Need to make changes to a PDF? While PDFs weren't designed for easy editing, there are several free methods to modify your documents. Here's everything you need to know.
Types of PDF Edits
Before choosing a method, identify what kind of edit you need:
- Add text or images: Insert new content onto pages
- Annotate: Add highlights, comments, or drawings
- Fill forms: Complete fillable PDF forms
- Edit existing text: Change the original content
- Rearrange pages: Reorder, delete, or rotate pages
- Redact: Permanently remove sensitive information
Method 1: Online PDF Editor (Easiest)
The quickest way to edit a PDF without installing software:
- Go to Desi PDF Editor
- Upload your PDF file
- Use the toolbar to add text, images, shapes, or signatures
- Click and drag to position elements
- Download your edited PDF
Edit PDFs Free Online
Add text, images, shapes, and signatures to any PDF. No software installation required.
Open PDF Editor âWhat You Can Do with Free PDF Editors
Add New Text
Insert text boxes anywhere on the page. Choose font, size, color, and alignment. Great for filling in forms, adding notes, or annotating documents.
Insert Images
Add photos, logos, or graphics. Resize and position them as needed. Useful for adding signatures, stamps, or visual content.
Draw and Highlight
Use freehand drawing tools, add shapes, or highlight text. Perfect for marking up documents for review.
Add Signatures
Draw your signature or upload a signature image. Use our dedicated Sign PDF tool for more options.
Method 2: Convert to Word, Edit, Convert Back
For extensive text editing, converting to Word format often works better:
- Use PDF to Word converter
- Open the Word file and make your edits
- Use Word to PDF to convert back
đĄ Best For
This method works best for text-heavy documents. Complex layouts with tables, columns, or images may shift during conversion.
Method 3: Using Preview (Mac)
Mac users have a built-in option:
- Open the PDF in Preview
- Click the Markup toolbar button (pencil icon)
- Use tools to add text, shapes, signatures
- Go to File â Export as PDF
Limitations: Can't edit existing text, only add new content.
Method 4: Using Microsoft Edge
The Edge browser has built-in PDF annotation:
- Open the PDF in Microsoft Edge
- Use the toolbar for drawing and highlighting
- Add text using the text tool
- Click "Save" to keep changes
Limitations: Basic editing only - drawing, highlighting, and text notes.
Editing Scanned PDFs
Scanned documents are essentially images, so you can't directly edit the text. To edit scanned PDFs:
- Use OCR tool to convert to searchable/editable text
- Then use the PDF to Word conversion for text editing
- Or use a PDF editor to add new text on top
Comparison of PDF Editing Methods
| Method | Add Text | Edit Text | Images | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Editor | â Yes | â ī¸ Limited | â Yes | Free |
| Convert to Word | â Yes | â Yes | â Yes | Free |
| Mac Preview | â Yes | â No | â Yes | Free |
| Adobe Acrobat Pro | â Yes | â Yes | â Yes | $$$ |
Tips for Better PDF Editing
1. Work with a Copy
Always edit a copy of your original file. Some changes can't be undone, and it's good to have a backup.
2. Match Fonts
When adding text, try to match the existing font style for a cohesive look. Common PDF fonts include Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri.
3. Use Layers
When adding content on top of existing text, use white shapes to cover the original text first if needed.
4. Check the Output
After editing, zoom in to verify text alignment and quality. Print preview can also help catch issues.
â ī¸ Important
Editing PDFs doesn't always produce perfect results. For important documents, consider recreating from the original source if possible.
Specific Edit Tasks
Delete Pages
Use Remove Pages to delete unwanted pages from your PDF.
Rearrange Pages
Use Organize PDF to reorder pages, rotate them, or remove specific pages.
Add Page Numbers
Use Page Numbers to add automatic page numbering to your document.
Crop Pages
Use Crop PDF to adjust page margins and visible area.
Redact Sensitive Info
Use Redact PDF to permanently remove sensitive information.
FAQ
Can I edit a PDF for free?
Yes! Online tools like Desi PDF Editor allow you to add text, images, and annotations completely free.
Can I edit text in a PDF without Adobe?
Yes. Converting to Word is the best free method for editing existing text. For adding new text, any online PDF editor works.
Why can't I edit some PDFs?
The PDF may be protected or restricted. Try using Unlock PDF first (if you have permission).
Will my edits be visible to others?
Some editing methods leave traces. For important documents, consider "flattening" the PDF to merge all layers into one.