Has it ever happened that you're frustrated, scrolling endlessly through pages of text just to find the document's key insights? Whether it's reviewing lengthy reports or analyzing complex data, searching for that one crucial detail can be time-consuming. Thus, to deal with such scenarios, many individuals prefer using Microsoft's built-in tool, Copilot for reading PDFs efficiently.
This platform serves as an AI assistant that can quickly scan, summarize, and extract the most relevant information from any PDF in seconds. However, many queries may emerge in your mind: "Can Copilot read PDF files with accuracy?" To get yourself sorted, read the following guide for using Microsoft Copilot as a PDF reader and an alternative for better chatting.
Part 1. Can I Upload a PDF to Copilot? Can It Read PDFs?
Yes, you can upload PDFs to Microsoft Copilot since it possesses the capability to read and analyze the document. Many users have found it helpful for summarizing and answering questions based on the content of their PDF. On the contrary, some individuals have recently reported issues where the Copilot upload PDF functionality is not working as expected.
Thus, considering these issues, we have discovered the best alternative, UPDF AI, for users facing such issues. Instead of relying on Copilot, which is now frequently affecting PDF processing, try UPDF AI online by clicking the button below or download the UPDF app for on-the-go use. Remember that UPDF AI online is a utility of UPDF, which offers the same AI functionalities as in desktop and mobile app versions.
Also Read: Can I Upload Documents to ChatGPT >>
Part 2. How Can I Let Copilot Read PDFs?
With so much valuable information locked inside documents, having an AI assistant that can extract key insights can be a lifesaver. Hence, to get an answer to the most asked question, "Can Copilot summarize a PDF?" you need to follow the guide below:
Step 1. Open the Tool and Upload a PDF
To experience the expertise of Microsoft Copilot, first open the tool on your device. Afterward, press the "+" button to access further options, where you've to select the "Upload" option to add your desired PDF to the tool.
![use add icon to upload pdf](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/can-copilot-read-pdf-1.webp)
Step 2. Send a Prompt to Summarize the Uploaded PDF
Once you're done importing your PDF on the platform, type an appropriate prompt to summarize the PDF in the text box. After doing so, hit the "Send" icon and wait for the tool to generate a precise summary for your PDF.
Step 3. Translate the Uploaded PDF
Upon getting a concise summary for your PDF, you can type a prompt to translate the PDF into your desired language. Once done, press the "Send" icon again and let the tool convert your uploaded PDF into the Chinese language, as mentioned.
![enter another command and send](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/can-copilot-read-pdf-3.webp)
Step 4. Copy the Final Translated Text
Finally, when you get the translated version of your PDF, you can later press the "Copy" icon to paste your text on another document. Alternatively, you can also type another prompt as per your requirement to process the PDF.
Cons of Copilot for Reading PDFs
- Users can not select specific content from the PDF when reading through Microsoft Copilot because it allows only you to upload the document entirely.
- Although it provides a summary of the added PDF, it is not precise and requires more clearance to understand the whole context.
- Users might get unreliable responses when they upload complex PDFs to Microsoft Copilot.
- The response time for translating whole PDFs on Copilot might be longer than for other document-translation tools.
- It does not support reading scanned PDFs.
Part 3. A Better Way to Chat with PDFs with a Copilot Alternative
If you're struggling with Microsoft Copilot's PDF issues, why deal with unpredictable performance when you have a better solution? UPDF AI offers seamless document management with advanced AI features, available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and an online version. Experience more accurate PDF processing than ever before.
Unlike Copilot, UPDF AI supports analyzing scanned PDFs (requires performing OCR on Windows/Mac first). Moreover, it provides different ways to summarize, translate, and explain PDFs. Most importantly, it can convert lengthy PDFs to intuitive mind maps.
In the following guide, we will demonstrate how UPDF AI works using the Windows app. Download it to your device and follow the steps to see the difference for yourself.
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Step 1. Commence the Tool and Open the PDF
Open UPDF and press the "Open File" button to add your desired PDF to the platform for accessing its reading mode.
Step 2. Access the UPDF AI Tool and Enable Ask PDF Mode
Upon importing your PDF into the tool, navigate toward the "UPDF AI" tool at the bottom right corner of your screen. Afterward, access the "Ask PDF" mode and press the "Get Started" button to inaugurate the next step with AI assistance.
![locate ask pdf and get started](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/can-copilot-read-pdf-6.webp)
Step 3. Summarize Copied the Text in the Ask PDF Section
After uploading the PDF to UPDF AI, it will provide a summary automatically. If you want to summarize specific content, you can click the "Summarize" option above the chatbox and select the page that you want it to summarize.
Alternatively, you can select any text from the imported PDF and copy/paste it into the text box given for Ask PDF. Once done, enter a prompt to summarize the pasted text, and later hit the "Send" button to generate precise summarized content.
![copy text and enter prompt for summarization](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/can-copilot-read-pdf-7.webp)
After getting a precise summary of your copied/pasted text, you can further utilize the summary for another document by copying it. Furthermore, if you are not convinced with the generated answer, you can command AI for another concise summary of the text.
Step 4. Translate the Imported PDF
To translate a PDF into your desired language, press the "Translate" icon at the bottom of the chat box and proceed to the next step.
![use translate icon to continue](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/can-copilot-read-pdf-9.webp)
When you access the respective option, a pop-up menu will appear where you can adjust the language according to your preference. The tool will ask you to set the page numbers to a specific range and finally hit the "Go" button to generate a translated version. In the end, review the translated PDF that appears in the chat box, which you can further copy and paste as per requirement.
![add page range and language](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/can-copilot-read-pdf-10.webp)
Step 5. Explain the Added PDF Text
You can access the explain feature by selecting the text. Afterward, extend the options for UPDF AI and then choose the "Explain" feature from the given options.
![explain uploaded pdf](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/can-copilot-read-pdf-11.webp)
Upon getting a detail explanation for the text you selected, you can later copy the generated explanation or regenerate if not satisfied.
Note:
When considering UPDF for its reading capabilities, it also provides a read PDF aloud feature for Mac and iOS users. Moreover, when viewing a PDF using UPDF, individuals can avail of 6 different display modes, two zooming options, and a slideshow feature. Apart from this, it shows the cover page in two-page view mode while allowing it to switch between light and dark mode.
Conclusion
While answering the question "can Copilot read PDF?," it is evident that many users have reported issues such as difficulty processing scanned documents. To deal with this situation, they switch to a more reliable alternative, UPDF AI, which excels in reading and processing PDFs with AI assistance. Using its progressive AI processing abilities, it allows users to summarize and translate their desired PDFs into any language they prefer.
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