How to Write on a PDF

In the digital age, PDFs have become essential for document sharing and storage. They're user-friendly, highly portable, and support various content, from texts to images. There are times, however, when we need to start editing in PDF files or directly write on them.

Whether you're a student marking up an academic paper, an employee reviewing a report, or just someone wanting to add notes to an e-book, knowing how to write on a PDF is valuable. Here's a guide to help you do just that on your desktop or on the PDF Reader Pro mobile app. 

 

• How to Write on a PDF Using Windows OS
• How to Write on a PDF Using Mac OS
• How to Write on a PDF Best Practice
• How to Write on a PDF FAQs
  
  

How to Write on a PDF Using Windows OS

Learn to write on a PDF file on Windows using your desktop or mobile device. You can do several things using PDF Reader Pro, but these are the two most common procedures. 

Adding Your Own Text

Step 1: Open your PDF Document

Click Open File in the PDF editor or drag the file into the drop zone.

 

Step 2: Click "Edit PDF"

Use our PDF tools found in the top-left corner and select "Add Text".  This will convert the entire document into an editable format. Click anywhere on the page to add original file content.

Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

 

Step 3: Change the Form Features 

On the top right corner, click "Properties" to change your text's color, size, or alignment. 

Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

 

Dots, Lines, and Signatures

Step 1: Open Your PDF File

To start writing on PDFs, click Open File or drag your file into the drop zone. 

 

Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

Step 2: Click "Fill and Sign"

PDF Reader Pro allows you to create fillable forms. You can select quick edits from the editing interface menu, such as adding a signature or using the oval-shaped icon to circle items. 

 

Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
 

How to Write on a PDF Using Mac OS

Easily add text to your PDF form using our PDF editor, designed to work seamlessly with Mac. 

Adding Your Own Text

Step 1: Open your PDF Document

Click Open File or drag your PDF file into the drop zone of the PDF editor. 




Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

Step 2: Click "Edit PDF"

Select "Add Text" from the menu bar above. Click anywhere to open a dialogue box.




Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

Step 3: Use the Handy Markup Tools

Click anywhere on the page to add a text box. You can select color styles with the effortless design options on the Properties panel. 

 

Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

Dots, Lines, and Signatures

Step 1: Click "Fill and Sign"

 

Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

Step 2: Select Additions from the Editing Interface

Select different options from the menu that allow you to sign the document or add lines and other elements. 

Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

How to Write on a PDF Best Practice

When writing or annotating a PDF, it's essential to follow certain best practices to ensure clarity and maintain the document's professionalism:

• Be Clear: Make sure your writing is legible and concise when adding notes or comments. Remember, others might need to understand your notes.

• Use Colors Wisely: If highlighting or using colored text, choose colors that stand out against the document's background but are not too harsh on the eyes.

• Maintain Original Content: Avoid overwriting the original text in the document. Instead, use the margins or the comment feature to add your notes.

• Back-Up the Original: Keeping a copy of the original PDF is a good idea before making extensive annotations or edits. This ensures that you always have an unaltered version.

• Limit Font Varieties: If you add text, match the original document's font or stick to universally accepted fonts like Times New Roman or Arial.

 

The ability to write on a PDF makes reviewing and feedback processes more efficient and transforms the way we interact with digital content. With the right tools and best practices, you can ensure that your annotations enhance, rather than detract from, the original document.

 

How to Write on a PDF FAQs

1. Why would I need to write on a PDF?

Writing on a PDF is useful for providing feedback, marking up academic papers, filling out forms, or adding notes to digital reading material like e-books.

2. Do I need special PDF software to write on a PDF?

While you only sometimes need specialized software, specific tools like PDF Reader Pro make the process easier and more efficient with extra PDF tools. 

3. Can I use the annotation tools on any PDF?

Most PDF software tools allow annotations. However, some might be protected or locked, preventing edits. You'll need permission or a password to write on such PDFs.

4. What's the difference between highlighting and annotating?

Highlighting refers to marking a section of text to emphasize it, while annotating involves adding notes, comments, or other markings to provide additional information or feedback.

5. How can I ensure my annotations are clear and professional?

Stick to universally accepted fonts, use colors wisely, maintain the document's original content, and ensure your notes are legible and concise. This is easy to do with PDF Reader Pro's intuitive navigation tools. 

6. Is it safe to use online platforms for editing my PDFs?

Avoid uploading sensitive or confidential documents to online document viewers. Also, check the platform's privacy policy to ensure they don't store your files.

7. I made annotations on a PDF. Can I remove or edit them later?

Yes, PDF Reader Pro will also let you edit or remove additions from the annotation toolbar. However, permanently save a backup of the original PDF before making extensive changes.

8. Can I share my edited PDF form with others?

Absolutely. Once you've saved your document using our editing software, you can share it like any other file. However, please ensure the recipient has the necessary software to view the annotations if the software adds any proprietary elements.

9. What if I make a mistake while annotating? Can I undo my actions?

Most PDF editing tools have an "undo" function, allowing you to correct mistakes. Nonetheless, keeping a backup of the original document to be safe is always a good idea.

If you have more questions or need further clarification on writing or editing PDFs, please comment on the blog or contact us directly.