Microsoft Edge is adding Copilot AI-powered Smart Keywords to its PDF reader

Microsoft Edge's PDF reader is set to introduce "smart keywords," a new feature powered by Copilot. This functionality scans entire PDF documents to identify keywords that best represent the content. Users can click on these smart keywords to open the Copilot AI side panel for AI-powered web searches directly within Edge.

The smart keywords activation button is conveniently placed next to the existing “Ask Copilot” button and reads: “Generate smart keywords for this document with Copilot.” Additionally, Microsoft is developing other Copilot-related features, including an enhanced “Draft with Copilot” and a new “Circle to Copilot” feature, akin to “Circle to Search.”

It's also worth noting that by early 2025, Microsoft plans to replace Edge’s current PDF viewer with a new Adobe Acrobat Reader powered engine, updating the underlying technology rather than removing PDF viewing capabilities.