While it may sound trivial, writing directly on a PDF file without changing the original text can be incredibly useful. The most appropriate scenarios where such a task can be valuable include collaborating on a document, providing feedback, adding crucial notes, or simply filling out digital forms. Learning how to type on a PDF is even simpler than the task itself. Just follow a few undemanding steps, and you’re all set!
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Type on a PDF
Now that you understand how beneficial the ability to write directly on PDF files is, let’s explore how easily it can be done.
Step 1: Choose the Right Tool
The first step would be to choose the appropriate software for your needs. There are various options available on the market, each harboring certain strengths:
Dedicated PDF editors. Popular software like Adobe Acrobat Pro offers comprehensive editing functionality, including text editing and annotation tools. While ideal for professional use, such software comes with a hefty subscription fee, which you may not want to commit to, especially considering how small the very task of writing on a PDF file is.
Free online PDF editors. This is a direct alternative to subscription-based desktop software. Numerous websites provide free PDF editing tools that allow you to add text, highlight content, and even draw shapes on your PDF files. These are quite convenient tools for basic edits and casual use, but they often come with certain limitations—not to mention that you entrust your potentially sensitive data to some unknown third party.
Mobile apps. This category combines the benefits of desktop PDF editors and their free online counterparts, offering the same functionality in a more convenient and user-oriented way. Mobile apps, such as iScanner, are designed for PDF editing and are readily available on both iOS and Android platforms. An app like that provides a portable solution for writing on any PDF files while on the go.
Step 2: Import Your PDF File
Once you’ve done your thorough research and selected your preferred tool to write on PDF files, simply import your document to the chosen software. The vast majority of PDF editors allow you to easily drag and drop the file or browse your device for it.
Step 3: Explore the Annotation Tools
Finally comes the fun part of actually adding your content to the PDF file. Typically, you can find a variety of annotation tools in most modern PDF editors:
Text boxes. This is as simple as it sounds: just insert text boxes anywhere on the page to add comments, notes, or explanations. You can customize the font style, size, and color to match your preferences.
Highlighting. It’s a useful tool to emphasize important text sections, making it easier to review or remember key points.
Drawing tools. Pens, pencils, and shapes allow you to draw diagrams, sketch ideas, or circle specific areas for attention.
Stamps. Add stamps like “Approved,” “Confidential,” or any custom stamps and even watermarks.
You’ll find it convenient that iScanner comes equipped with all the annotation tools listed above. They’re instantly available from the editing menu once you import a PDF file and open it in the app. You can even add a whole new page if the amount of content you’re about to add far exceeds your expectations. Basically, iScanner allows you to do much more than just write on PDF files.
How to Convert a PDF so You Can Write on It
Sometimes, you might encounter certain obstacles that can prohibit you from annotating a PDF file. For instance, a document may have a different file format or the PDF file you’re trying to write on can be protected from editing. In such cases, converting the document might be necessary to make it editable. Here’s how to type on a PDF when you face the said obstacles:
Use an online converter. Numerous websites offer free conversion services, allowing you to convert your document to PDF in seconds. For example, iScanner has a dedicated section on the website with over a dozen web converters, with available file formats ranging from JPG and DOC to XLS and PPT. Basically, you can convert any popular document format to PDF so you can write on it.
Use Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Modern OCR software can accurately recognize any text and convert the characters into an editable PDF file, allowing you to work with it however you want. iScanner Pro offers a powerful OCR solution that covers over 20 languages and works not only with text but also with images and tables.
How to Edit Text in a PDF
Editing existing text within a PDF differs from annotating such a file. It often requires a robust PDF editor equipped with OCR. Luckily, as explored above, iScanner Pro is an all-in-one solution to any of your PDF editing needs, including changing any existing text in a document. Here’s a general overview of how to do it:
Open your PDF in iScanner by launching the app, hitting the Plus button at the bottom of the screen, and selecting the Import Files option.
Once your file is successfully imported and opened in iScanner, hit Recognise. OCR works its magic almost instantly.
Finally, select the Edit PDF tool at the bottom right. Then, click on the text you want to modify and proceed with editing and formatting. Don’t forget to save the changes!
How to Type on a PDF Using a Smartphone
We’ve already determined that mobile apps are the most convenient tools for writing additional text on PDF files. While there are many popular solutions on the market, if you’ve been wondering how to write on a PDF effortlessly, iScanner is arguably one of the most robust and powerful ones. Let’s have a quick recap of what the app has to offer:
A range of annotation tools to add text boxes, highlight or hide specific parts of the text, draw shapes, add stamps and watermarks, and do even more
An option to sign any document with a dedicated signing tool
The ability to convert any popular document format to PDF for your convenience
A powerful OCR solution to seamlessly turn any restricted text, images, and even tables into fully editable PDF files
A fully-equipped PDF editor to change any existing text in your documents if simply annotating a PDF isn’t enough
Obviously, this is just a portion of the vast possibilities iScanner employs. Even if you’re exclusively looking for a guide on how to type on a PDF, the app has so much more to offer, including such useful features as AI-powered text rewrite, safe folders for storing valuable data, and high-quality scanning of paper documents.
