To ensure students can search for text (Ctrl+F) within PDF appendices uploaded to online exams, the file must be created to preserve proper text encoding (especially for RTL languages like Hebrew). Incorrect saving causes the text to be saved "backwards" behind the scenes, preventing any search capabilities.
- The Most Important Rule: Do Not "Print to PDF"
Completely avoid using the "Print" command and selecting a virtual printer (such as Microsoft Print to PDF or CutePDF). This is the main cause of text corruption in these files. - The Correct Way to Save from Word or PowerPoint:
Use the software's built-in save options:- Click on File in the top menu.
- Select Save As, and from the file type drop-down menu, choose PDF.
- Alternative option: Click on File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document.
- Use Standard Fonts:
It is recommended to use standard operating system fonts (such as Arial, David, Calibri, Tahoma). Special custom fonts downloaded from the internet might not encode properly when creating the PDF. - Mandatory: The "Copy-Paste Test" (Self-Check Before Uploading)
Before uploading the file to the system, please verify it is formatted correctly:- Open the PDF file you created.
- Copy a single sentence in Hebrew (or the relevant language) and paste it into a blank Word document or Notepad.
- Did the sentence paste correctly and is it readable? The file is ready to upload.
- Did the sentence paste backwards or as gibberish? Return to the source file and export it again as described in Step 2.