To edit a PDF file, follow these 4 steps:
- Download and install PDFChef by Movavi.
- Run the program and add the PDF you want to edit.
- Choose the Text option and make the desired changes.
- Open the File menu and select the Save option to save the modified document.
Now you know how to edit a PDF. Read the full guide to explore the topic in more detail.
By clicking the button, you’re downloading the free version of PDFChef by Movavi.*
Edit PDF Text and Other Content with PDFChef by Movavi
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.
How to Edit Text in a PDF Document
When you need to edit a text in a PDF document, the steps are pretty simple to follow. One quick way to make the edits you need is by downloading PDFChef by Movavi. This not only allows you to change text, but you can also alter the graphics on a PDF. The editor is free to use and makes managing PDF files simplistic and convenient.
You can add or edit text, resize, crop, and edit images, rearrange, delete, and rotate pages, among many other terrific editing features. The program allows you to export files from Word, Excel, AutoCAD, Corel, and more so that you can combine them as needed. You can also sign and share documents to make contracts and collaborations a breeze.
Step 1. Download the Software
Download the latest version of PDFChef from this page. Once the distribution file is downloaded, double-click it and follow the instructions on your screen.
Step 2. Import a PDF File
Launch the program, click Edit in the tools list, and select the PDF file that you wish to edit. The program automatically switches to the Edit mode.
Step 3. Edit Your Text
From the drop-down menu, choose the Text option. The software will highlight lines that you can edit text on so that they're easy to locate, and you can click on the ones you'd like to edit. In the right-hand panel, choose the font, point size, or style that you want to apply.
Step 4. Apply Changes
Once you've made the changes you need, click on the File tab in the upper left corner of the menu. Scroll down to Save As and name your file. To save the edits back into the source file, use the Save command from the File tab.
In addition to being a high-quality option when you need to edit PDF files, the built-in tools for the software truly make it worth your while. By removing things like the stress of a steep learning curve, providing access to make all necessary edits within one program, and making sharing easy, it's a tool that you can utilize and take everywhere.
How to Edit Other Content within a PDF
Step 1. Install PDFChef by Movavi
Download the program installation file, then run it and follow the installation instructions.
Step 2. Import Your PDF for Editing
Launch the application and click Edit in the tools list. In the dialog box that opens, select the PDF you want to edit and click Open. The PDF document will be opened in a new tab.
Step 3. Edit Images
The program will automatically highlight editable objects when you hover over them. Just select the desired image and start working with it. To resize the image in the document, drag any of the frame handles around the border. To remove or rotate the image, right-click to open the context menu.
Step 4. Save a PDF with a New Title
To save the PDF as a separate file, choose Save As from the File menu and type a new name for the modified file. If you don’t need to save a copy, you can apply the changes to the current file using the Save option.
Other PDF Editing Tools
PDFChef is more than a text editing tool. It takes care of all your editing needs from one convenient program. You can combine files, insert signatures if you need a contract signed, delete unnecessary pages, or split your PDF into multiple files, and more. The editing software is one of the best free editors compared to paid Adobe software.
To make it even more clear what PDFChef can do, we've broken down the major editing tools so you can see how much of a benefit the software can be.
Combining PDF Files
Once you open PDFChef, click on the Merge tab to select any files you'd like to combine. Once you've chosen which files you need, it's as simple as hitting the Merge button and then saving your new document.
Splitting PDF
Launch Movavi's PDF editing software and upload the files you'd like to split. Click on the Manage Page tab, then select Extract from the right-hand panel, and the files will automatically be saved as a separate PDF. This option is great when you need to modify a document into individual files for better organization.
Inserting Signatures in a PDF
PDFChef allows you to launch the program, upload your required documents, and add a graphic signature without any stress. When you open the document you can select Edit and click on the signature option to upload a signature from your photo library. If you don't have a signature saved to your computer then you can draw one to electronically sign the document.
Deleting a Page From a PDF
Occasionally you'll have a PDF with a page you don't need, and when you do, taking that page and deleting it from your PDF only requires a few simple clicks.
All PDF Editing Guides
If you have any questions or need more help understanding how to edit your PDF with Movavi's PDFChef, check out our how-to guides and follow along with the detailed step-by-step outlines. Each guide will break down the steps you need to take on any Windows, Mac, Android, or other devices you may be using so that you can spend less time stressing out over how to edit a PDF and more time focusing on other priorities.
PDFChef by Movavi
Everything you need from PDF Software!
- PDF creation from scratch
- Different PDF-editing modes (4-in-1 page arrangement,
text editing, and object editing) - Electronic signature solutions
- One-click file export and print output
How to Edit a PDF with Adobe® Acrobat®
Known for being one of the most popular and useful programs, Adobe Acrobat has helped define modern-day editing in the digital world. It's built to optimize workflow across all platforms, including desktop, mobile, and web-based devices. Features include the ability to convert, edit, share, and sign documents from the convenience of their software. You can even utilize a collaboration feature that allows you to review and make notes on files to optimize group projects.
Step 1. Open a PDF in Adobe Acrobat and choose the Edit PDF tool in the right-hand pane.
Step 2. Highlight the text you want to edit, then add to or edit the text.
Step 3. To edit an image, click the image and make your changes: choose from move, replace, and more. To modify images, use the Objects option.
Understanding the PDF Format
The Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format invented by Adobe Systems in the 1990s. PDF files pick up formatting information from different types of desktop publishing software, allowing users to send formatted documents and have them reproduced on the recipient's monitor as they were intended, even when the recipient does not have access to the application used to create the original documents. The PDF is intended to preserve the layout, format, and image quality of the original document.
How to Edit a PDF in Microsoft Word
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.
How to Edit a PDF on Windows using Foxit PhantomPDF
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.
How to Edit a PDF on Mac Using PDF Expert
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:
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.
How to Edit a PDF Online for Free
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are limitless options available when it comes to PDF editing. You can choose from free editors, paid software, and web-based platforms to edit a PDF. Each type of software has its own list of pros and cons, but it's clear which options stand out for specific editing features.
Our recommendation for a PDF editor is PDFChef. Movavi's downloadable software is our top recommendation solely because it comes fully packed with features that allow you to edit as needed, share your progress, and it's compatible with Windows devices as well as macOS.
There are tons of programs that let you edit a PDF in Windows but most of them are commercial. If you’re looking for a free PDF editing tool, read this article about top 10 free PDF editors:
How to convert PDF files into Word documents:
Open PDFChef by Movavi → Choose the Convert option → Set the input format as PDF → Set the output format as Word → Add your PDF file → Click Convert
Or convert PDF to Word online:
Online PDF-to-Word Converter
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* The free version of PDFChef by Movavi has the following restrictions: 7-day trial period, watermark on the output PDF. Learn more