Want to make edits directly on top of your PDFs and add text boxes or custom text?

Below, we’ll show you all the different ways you can write on a PDF, no matter your device - whether you’re on Widnows, Mac, or you jus t want to make some quick edits on the go on your mobile device.

While PDFs are frequently used because of their convenience, they do have one disadvantage: they are uneditable. They may be viewed on almost any device, but editing isn't always as simple. The material may be copied or printed from the PDF but not modified.

It's a secure type of content since it's non-editable. However, the user may need to modify the material or make notes for future reference in certain circumstances. In such scenarios, the user must search for tools that make writing a PDF document possible.

Some may change the PDF document into an editable format like Word or Excel, write on the new format, then convert it back to PDF. But for most, that would be a complex and time-consuming process they'd rather not try. 

The good news; it's not the only way to write on a PDF.

Below, we’ll show you all the different ways you can write on your PDF documents:

• Write on PDFs Using Adobe Reader DC
• Write on PDFs Using Preview on a Mac
• Write on PDFs Using Google Docs
• Write on PDFs Using Microsoft Word on Windows 10
• How to Add Text to a PDF Using Markup on an iPhone or iPad
• Writing on PDFs Online Using Smallpdf Editor
• Writing on PDFs Online Using Write-On-PDF.com

Write on PDFs Using Adobe Reader DC

Adobe Reader DC is a straightforward PDF tool you can download for free.

It comes with tools that allow the user to write on, highlight, and take notes on a PDF document.

To make writing possible in Adobe Reader:

1. Find the Sign Document icon at the top right-hand corner of the open Adobe Reader and click on it. A new menu will appear with options to add text, checkmark, circle, etc.

2. Click on the blue |Ab Add Text icon and scroll to the area in the PDF you wish to add the text.

3. Click on the area you wish to add your text. A text box will appear with the words "Type text here", accompanied by a menu that you can use to format your text, including changing the font size.

4. To save changes, go to File > Save at the top left of the open Adobe Reader.

Write on PDFs Using Preview on a Mac

On Mac, you can use Preview to open and edit PDF documents. To write on a PDF document using Preview:

1. Open Preview on your Mac.

2. Click the Text Tool icon in the toolbar at the top of Preview's window.

3. Write the text in the blank cell, then drag and drop it to where you want it in the document.

4. Click the “A” icon on your extreme right for various formatting choices.

5. After you've finished editing, go to File > Save.

Write on PDFs Using Google Docs

Google Docs offers a convenient and easy way to edit PDFs on your computer. You can add text, edit pages with images or remove them, add shapes, and even add signatures.

1. Open Google Drive in another browser tab and go to the file you wish to edit.

2. Right-click on the document and navigate to "Open with...".

3. From there, select Google Docs from the list of editors available. The document will open in a new tab in Google Docs. The text in the opened document will be editable.

4. To add text, place the cursor anywhere you wish and type.

5. After you've finished editing, go to File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf). The document will be downloaded to your device in PDF.

Write on PDFs Using Microsoft Word on Windows 10

Writing on PDFs using Microsoft Word is similar to Google Docs.

All you have to do is open your PDF document with Word and make any text changes as needed.

The one downside with Word, however, is that your PDF may lose some of its original formatting. In that case, you can try adding text to your PDF document with Google Drive or some other method covered in this guide.

Here’s how to add write on a PDF using Word:

1. Find your PDF file using Windows Explorer or "This PC" in Windows 10 Search by clicking on the drive or folder that contains it.

2. Right-click the document, and from the list of options, click Open With…

3. In the menu that appears, choose Word or any other compatible alternatives to open it in Microsoft Word. Note: The latest update of Microsoft Office doesn't appear on this menu, but you can still open your file with it by right-clicking on the document you want to open, choosing Open With... and selecting Choose Another App.

4. "How do you want to open this file?" dialog box appears. Click on the blue More Apps arrow to scroll through more apps installed on your computer.

5. Find the Word app, select it and click Open. A dialog box will appear informing you that Microsoft Word will convert your PDF document into an editable Word document. The resulting document might not look exactly like the original PDF. Click OK.

6. After you've finished editing, go to File > Save and scroll through the various formats in which you can save the document, including PDF.

How to Add Text to a PDF Using Markup on an iPhone or iPad

Apple has its own built-in annotation tool for PDFs called Markup. Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads come with this tool just like any other app Apple makes available on the App Store. 

Users can easily annotate or edit a PDF document on the go using their device or fill out PDF forms without printing anything out.

Follow the steps below to write on a PDF using Markup:

1. Open your PDF document (you can access it via your cloud account, email, or by using AirDrop and sending the PDF to your device.)

2. Scroll down and find the page you wish to add text. In the top-right corner of your screen, select the Markup tool.

3. In the bottom-right corner of the screen, tap + to add a new text entry.

4. Adjust the size of your text box as necessary, tap it, and select Edit. Add your message to the box.

5. When finished, tap out of the box. You can choose to move your text box to another area on the open page.

6. When you've finished adding all of the text to the PDF, tap Done at the top left corner of your screen.

Then, once you’ve made the changes, you can also print out PDFs directly from your iPhone!

Writing on PDFs Online Using Smallpdf Editor

You can write on a PDF online using Smallpdf. You can use Smallpdf Editor on your mobile device to write a PDF online without registering. Users can import PDF files from Google Drive or Dropbox or upload them directly from their computer.

Follow the steps below to write on a PDF document using Smallpdf Editor:

1. Go to Smallpdf.com

2. Scroll down to the Most Popular PDF tools and choose Edit PDF. You will be redirected to the PDF Editor page.

3. Choose the PDF document you wish to add text and upload.

4. Click on the "T" icon and begin writing on your PDF. The top menu bar has options for changing font size, color, and font type. On the PDF, you can add pictures, shapes, or freehand notes.

5. By moving your mouse cursor, you can change the area in the PDF document to enter text. Once you've settled on the spot to add text, click on it. A text box will appear with the words "Type something..." highlighted as well as a text box menu where you can change text size and color.

6. On the top extreme right corner of the page, click Save As and select Download PDF. A new version of your PDF with the changes you've made will be downloaded to your device.

Writing on PDFs Online Using Write-On-PDF.com

Write-On-PDF.com is a browser-based application that allows users to write, draw or highlight PDF files in their browser window's toolbar; no installation is required. Write-On-PDF can be used on any device with a web browser: PC, Mac, Tablet, and Smartphone. 

You can use Write-On-PDF to sign your name or add text annotations directly into your document without having to print anything out.

Follow the steps below to add text to your PDF using Write-On-PDF.com:

1. Type www.write-on-pdf.com in your browser’s address bar and hit Enter/Return on your keyboard or click Go to access the site.

2. Click on the rectangular, orange button with the words: Browse for a document on your computer.

Alternatively, you can get the PDF document you want to add text from one of your cloud storage solutions, including Dropbox and Google Drive.

3. Once your document is uploaded to Write-on-PDF, the text becomes editable. Here, you can add text, fillable fields, and an array of graphical objects to your PDF. Just move your mouse cursor to the area you wish to edit text.

A dotted yellow box appears around the text your cursor points to. You can double-click to start editing the text.

4. When your cursor points to a blank area in your document, it changes to a text box with the letter 'T' in it. To add text, just click on the black space and start typing.

5. Once you're done making all the changes, click the orange Done button at the top right corner of the page. A dialog box will appear asking you what you want to do with your PDF document and a list of options, including Save Document as PDF.

6. Click on the PDF icon to save an edited version of your PDF to your computer.

Conclusion

Adding text to your document is a straightforward process that can be done with various tools available on the web or offline. 

Use any of the above three for ease and convenience, and share your edited PDFs with others via email or cloud storage solutions such as Dropbox and Google Drive. 

Keep in mind that the original PDF file should never be deleted, as it can help you revert to an uneditable version of your document if needed.

Made the text change on your PDF?

Here’s what you can do next:

• How to Print Multiple PDFs at Once?
• How to Crop a PDF: Step-By-Step Guide With Screenshots
• How to ZIP a PDF File: Quickly Compress and Manage PDF Files

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