In order to test that the patch works as intended, run /usr/bin/xpdf.real -remote SERV q1.pdf This will open up a pdf viewer with a document. Now make a serach using the remote interface using the "SERV" server name. /usr/bin/xpdf.real -remote SERV -exec 'search(needle)' This will cause the xpdf instance to search and go to the page of the first match, and highlight the word "needle" (just as it would if you were to use the Find dialog).