How to Edit PDF Files

PDFs are one of the most commonly used forms of files. They're used for communication, contracts, school assignments, presentations, and so many other things. Not only do PDF files provide an easy way to send documents with a clear understanding, but they work well when you need to collaborate on a project, sign an agreement, and much more. What's even better is that they're easier to modify than you'd think.

Over the years it's become a much easier process to add text to PDF files and directly edit the text in PDF files. PDF editors come with a variety of tools and features that allow you to make adjustments to text, images, and almost any part of a file. If you use the proper software, online or downloaded, then you can make almost any changes you need. Depending on the style of edits you need, one editor may be better than the other.

Programs such as PDFChef by Movavi allow you to edit your PDF files on Mac and on Windows 10 devices with ease. Whether you have a contract you need to be signed, see a few typos you'd like to correct, or have any number of reasons you need to edit a PDF, the software makes it an uncomplicated and extremely straightforward process. It's an uncomplicated solution, and a free option, that allows you to make all necessary edits to a PDF document.

It's true that Microsoft Word is primarily used for typing up word documents. However, it can be used for more than writing words and saving a file as a PDF. When you're in a bind and need a quick way to edit a PDF into a Word doc or other format, Microsoft Word can provide you with the basic tools. However, when trying to edit PDF text, your abilities are fairly limited.
First and foremost, the word editor does not change the original PDF, which can be both a benefit and a con if your concern is confusing the original file for the edited file or making major edits. The program does allow you to make simple adjustments to text and graphics but doesn't allow you to sign documents or split PDF files. It can also be more of a hassle to try and combine files considering there's no direct way to do so without importing them as an image or retyping and reformatting the entirety of a document.

Step 1. Open the file you'd like to edit with Microsoft Word. Rather than working as a PDF text editor, Word will make a copy of the PDF and convert the file into a format it can read and display.
Step 2. Make any necessary edits, open the File menu and select Save as, then be certain that you're saving the file as a PDF.

If you'd prefer not to use PDF editors that alter the looks of your file when editing or options that require annual subscriptions before accessing all features, there are other opportunities with editing programs you can utilize. Many of them function consistently with Windows devices and provide your basic editing features. Alternatives to Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat, and one option we'd like to highlight, is Foxit PhantomPDF. The substitute program offers more than your average editing features and can be helpful when editing a PDF.

Designed to help you do more with documents, PhantomPDF works as a document generator and manager. The fillable PDF program allows you to create, edit, add watermarks, sort pages, convert papers, and collaborate on your PDF files. Once you save a file you can share it, track when it's edited, and lock it to protect others from altering it without your permission. This helps create an all-inclusive experience so that you retain full control over your documents as needed.

Foxit's PhantomPDF has a free trial to test the waters, but complete access to their features requires a one-time payment. You can choose between business and standard capabilities as well as select whether you need to program to function on a Windows or Mac device. Note: the Phantom Editor operates a little more smoothly on Windows devices.

Step 1. Open your PDF document in Foxit PhantomPDF.
Step 2. Click Edit Text at the top of the screen.
Step 3. Find the text you want to change. Click to highlight the text, and start typing the new text. To delete text, select it and press Backspace.

Compared to other devices, one great thing about Mac computers is that they're equipped with a built-in PDF viewer. The pre-installed Preview PDF viewer is phenomenal if you only need to glance over a file, but it doesn't allow you to actually edit text in PDF documents. While being able to view a PDF is great for reading and checking for errors, it's not very helpful if you find a typo or incorrect statement that needs to be modified. Of course, you can always use a Mac version of PDFChef. You can download it by following the link below:

Go to PDFChef’s download page

If you're working with a Mac device and need to know how to edit a PDF, one good alternative is PDF Expert. The program was designed specifically with Mac devices in mind and makes for a great alternative to editors that aren't so compatible with macOS software.

This free application works effortlessly with Mac PCs as well as iOS systems like Apple iPhones. You can edit text, add, edit, and delete images, and hyperlink words conveniently. Plus, the editor has an integrated redaction tool so that you can permanently or temporarily hide sensitive data. You can also merge files to compile documents as needed and delete unwanted pages.

Step 1. Download PDF Expert.
Step 2. Open the PDF you want to edit in PDF Expert.
Step 3. In the toolbar, click Edit and then click Text.
Step 4. Highlight the text you want to edit, then add to or edit the text.

If you don't edit PDF files often, using an online PDF editor may be the best option for you. Not only do online editors reduce the need to take up space on your device, but they can offer the same features downloadable software does. The main con that comes with using an online PDF platform is that if you don't have an online connection then you can't exactly use them to edit a file. This can be stressful if you're in a time crunch or you need to edit while on the go but don't have service.

Fortunately, solutions like PDF Buddy offer great resources should you need a quick online editing option. Compared to other software, PDF Buddy is a fairly basic option. It provides you with very basic features for editing PDFs and uses AES-256 bit encryption to protect your documents. You can use it to fill out PDF forms, add signatures, and white out content you don't need. In order to use the online platform, all you need to do is upload your PDF or drag it onto the browser to begin editing.

The editing software is entirely free when it comes to monetary exchanges, but they do ask that you share their link on social media as 'payment' for using it. If you'd prefer not to share the platform on your personal media, you can opt to pay for pay-as-you-go credits or subscribe to their unlimited monthly plan for $7.99.

Step 1. Go to the online PDF editor website.
Go to the PDF Buddy website
Step 2. Click Choose PDF to Edit and upload a PDF you want to edit.
Step 3. Choose the appropriate tool from the toolbar on the left. You can add images, sign PDFs, add text, and more.