How to Export Highlights and Notes from an Online Textbook

Highlights and notes are the part of an etextbook that you created. When access ends, they can disappear with the book. Exporting them takes a few minutes per title and keeps months of study work in a file you control.

What different readers can export

Most etextbook readers group study work in a panel called Notes, Notebook or Study Tools. What leaves that panel varies:

Output	What it usually contains
Export file	Highlights, notes and page references in a document or spreadsheet
Print notes	A printable list you can save as PDF through the print dialog
Share or email	Notes sent to your email address
Flashcards	Highlights turned into cards inside the reader
None	Notes stay in the reader only

Publishers can limit how much highlighted text an export includes. Your typed notes are usually complete, while long quoted passages may be shortened.

Step 1: sync the device with the newest notes

Open the reader on every device you used, while online, and let each one sync. Notes made offline stay on that device until it reconnects. Then open the reader in the browser or on your main device and check that recent notes appear.

Step 2: find the study tools panel

Look for a notebook or notes icon in the reader's toolbar or side panel. In many readers, filters let you show highlights only, notes only, or a color. Clear the filters before exporting so nothing is left out.

Step 3: choose the most useful official output

Pick the output that matches how you will use the notes:

• For revision: an export to a document, which you can edit and reorganize.
• For an archive: print the notes view and choose PDF in the macOS print dialog, then Save as PDF.
• For a reference list: an export that keeps page numbers, so you can cite them later.

If several formats are offered, save two. A document is easy to edit, and a PDF preserves the layout.

Step 4: add context the export omitted

Exports often drop the book's details. At the top of the file, add the title, edition, ISBN, author and the date you exported. Without these, page references become hard to use for citations.

If chapter names are missing, add them as headings. A few minutes now saves time when you return to the notes months later.

Step 5: verify the file outside the reader

Open the exported file in Preview, Pages or another app. Check four things:

1. The number of notes roughly matches the count in the reader.
2. Page numbers or locations are present.
3. Special characters and formulas display correctly.
4. Notes from the last week are included.

When the export is incomplete

If notes are missing, sync again and repeat the export. If highlighted text is cut short, the publisher limit applies; your notes and page references still let you find the passage later. If there is no export at all, ask the platform's support whether one exists for your title.

Should you capture the Notes panel as screenshots?

When no export exists, capturing the notes panel is a reasonable personal backup of your own work. Quoted passages in the panel still belong to the publisher, so keep the result for personal study and check the platform's terms.

1. Open the notes panel

   Expand the notes panel as wide as the window allows and scroll to the top.

2. Set up Auto Capture

   Open Auto Capture with Command+1. Choose Screenshots as the stop condition and enter enough frames to cover the list.

3. Set the scroll key

   Under Key press, record Page Down so the list scrolls one screen between frames. Set the interval to 1 second.

4. Frame the panel

   Use Custom Area to capture only the notes panel, then select Start Auto Capture and click the panel during the countdown.

5. Export

   Clear duplicate frames at the end of the list and choose PDF, which adds an OCR text layer.

To join the frames into one long image instead, use Stitch Screenshots. The automated capture guide explains intervals and key presses.

A practical export rhythm

• Export after each chapter or unit, not only at the end of term.
• Name files with course, book and date, such as "BIO101 notes 2026-10".
• Keep exports in a folder your regular backup includes.
• Do a final export two weeks before access ends.

FAQ

Do notes stay after a rental ends?

It depends on the platform. Export before the end date to be safe.

Why are some highlights shortened?

The publisher sets a limit on exported text. Your notes and page references are usually unaffected.

Can I import notes into another reader?

Rarely. Keep them as a document or PDF instead.

Working with pages you are allowed to save?

Download Temposhot to turn your notes panel or other permitted views into a searchable PDF. See keep an etextbook after access expires for what else to save before the end date.