How can I edit a PDF file?
The Portable Document Format, commonly known as PDF, is a commonly used file format that is able to be viewed in just about any operating system. Viewing PDFs is generally pretty easy, but editing them requires a few more steps. This article will show you three ways to edit or modify PDF files.
How to edit PDF files using Adobe Acrobat
If you own Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Pro, you can follow the steps below to edit PDF files.
- Open a file in Acrobat DC.
- Click on the Edit PDF tool in the right pane.
- Use Acrobat editing tools to add, edit, or remove text, images, and fonts.
- Click the Save icon to save your file.
Note: If you would like to save a copy with a different name, click File > Save As, choose the location you want to save the file in, name your file, then click Save.
How to Edit PDF files using Microsoft Word
For those who do not have Adobe Acrobat, you can edit a PDF file using Microsoft Word. This method works best with documents that are mostly text.
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Go to File and select Open.
- Find and select the PDF you want to edit.
- Click OK when prompted to convert the document to a Microsoft Word format that can be edited.
- Make your edits using Microsoft Word.
- Click File and select Save as PDF to save your edits.
Note: The converted document might not have a perfect page-to-page correspondence with the original. The likelihood of misalignment will increase when the file contains objects that are not text (e.g., images or watermarks).
How to use a freeware PDF editor (not recommended)
There are many free online tools that will allow you to edit a PDF. If you choose to use a freeware PDF editor, you are doing so at your own risk and should research any freeware tool before using it.
- Locate the freeware PDF editor you want to use.
- Upload or open the PDF you want to edit.
- Make your desired edits and changes.
- Save or Apply your changes.
- Download or save your updated PDF file