How to edit a PDF
PDF files are one of the most widely used file formats in the world for sharing digital documents. However, sometimes you may need to make changes to your existing PDF documents, such as adding or removing text, images, or even pages.
Fortunately, there are several options available for editing a PDF without having to purchase expensive editing software. In this article, we will guide you through some of the most common methods for editing a PDF and provide helpful tips for achieving the best possible results.
What you need to know before getting started
Before you begin editing your PDF file, there are some important things you should know:
- Not all PDF files are editable: if your file was created as a scanned document or was not saved as an editable PDF file, you will not be able to easily edit it.
- Some methods require purchasing software: if you want to use professional software for PDF editing, you will likely need to purchase it. However, there are also many free options available.
- It's always a good idea to make a copy of your original file before making any changes: this way, you will always have an intact copy of your original document in case something goes wrong during the editing process.
Tools for Editing a PDF
There are several tools that allow you to edit a PDF file. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Adobe Acrobat: this software is one of the best PDF editing tools available on the market. It offers many advanced features, such as the ability to add text, images, and links to documents.
- PDF-XChange Editor: this software is a viable alternative to Adobe Acrobat. It allows you to edit text, images, and objects in the PDF document. Additionally, it also offers some advanced functions, such as the ability to create fillable forms.
- Smallpdf: this is a free online service that allows you to edit PDF files without having to install any software on your computer. It offers various editing options, such as adding text, removing pages, and compressing the file.
- Sejda PDF: this online service allows you to edit PDF files quickly and easily. It allows you to add text, images, and shapes to the document, as well as rotate or delete pages.
- GIMP: although primarily used for image editing, GIMP can also be used for editing PDF files. You can open the document within the program and make desired changes.
It's important to choose the right tool based on your needs. If you only need to make some simple edits, a free online service may suffice. Conversely, if you require advanced features like creating fillable forms, it's better to opt for professional software like Adobe Acrobat or PDF-XChange Editor.
Editing text in a pdf
Once you have opened the pdf file that you want to edit, you can start working on the text. Generally, there are two ways to do this:
1. Use the text editing tool
Many pdf editing programs have a text editing tool that allows you to select and modify existing text in the document.
- Select the "Text Editing" tool from the tools menu or sidebar.
- Click on the word or phrase you want to modify.
- Insert the new text.
Note that some parts of the document may not be editable using this method, such as images or logos embedded in the pdf.
2. Copy and paste text into a text editor
If the text editing tool does not work properly or if you only want to copy a portion of the text from the pdf, you can always use the copy and paste function.
- Select the text you want to copy from the pdf.
- Right-click and select "Copy".
- Go to your preferred text editor (e.g. Word) and right-click where you want to paste the text.
- Select "Paste".
Note that when copying and pasting text from a pdf, formatting may not be preserved. You may need to manually reformat the text in your text editor.
Inserting images, links, and comments
Editing a PDF is not limited to correcting text or adding new pages. In many cases, it may be necessary to insert images, links, or comments to enrich the content of the document. Let's see how to do it.
Inserting images in a PDF
To insert an image into a PDF, follow these steps:
- Select the "Add Image" tool in the Acrobat toolbar.
- Choose the image you want to insert from your computer or network folder.
- Position the image on the PDF page where you want it to appear.
- Adjust the size of the image using anchor points on the edges of the image.
Note that you can move the image at any time by selecting it with the "Move Object" tool.
Inserting links in a PDF
Hyperlinks are very useful for creating links between different parts of the document or to external websites. Here's how to add a link to a PDF:
- Select the "Add Link" tool in the Acrobat toolbar.
- Choose the type of link you want to create (link to a specific page, link to another part of the document, or link to an external website).
- Position the link on the PDF page where you want it to appear.
- Enter the URL or destination page of the link.
To modify or remove an existing link, select it with the "Move Object" tool and choose the desired option from the editing menu.
Inserting comments in a PDF
Comments are useful for providing feedback or additional notes on specific parts of the document. Here's how to add a comment to a PDF:
- Select the "Add Note" tool in the Acrobat toolbar.
- Click on the part of the document where you want to insert the comment.
- Type the text of the comment in the pop-up window that appears.
- Adjust the position and size of the pop-up window using anchor points on its edges.
Comments can be shown or hidden by selecting the appropriate option from the Acrobat toolbar. Additionally, you can reply to existing comments or delete unnecessary ones.
Protecting your PDF and converting it to other formats
Once you've made necessary changes to your PDF, you may want to protect it from unauthorized copying. There are several ways to do this, but one of the most common is adding a password to the file.
To protect your PDF with a password, follow these simple steps:
- Open the PDF with Adobe Acrobat
- Click on "File" in the main menu bar
- Select "Protect with Password"
- Type your desired password into both "User Password" and "Confirm Password" fields
- Click on "OK"
- Save the protected file by clicking on "File" and then "Save"
In addition to password protection, you can also limit access to your PDF by choosing who can read or modify it. This is particularly useful if you're working on a sensitive document that should only be shared with certain people.
To limit access to your PDF, follow these steps:
- Open the PDF with Adobe Acrobat
- Click on "File" in the main menu bar
- Select "Protect with Password"
- Select "Restrict editing and printing"
- Select desired options for protecting your document
- Click on "OK"
- Save the protected file by clicking on "File" and then "Save"
In addition to protection, you may also want to convert your PDF to another format, such as Word or Excel. There are several online tools that can help you do this, but it's important to choose a reliable one to avoid compromising the quality of your document.
Here are some of the best online tools for converting your PDF:
- SmallPDF: This free online tool allows you to convert your PDFs to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other formats without compromising their quality.
- Zamzar: This online tool allows you to convert your PDFs to a wide range of formats, including images, documents, and videos.
Remember that converting from PDF to another format may result in some loss of text or image formatting. Always make sure to check the document after conversion to ensure it is correct and complete.
Conclusion
Editing a PDF may seem complicated, but with the right tools, it is possible to make necessary changes easily and quickly. Remember to protect your document with a password if it contains sensitive information and choose a reliable tool to convert your PDF to other formats. Follow these tips and you'll be able to edit your PDFs without any problems!

Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.





