3 Easy Way to Extract Links From PDF Online
-
Written By
Pradeep Kumar -
Approved By
Shivam Rathore -
Updated on
June 3rd, 2025 - Read Time
7 minutes
Overview: To extract links from PDF, PDF might sound simple. Until you’re faced with a document filled with dozens of clickable URLs scattered across pages. When you copy each link manually takes several hours. Along with that, it often causes mistakes. If you need a fast and easy way to get all the links from a PDF without any software download, this guide is for you. We will show you how to do it with simple online methods, including the easy-to-use DRS Softech PDF Data Extractor Tool.
What Is Link Extraction From PDF?
Link extraction from a PDF means to find and collect all the clickable links (URLs) inside a PDF file. These links can be in the form of text, buttons, or images. Usually, it take you to websites, files, forms, videos, or other online pages.
For example, a marketing brochure might have links to a company’s website, sign-up form, product page, or YouTube video. In research papers, links often lead to sources, references, or extra data. When you extract URL from PDF, it helps you to find and use them quickly without checking the whole PDF page by page.
Why You Should Extract Links from PDF File
There are many useful reasons to pull links from PDF file. Here are some common ones:
- SEO Checks: Digital marketers often analyze links in PDFs to ensure they lead to valid resources or check for broken links that may affect user experience.
- Content Migration: When transferring PDF content to a website or blog, having all links separately makes integration smoother.
- Research Compilation: Researchers and students may need to gather reference URLs from academic papers quickly.
- Compliance and Audits: Organizations conducting content audits need all outbound or internal links in one place.
- Marketing Reporting: Businesses may analyze link performance from distributed brochures, proposals, or catalogs.
In all these cases, it’s very inefficient and risky to search and copy links manually. A quick PDF link extractor is far better and more reliable.
Top Methods to Extract Links From PDF
Depending on your technical skill and the tools you prefer, there are different ways to extract links from a PDF. Let’s explore two major options: a free manual method to extract links from PDF online. Another one is an automated tool PDF URL extractor to extract URL from PDF directly.
Best Way to Extract Links From PDF Online [Quick Answer Box]
- Install the DRS Softech PDF Data Extractor on your PC.
- Upload the PDF file(s) you want to process.
- Choose a preview option and look at the content.
- From the available options, choose “Extract URLs”.
- Select a page range if needed or choose the full document.
- Click Extract to extract links from the PDF file.
Method 1: Using Free Online Tools (Manual Process)
Several websites allow users to view and edit PDFs directly in the browser. These include SmallPDF, PDFescape, Sejda, and others. So, you can pull links from PDF file, using free online tools available on the web. However, the process is mostly manual, and you may need to copy the links one by one.
How to Use the Online PDF Link Extractor Tool
- Open a site like SmallPDF.com.
- Upload your PDF file.
- Manually scroll through the pages.
- Highlight visible links and copy them one by one.
- Paste each link into a text document or spreadsheet.
Limitations of Free Manual Tools
Free online editors offer some link extraction capabilities, but they fall short in many areas:
- No way to extract hidden links or links embedded in non-text elements.
- The manual procedure cannot process multiple files at once.
- No advanced filtering options (like internal vs. external links).
- They are limited in daily usage on free plans.
- No option to save links in structured formats like CSV.
For users with heavy or regular needs, these tools simply don’t meet expectations.
Method 2: Extract PDF Links Using Free Browser Extensions
One way to extract links from a PDF is by using free browser extensions. These add-ons work directly in your browser and help you detect and copy links from PDF files.
How to Use Extensions to Extract Links from PDF
- Go to your browser’s extension store (like Chrome Web Store).
- Search for extensions like “PDF Link Extractor” or “PDF Viewer with Link Export”.
- Install the extension and open your PDF file in the browser.
- The extension will highlight or list all the links found in the document.
- You can then copy or export these links manually.
This method is good for small files and quick tasks, but it may not be the best option for large documents or bulk link extraction.
Cons:
- Might not detect hidden or image-based links.
- Limited features in most free versions.
- Can be slow for large or complex PDFs.
Method 3: Using DRS Softech PDF Data Extractor Tool (Recommended)
The DRS Softech PDF Data Extractor Tool is built specifically for extracting structured data like links, email IDs, phone numbers, images, and text from PDF files. It can perform multitasking who want fast, accurate results without doing any manual work.
- Extracts all types of links (visible, hidden, embedded).
- Supports single or multiple PDF files at once.
- Also, it preserves formatting and structure.
- Online version available—no need to install anything.
- Offers export options in TXT or CSV formats.
Simplest Steps to Extract Links from PDF Online
Here are the simplest steps you can follow to quickly extract links from a PDF using the PDF link extractor:
Step 1: Install and launch the DRS Softech PDF Data Extractor on your computer.
Step 2: Click the browse button to select the PDF file you want to extract data from, then press “Open” to upload it.
Step 3: Choose a preview mode that suits you and check the file content in the preview area.
Step 4: If needed, set any additional filters, move to the Hyperlink button, then press the “Extract” button to pull links from PDF file.
Manual vs. Automated Extraction – Quick Overview
Let’s quickly compare manual and automated extraction which helps you pick best one for you:
| Feature | Manual Method | PDF Link Extractor |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slow and repetitive | Fast and automated |
| Accuracy | May miss some links | 100% accurate |
| Batch Processing | Not supported | Fully supported |
| Technical Skill | Medium or Expert | Beginner-friendly |
| Time Required | High | Low |
| Export Formats | Manual copy-paste | CSV, TXT supported |
Conclusion
When your PDF contains several links, it is essential to extract link from PDF file. If you copy them manually can waste time and lead to errors. Online tools make the task easier, but for the best speed and accuracy, using a smart tool like the DRS Softech PDF Data Extractor is the most effective choice. It helps you extract all hyperlinks: visible or hidden, in just a few clicks and works perfectly for any size of PDF file.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Use an online tool like the DRS Softech PDF Data Extractor to upload your file and extract all hyperlinks instantly.
A: No, scanned PDFs are images. You’ll need OCR software first to convert the image to text, then extract links.
A: Yes, but always use trusted platforms like DRS Softech, which follow strict data privacy rules.
A: It offers a free demo. For full features such as batch extraction, a license may be required.
About The Author:
Pradeep is an expert with over 2 years of experience in email migration, email recovery, and file conversion. He has a passion for helping users by sharing easy-to-understand solutions for common technical challenges across different platforms. Known for breaking down complex tech topics into simple, enjoyable content, Pradeep's work has earned recognition in several well-known tech blogs. His straightforward approach and reliable guidance have made him a trusted source for both tech enthusiasts and beginners looking to resolve their technical issues.
