PDFs are perfect for keeping documents neat and intact across any device, but adding text to them can feel surprisingly tricky. Still, there’s no need to worry. Whether you’re on your phone, laptop, or Mac, there’s a simple way to get it done. Here are three easy methods to help you write on any PDF.

Why Is It Complicated to Add Text to a PDF?

PDF is one of the most popular and convenient formats for working with documents. Whether it’s contracts, application forms, permission slips, or leaflets, the format always preserves their structure, no matter what device or platform you use.

But when you need to fill out or edit a PDF, things can get tricky. If the file was scanned or saved as an image, the text isn’t actually text—it’s just pixels, like any other picture. To make it editable, you’ll need to detect and convert the text or use special software. But let’s take it step by step.

How to Add Text to a PDF

Here are three workable ways to add text to a PDF, each with its pros and cons.

Convert PDF into an Editable Format

If you can’t add text to a file you can’t edit, the first thing that probably comes to mind is changing the format. Luckily, there are plenty of online PDF converters that can do the job.

Pros:

Online converters are suitable for any device and platform.
Most of them are free and can convert your PDF into any popular format in a couple of seconds.

Cons:

As with any third-party app, be careful when sharing your sensitive information. Stick to those that deserve credit.
Some converters can add watermarks to the converted file.
Another downside comes from the upside. Since you’re turning your PDF into an editable format, the layout might change as well after you convert it.

Download a PDF Editor on Your Smartphone

PDF editors are created to let you make changes to PDF files. You can add text, images, or annotations, with no conversion needed. They help you fill out forms, sign documents, rearrange pages, or highlight parts of a file while keeping the original structure.

What’s more, there are apps that combine the functions of a PDF editor with a mobile scanner, letting you not only adjust files but also create perfect digital copies of paper documents in just a few taps. Apps like iScanner are built for editing PDFs and are easily accessible on both iOS and Android. They offer a convenient way to write on PDF files anytime, anywhere, in the blink of an eye.

How to add text to a PDF with iScanner:

1. Import your file into iScanner or take a snap of it using the app.

2. Tap the Text button in the bottom left corner (tool menu), then tap anywhere on the file where you want to add text.

3. Type your text and choose its parameters. You can adjust font, letter size, style, color, and alignment.

4. As soon as you’re done, just tap the check mark or simply anywhere on the document. Select Text once again if you need to add more text. All changes are saved automatically, and your document is ready to send anytime via email, messaging apps, or by sharing a link.

Apart from adding text with iScanner, you can also highlight important parts of a file (the Markup button in the tool menu), add vector graphics (Shapes in the tool menu), watermarks (Watermarks), and images (the Images button), and e-sign it (Sign).

Pros:

Your smartphone is always at hand, ready to add text whenever you need it.
Many PDF editors are free, or at least offer a free version.
Some apps, like iScanner, are available on both iOS and Android and offer a range of features for PDFs beyond just adding text.

Cons:

Mobile devices have less processing power, which can lead to lag, crashes, or slow loading with large PDFs. However, for simple everyday document flow, it’s more than enough.

Use Preview

The Preview tool built into Macs, apart from its main function, offers a variety of other features specifically useful for working with PDFs. With its help, you can copy text from PDFs, compress files, or even remove the background from your signature to place it on your document. Adding text is no exception.

How to add text to a PDF with Preview:

Open your PDF in Preview.
Find the page where you’d like to add your text and click the Markup button. It’s in the toolbar at the top and looks like a pen or marker.
Click the Text button (a large “T”), drag the text box to where you want it, and type your text.

Pros: It’s a practical and user-friendly way to add text to PDFs on Macs.
Cons: It only works on Macs.

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