Whether you’re tweaking a contract, updating a brochure, or fixing a typo in a report, knowing how to edit a PDF can save you time and frustration. Plus, with today’s tools, you can maintain strong PDF accessibility across your documents while editing them the way you want.
Reasons to Edit a PDF
- Fix Errors & Update Content: Correct typos, formatting issues, or outdated information to keep your PDF accurate and professional.
- Add or Remove Elements: Insert or delete text, images, or entire pages to tailor the content to current needs.
- Customize for Forms & Branding: Add fillable fields, digital signatures, watermarks, or annotations to enhance usability and personalization.
- Collaborate Efficiently: Use PDF editors to add comments, merge or split documents, and streamline team workflows.
- Secure & Optimize Files: Apply password protection or compress large PDFs for safer, more efficient sharing.
- Improve Accessibility: It’s important to meet accessibility standards, so make sure your PDFs have proper tags for screen readers, alt text for images, document language settings, and the right tab order for form fields.
Learn more about making your edits inclusive in our PDF Accessibility Guide.
How to Edit a PDF
To edit a PDF, you’ll have to use a specialized PDF editor or online PDF editor, like Adobe Acrobat or Sejda, but you can also open many PDFs in word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, make your text and image changes, then export back to PDF.
For a free PDF editor, try browser-based tools like Smallpdf. If you’re on a Mac, use Preview. On Windows, you can even use built-in apps.
Accessibility and PDFs
While editing PDFs is often about updating content or layout, it’s just as important to ensure those edits don’t compromise accessibility. This is especially true for organizations that need to meet compliance standards or serve users with disabilities.
Continual Engine is an AI-powered digital accessibility solution that supports this process by combining expert review with smart tools. From preserving tag structure to ensuring proper reading order and alt text, we help make sure your edited PDFs stay inclusive and user-friendly.
6 Common Methods to Edit a PDF
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Launch Acrobat Pro DC and open your PDF.
- Click Edit PDF in the right pane to modify text, images, and pages.
- Use the Link, Crop Pages, and Organize Pages tools as needed.
Microsoft Word
- Open Word and go to File > Open, then select your PDF.
- Word converts the PDF to an editable document, and then you can make your changes.
- Save as PDF by choosing File > Save As and selecting PDF.
Google Docs
- Upload your PDF to Google Drive.
- Right-click and choose Open With > Google Docs.
- Edit the text and images, then go to File > Download > PDF Document.
Sejda
- Visit Sejda's site and upload your file.
- Use the toolbar to add or edit text, images, and links.
- Click Apply Changes and download your edited PDF.
Mac Preview
- Open your PDF in Preview (built-in on macOS).
- Click the Markup icon to insert text boxes, shapes, or signatures.
- Save your changes.
Free PDF Editors
- Explore free tools like PDFescape, Smallpdf, or PDF24.
- Upload your document, make edits, then download the fresh version.
Conclusion
Your edited PDFs should be both professional and accessible to everyone. And with Continual Engine’s AI-Digital Accessibility Solution, you’ll ensure every edit supports inclusive design.
Make Your PDFs Accessible With Continual Engine!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to edit a PDF on Mac?
To edit a PDF on a Mac, you can use the built-in Preview app for basic annotations and text additions.
- Open the PDF in Preview.
- Go to Tools > Annotate.
- Click the Text icon and place your cursor where you want to add text.
- Use the Markup toolbar to change font, size, color, and style.
- Save changes via File > Save.
How to edit a PDF on Windows?
To edit a PDF on Windows, you can use various methods, including Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word, or online PDF editor services.
How to edit a downloaded PDF?
For this, you'll need a PDF editor. A common and effective method is to open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat and use its Edit PDF tool. Alternatively, open in Word or use an online tool like Sejda.
How to edit a locked PDF?
You need to first unlock it using Adobe Acrobat Pro, Smallpdf, or iLovePDF. After unlocking, you can either convert it to Word or edit it directly and save.
How to edit a PDF without Adobe?
If you don't have Adobe, you can use online PDF editors, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs.
How to edit a PDF on iPhone?
You can use the built-in markup tools in the Files app or a third-party app like Adobe Acrobat Reader on your iPhone.
How to edit a PDF document on Android?
You can use apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader, Xodo PDF Reader & Editor, or open it in Google Docs via your browser.
