Because they are different from Word documents, people believe that PDF files cannot be edited. Users still struggle to edit PDF files online even with the usage of contemporary tools.
However, you may now edit your files rapidly without any specialised technical knowledge thanks to current technologies.
Learn how to edit PDF files online or offline using the suggested tools in this tutorial.
When may you need to modify PDF documents?
Since its creation in the early 1900s, PDF has been a great resource for information sharing. The PDF format enables you to generate, transform, and exchange files in small file sizes.
You could also want to convert a Word to PDF file back to one of the editable formats, such as PowerPoint, Word, or Excel. Additionally, you could want to merge or divide PDF files as well as add, remove, highlight, and delete text and add images. Utilizing the tools at hand will make things simpler.
When modifying PDF files, keep these three things in mind.
A few factors should be taken into account when you want to alter any PDF document.
Data volume
The maximum file size that certain PDF editors will accept is 25MB or 100MB. Any memory usage exceeding that threshold will therefore result in an error message. Optimize your PDF file for web use to reduce the file size while retaining the overall quality to avoid this issue.
- tool for editing
When uploading huge PDF files, the majority of PDF editing applications demand a swift, reliable internet connection. Additionally, some editors provide added services like cloud storage to prevent file loss. Above all, if you are not a premium subscriber, they only allow free access to a few restricted functions.
- the operating system.
For macOS, Android, iOS, and Windows, there are PDF viewers available. Each one has advantages and disadvantages. However, you should base your decision on the instrument in question and the capabilities it offers.
How to modify a PDF file using various programmes
Since there are many different PDF editors available, we’ll keep our discussion to trustworthy programmes. Let’s look at how to edit PDFs with Lumin PDF, Google Docs, and Mac Preview. We’ll also offer some useful pointers for working with an offline editor.
How to use Mac Preview to edit PDF
For Mac users, Mac Preview is a great editing programme. You can edit, sign, and annotate PDFs using Preview. Using its incredible picture editing power, you may even comment and electronically sign your documents.
Most tools for editing PDFs in Preview may be found under the “Mark Up Toolbar.”
To annotate a PDF in Preview for the macOS Monterey 12 version, follow these steps:
- The PDF editing toolbar will appear whenever you open the PDF in Preview and click the “Show Mark Up Toolbar” button.
- You can copy or erase text by touching the text selection icon on the toolbar.
- By tapping on the rectangular “Selection” icon, you can choose a specific area of the image to copy or delete.
- By tapping the “Sketch” icon, you can make sketches. Keep in mind that if your sketch resembles a conventional shape, it will be replaced. Choose your drawing from the palette to retain it.
- By tapping the “Text” icon, you can add text to the document. You can drag your text to the position you want after you’ve finished typing. Please take note that the PDF’s original text cannot be edited on Preview.
- Use the “Sign” tool to add a signature. Choose your preferred technique after clicking “Create Signature.” To sign, you can utilise a trackpad, the built-in camera on your Mac, or an additional iPad or iPhone.
- Click the “Note” button and enter text to add notes to your work. Click it twice to edit the note. Control-clicking the note will then change its colour.
- You can add a speech bubble by selecting Tools > Annotate > Speech Bubble and then entering your content.
How to use an offline editor for editing
Some online PDF editors offer offline versions that can be downloaded. Adobe Acrobat, Sejda, PDFill, PDFTools, and PDF24 are a few examples.
A PDF fillable form, however, can be edited offline in Microsoft Word. Additionally, this programme has the ability to export PDFs without downloading, add shapes and images, and rectify problems.
Let’s examine a straightforward technique to edit PDF utilising this offline tool:
- Launch the PDF document you want to modify. You’ll see a dialogue box informing you that Word will transform your PDF into an editable format.
- Select “OK.”
- When the document is finished, you can alter it as you choose, adding text, graphics, and tables. Additionally, the original wording may be removed.
- To alter an image, right-click on it and choose “Format Picture.”
- By selecting File > Save As after editing, you can export it as a PDF document. Afterward, rename the file.
How to use Google Docs to edit PDFs
Google Docs is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a simple tool to edit PDF files online. The Google Drive apps for Android and iOS do not support editing PDF files. However, by following these steps, files can be edited:
- the PDF file to Google Drive.
- Check out the document preview. Choose Google Docs from the Open With menu in the top-center area of your screen. The utility changes the PDF into a document that may be edited.
- Google Docs is sufficient for altering fillable PDFs because you only need to add or remove text.
- For more complicated editing, link third-party programmes like Lumin PDF to Google Drive’s PDF editor.
How to use an online editor to edit PDF files
Lumin PDF’s cloud-based tools let you edit PDF files online. Using your browser, you can annotate PDFs by adding text, comments, shapes, and photos as well as signing them.
Utilizing the Lumin PDF editor:
- Join for no cost. We advise using your Google account to register.
- Lumin PDF should be chosen when you click “Open With” to see your PDF document in Google Drive.
- You can edit your PDF however you like by using the toolbar at the top of your screen.
5 Outstanding Free PDF Editors
Costlier PDF editors like Adobe are available. You can use any of these online free PDF editors if you require one:
Bright PDF
A less expensive alternative to Adobe Acrobat, Lumin PDF offers a tonne of capabilities. The features of this programme include text editing, auto-saving, synchronisation, annotating, merging, creating PDF templates, and downloading PDF templates. It can be used on most OS systems because it is a web-based programme.
Sejda
If you rarely need to modify PDFs, Sejda PDF Editor is perfect for you. Using its user-friendly interface, you may perform simple editing chores online for free.
PDFMerge
To combine PDF templates or merge PDF files for effective record keeping, use PDFMerge. Because it doesn’t save submitted files, this application is ideal if you are cautious about the protection of your data.
Okular
Excellent PDF annotation software that also functions as an EPUB reader is Okular. It is reachable with a Chrome browser.
SodaPDF
Using the help of a blank PDF template, you can easily create PDF forms with this cloud-based editor. You can also compress and merge files, as well as get access to free PDF invitation templates.
Conclusion
You can choose the PDF editing tool that best matches your needs from among a wide selection that are offered. Some PDF editors can be used without an internet connection. To make your files easier to post or download, however, you must keep their size as little as possible. Editing PDFs will be simpler if you follow the instructions in this guide.