Need to add a missing date to a PDF? Insert text where there's none? Annotate a document for review? You don't need expensive software. Our free online PDF editor handles all of this right in your browser.

This guide shows you what you can edit directly in a PDF, when to use our editor vs. converting to Word, and how to get the best results.

What You Can Edit

Add Text

Insert new text anywhere on the page. Match fonts and sizes to blend with existing content, or use a distinct style for annotations.

Add Images

Drop in logos, photos, stamps, or graphics. Resize and position them precisely.

Draw Shapes

Rectangles, circles, lines, and arrows help highlight content, point to specific areas, or create simple diagrams.

Annotate and Markup

Highlight text, add sticky notes, underline, or strikethrough. Perfect for review and collaboration.

Fill Form Fields

Many PDFs have fillable form fields. Type directly into them and download a completed form.

Whiteout Content

Need to cover something up? Add white rectangles to hide content visually. (For true security, use redaction instead — whiteout hides visually but doesn't remove data.)

Sign Documents

Draw, type, or upload your signature. Place it on signature lines. See our detailed PDF signing guide.

How to Edit a PDF

  1. Upload: Go to our Edit PDF tool and select your file
  2. Use the toolbar: Select text, image, shape, or annotation tools
  3. Position elements: Click to place, drag to move, handles to resize
  4. Save: Download your edited PDF

When to Edit vs. When to Convert

Use Our Editor When:

  • Adding new elements (text, images, shapes)
  • Filling out forms
  • Adding annotations and markup
  • Making quick additions to existing content
  • Signing documents

Convert to Word When:

  • You need to rewrite paragraphs
  • Major text changes are required
  • Layout restructuring is needed
  • You want to change fonts throughout

For heavy editing, convert to Word first, make your changes, then save back to PDF.

Tips for Better Editing

Match Fonts

When adding text, try to match the existing document's font for a consistent look. Common choices: Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri.

Zoom In for Precision

Zoom to 150% or 200% when positioning elements precisely. Small adjustments are easier at high zoom.

Use Layers Wisely

New elements sit on top of existing content. Arrange order if elements overlap.

What You Can't Edit Directly

PDF editors add new elements, but can't modify embedded original content like you would in Word. You can:

  • Add new text, but not reflow existing paragraphs
  • Cover content with whiteout, but the original data remains in the file
  • Add images, but not edit embedded images' pixels

For true content modification, convert to an editable format first.

Related Tools

Common Questions

Is my data secure?

Yes. Files are processed securely and deleted shortly after you download. We don't store or access your documents.

Can I edit scanned PDFs?

You can add elements on top of scanned pages. To make the scanned text editable, run OCR first.

Will edits look different from the original?

Added elements may look slightly different from original content due to font rendering. Match fonts and sizes carefully for the best blend.

Make quick changes without heavy software. Edit your PDF now — free.