Liability", "Termination" in red; "Payment Terms" in yellow.
  3. Upload annotated PDF to a review folder.
  4. Send Slack notification to the legal team.
Invoice overdue flag
  1. Webhook triggers when a new invoice PDF arrives.
  2. Highlight "OVERDUE", "Past Due", "Final Notice" in bright yellow.
  3. Email the marked invoice to the accounts receivable team.
Compliance policy review
  1. New policy document saved to Google Drive.
  2. Highlight regulatory keywords in blue, action items in green.
  3. Save annotated copy to SharePoint compliance archive.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Can I highlight multiple words with different colors in one module?+
Yes. HighlightList accepts as many items as you need, each with its own Text and HighlightColor. All highlights are applied in a single API call and the module returns one annotated PDF.
What format does HighlightColor use?+
Six-digit hex RGB: #RRGGBB — for example #FFFF00 for yellow, #90EE90 for light green, or #FF2C00 for red. Always include the # prefix.
Does this work on scanned PDFs?+
No. PDF – Highlight text requires an embedded text layer. For scanned documents, run an OCR module first to generate a searchable PDF, then pipe that output into this module.
Which field is the actual binary PDF content?+
Map File Content to the field that holds real PDF bytes — usually called Data in Dropbox Download or Google Drive Download modules. Do not map a URL string or file name here.
Where does the highlighted PDF go after the module runs?+
The module outputs the annotated PDF as binary data. Connect any upload or send module next — Dropbox Upload, Google Drive Upload, Email, HTTP POST — and map the output data field to transfer the file.

Get Help​

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