Search in PDF in Google Drive For Free

Based on 12500+ reviews
Last updated on Jan 4, 2026

Search in PDF in Google Drive with pdfFiller

TL;DR: To search in PDF files stored in Google Drive using pdfFiller, upload your PDFs to the pdfFiller platform, open the file, and utilize the search feature to quickly locate specific text or data. This ensures efficient document management and ease of access to necessary information.

What is searching in PDF in Google Drive?

Searching in PDF in Google Drive refers to the process of locating text or keywords within PDF documents stored in Google Drive. This feature becomes essential when dealing with multiple PDFs, as it allows users to swiftly find relevant information without having to scroll through entire documents. pdfFiller enhances this capability by providing advanced search functionalities, enabling users to pinpoint necessary details effortlessly.

Why searching in PDF in Google Drive matters in PDF workflows

The ability to search PDFs efficiently improves productivity, particularly for individuals and teams dealing with extensive documentation. Whether you're a business professional reviewing reports or a student studying materials, fast access to information within large documents is critical. The integration of pdfFiller with Google Drive further streamlines workflows by reducing the time consumed in locating essential content.

Core capabilities of searching in PDF in pdfFiller

pdfFiller offers a robust search tool for PDF documents, allowing users to not only search for text but also to highlight, annotate, and extract data from their documents. Key capabilities include:

  1. 1.
    Quick search across multiple PDFs to locate specific information
  2. 2.
    Search within text, annotations, and comments to streamline the review process
  3. 3.
    Highlighting search results for quick reference
  4. 4.
    An intuitive user interface that integrates seamlessly with Google Drive for easy document management

Formatting text in search results: fonts, size, color, alignment

When conducting a search in pdfFiller, users can take advantage of various formatting tools. Although the main focus lies in locating information, presenting that information clearly is also essential. Users can customize the appearance of their search results by adjusting:

  1. 1.
    Fonts for better readability
  2. 2.
    Font size to emphasize important points
  3. 3.
    Color coding for categorizing information
  4. 4.
    Alignment to create a cleaner look

Erasing and redacting content through search

Upon finding sensitive information, pdfFiller's features allow users to erase or redact content directly in their PDFs. This ensures that confidential details can be safely removed or obscured before sharing documents. The steps to redact information include using the search functionality to locate sensitive text, selecting the redaction tool, and confirming the action.

Applying styles: bold, italic, underline in search results

When highlighting results, applying stylistic elements such as bold, italic, and underline can help in distinguishing key information. This functionality in pdfFiller allows users to emphasize important content or search results to enhance clarity and focus during reviews.

How to search in PDF in pdfFiller step-by-step

To effectively search within PDFs using pdfFiller and Google Drive, follow these steps:

  1. 1.
    Log in to your pdfFiller account and link your Google Drive.
  2. 2.
    Upload the desired PDF files from your Google Drive.
  3. 3.
    Open the PDF document within pdfFiller.
  4. 4.
    Utilize the search bar to enter keywords or phrases you wish to locate.
  5. 5.
    Review the highlighted search results to navigate through the document.

Typical use-cases and industries applying PDF search

Many sectors benefit from efficient PDF searching capabilities. Common use cases include:

  1. 1.
    Legal professionals searching case files for specific clauses or precedents
  2. 2.
    Healthcare providers finding patient information in medical records
  3. 3.
    Educators looking for references in academic papers
  4. 4.
    Businesses accessing important data in financial reports or contracts

Alternatives compared to pdfFiller's search in PDF functionality

Several PDF tools also offer search capabilities, including Adobe Acrobat, Foxit PDF, and Nitro PDF. While these alternatives boast unique features, pdfFiller stands out due to its strong integration with cloud storage systems like Google Drive, its intuitive user interface, and the comprehensive document management tools it provides. Users should consider the pricing and specific functionalities of each tool to determine the best fit for their needs.

Conclusion

Searching in PDF in Google Drive via pdfFiller provides an effective solution for managing and retrieving information from digital documents. With its powerful search functionality, advanced formatting options, and secure editing capabilities, pdfFiller empowers users to handle their PDF workflows more efficiently. Whether for individual or team use, pdfFiller ensures that essential information is never out of reach, enhancing productivity and facilitating better document management.

The online PDF editor that has it all

Edit PDFs without workarounds

Quickly add, erase, replace, or reformat text in PDFs without converting files back and forth or using clunky desktop software. Our editor works on any device, allowing you to fill out forms and make edits wherever you are.
Screen

Add legally binding signatures

Sign PDFs directly in the editor—no extra eSignature tools needed. Add your signature or initials after editing a contract or agreement and send it out to sign.
Screen

Make a lasting impression with your PDFs

Add images, logos, tables, and watermarks to maintain a professional look of your documents on any device. Draw lines and arrows, insert checkmarks and shapes, or draw freehand to make quick markings or organize information.
Screen

Annotate and collaborate

Highlight important data, redact sensitive details, add sticky notes, and exchange comments for speedy document reviews. Share files instantly to request edits, feedback, or approval—no need for email attachments.
Screen

Create fillable PDF forms

Turn static PDFs into interactive fillable forms anyone can complete online. Drag and drop text boxes, signature fields, dropdowns, and checkboxes, then share your form via a link or publish it on your website.
Screen

Split, merge, and rearrange

Edit and reorganize your PDFs in one place. Split a large PDF into bite-sized docs or merge separate files into one comprehensive document. Need a smaller file size? Compress your document with just one click!
Screen

How to edit PDFs with pdfFiller

Illustration

1. Upload or create

Upload a document, find a template in our online library, or create a blank PDF and design it from the ground up.
Illustration

2. Edit in seconds

Open your document in our drag-and-drop PDF editor and use the tools in the top panel to make edits or add fields.
Illustration

3. Save or export

Once finished, download a document in any format or send it straight to cloud storage.
Upload your document

Who needs this?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller to edit PDFs.
Education
Real Estate
Healthcare
Finance
Human-Resources
Legal
Education

Education

Educators and administrators use pdfFiller to edit lesson plans, sign permission slips, and collaborate on curriculum updates. Create fillable forms for enrollment or evaluations, and organize PDFs with ease, all on one platform.
  • Lesson plans
  • Permission slips
  • Enrollment forms
  • Course registration forms
Real estate

Real Estate

Real estate professionals rely on pdfFiller to manage property documents efficiently, ensuring a polished and professional experience for clients. They edit, sign, annotate documents, highlight key terms, and merge files to organize listings or prepare polished presentations.
  • Lease agreements
  • Sales contracts
  • Client intake forms
  • Property listing agreements
Healthcare

Healthcare

Healthcare providers use pdfFiller to manage patient and administrative documents with tools to edit intake forms, sign consent forms, add watermarks, annotate reports, create fillable forms, and organize files by splitting or merging PDFs—all in one place.
  • Patient intake forms
  • Sign consent forms
  • Medical reports
  • Appointment forms
Finance

Finance

Financial professionals trust pdfFiller to edit and sign sensitive documents with ease, ensuring every interaction is accurate and professional. With pdfFiller, they can easily modify content, highlight key information, redact sensitive details, and share comments for faster document reviews.
  • Financial statements
  • Contracts & agreements
  • Financial reports
  • Expense reports
human-resources

Human-Resources

HR professionals use pdfFiller’s editing tools to streamline their work. They can edit contracts or policies on any device, sign and send NDAs or offer letters, add company logos, annotate reviews, and create fillable forms to make employee management more efficient.
  • Employment contracts
  • NDAs
  • Offer letters
  • Employee feedback forms

PDF editing is just the beginning

GDPR
AICPA SOC 2
PCI
HIPAA
CCPA
FDA

More than a PDF editor

Create and edit PDFs, collect data and signatures, collaborate, and manage files securely in the cloud. pdfFiller empowers you to handle all your document tasks in one place.

Your productivity booster

Stay in the loop and access your documents anytime and anywhere. Zip through paperwork with reusable templates, a built-in library of forms, and streamlined document workflows.

Your documents—secured

From data encryption to signer authentication, pdfFiller helps protect your data and comply with industry-leading security regulations, including HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II, PCI DSS, and others.

Edit PDFs with an all-in-one solution

Try easy-to-use tools for all your document management needs.
Upload your document

pdfFiller scores top ratings on review platforms

Users Most Likely To Recommend - Summer 2025
Grid Leader in Small-Business - Summer 2025
High Performer - Summer 2025
Regional Leader - Summer 2025
I don't pay for PDFfiller so I can only say speak to the ease of use on features that I think are available. I am not sure if creating a document that is editable in word is possible in every version. If so I can not figure it out. That is my only feedback. Otherwise using this website is a breeze.
Anonymous Customer
What do you like best?
I have been using pdf filler for approximately 2 years now - and I can't say enough good things about it. It's very easy to convert documents into a fillable format.
What do you dislike?
I can't think of anything - as the features I've currently used meets my expectations.
What problems are you solving with the product? What benefits have you realized?
It allows me to convert any document into a professional fillable document.
Jimmy Johnston
Great App I have used this product six times since installing 2 days ago. This is the best PDF app I have seen in a long time. I will highly recommend it.
Debra A
A reliable and quick to use PDF signing and editing platform Quick and easy signing for PDF forms, especially on mobile devices. PDFfiller is web-based, so it's easy for me to access on my phone if I need to quickly sign or edit a PDF file. Additional features in the paid subscription model (more editing options), would convince me to sign-up for the paid versions of the software.
Stuart E.
Makes My Job Easy I use PDFfiller to create contracts and purchase orders. For contracts, I typically input data into Excel, and then use PDFfiller to create the finished contract from my Excel data. For purchase orders, I use PDFfiller to edit document information, highlight items, and sign the document. This saves me the hassle of having to print out documents, edit them by hand, and then scan/fax them. Very happy with PDFfiller, as it most certainly makes my job easier. PDFfiller has all the features that I need for my documents: adding a logo, highlighting, and drawing. I also think that it's great how you can seamlessly use Excel data to fill out forms automatically. This is especially helpful when creating contracts. The price is a little steep for what I see as somewhat of a basic software concept; however, it's worth it in my opinion. There is also a decent learning curve, but once you get the hang of all features, you can automate things and fill out your PDFs very quickly.
Verified Reviewer
This program is such a life saver This program is such a life saver, very easy to use, now people I send documents will be able to read the document, also allows you to sign a document as well. 10 out of a 10.
FDNYbuffL
Though it is new to me Though it is new to me, and signed up today, it will take sometime to know how good I am feeling about it. So far, I am satisfied Thanks
Nimo Hirsi
I never leave reviews, but Elisa from the 'chat' help was so helpful that I am leaving a review!!! I usually avoid chat help on websites, but Im glad I stumbled upon Elisa. Truly helpful and very efficent. Just became a happy customer
roy k
A student-friendly experience I used this for easy homework access since they were in PDF formats. There was a problem with my subscription and payment process. I am glad my concerns were addressed in a friendly and hassle-free manner. More power to your company.
Ana Gomez
Show more Show less

Watch our PDF editor in action

Check out a quick video tutorial that shows how to edit any file into an editable PDF in three easy steps.

FAQs

If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us anytime!
Can Google search text in PDF? Enter search terms: In the search bar, enter the keyword or phrase you want to search for within PDF documents. Add “filetype:pdf” to your search query: To instruct Google to search specifically within PDF files, add “filetype:pdf” to your search query.
0:17 1:50 And then PDF. Without any space. So you are going to put in your query. First then file typeMoreAnd then PDF. Without any space. So you are going to put in your query. First then file type semicolon PDF you are going to press enter. And here you can see that all the files.

Edit PDFs with an all-in-one solution

Try easy-to-use tools for all your document management needs.
Upload your document