| name | pdf-text-replace |
| description | Replace text in fillable PDF forms by updating form field values. This skill should be used when users need to update names, addresses, dates, or other text in PDF form fields. |
PDF Text Replace Skill
Replace text in fillable PDF forms by updating form field values.
Description
This skill allows you to search and replace text in PDF files that have fillable form fields. It scans all form fields in the PDF, finds fields containing the search text, and replaces it with the replacement text.
Use Cases
- Update names in filled tax forms
- Replace addresses in PDF documents
- Update dates or reference numbers
- Batch update form field values
Requirements
- PDF must have fillable form fields (not flattened)
- Python 3.7+
- pypdf library
Usage
Basic Usage
python /app/uploads/skills/public/pdf-text-replace/scripts/replace_text_in_pdf.py \
/app/uploads/input.pdf \
"OLD TEXT" \
"NEW TEXT" \
/app/uploads/output.pdf
Example: Replace Name in Tax Form
python /app/uploads/skills/public/pdf-text-replace/scripts/replace_text_in_pdf.py \
/app/uploads/f5472.pdf \
"MANISH KUMAR" \
"MANNU KUMAR" \
/app/uploads/f5472_updated.pdf
Script Details
Script: scripts/replace_text_in_pdf.py
Arguments:
input_pdf - Path to input PDF filesearch_text - Text to search for in form fieldsreplace_text - Text to replace withoutput_pdf - Path to save the updated PDF
Output:
- Creates a new PDF with updated field values
- Preserves all form fields (not flattened)
- Reports number of fields modified
Limitations
- Only works with fillable PDF forms (not scanned/image PDFs)
- Replaces text in form field values, not static text
- Case-sensitive search by default
- Cannot modify flattened PDFs
Dependencies
The script requires the pypdf library, which is included in the container requirements.
Error Handling
The script will report errors if:
- Input PDF doesn't exist
- PDF doesn't have fillable form fields
- Search text is not found
- Output path is not writable
