How to Edit Text in a PDF
One of the most frequent challenges when working with PDF format is figuring out how to edit the existing text in PDF document. The problem affects not only novices but also professionals who have worked with various documents and PDF editing software over many years.
PDF format is designed specifically for working with digital papers. It keeps all data, such as tables, stamps, and signatures in its original form. It is a popular choice for organizations and individuals who require distributing documents securely and safely.
Acquiring knowledge of editing text in PDF can be a strong advantage for anyone who needs to tweak or annotate documents.
It can be not easy to modify this kind of content. However, there is special PDF editing software that easily recognizes all objects, fonts, and signatures. Read on to see how to edit PDF text like a pro.
How to edit existing text in a PDF
Altering existing content in a PDF document can be a tricky task, as these files are not designed to be edited. Through the utilization of Icecream PDF Editor, one can alter the contents of a PDF document without compromising its integrity.
To start using the editor to change the text in your PDF documents, follow the step-by-step instructions below:
Step 1. Get PDF text editor
Download PDF editor for PC, install and run the program.
Step 2. Open document for modifying
After the launch, the software will offer you to "Open" an existing file or to "Create" a new one. Since you need to edit the existing text in PDF, click "Open". Alternatively, just drag and drop the document into the program's window.
Step 3. PDF editing toolbar
The PDF text editor will open the file so you can easily edit the PDF with the toolbox on the left. See the description of the tools below.
Step 4. Select the tool to edit text in PDF
The "Edit" mode of the program is opened by default. Click the "T" button to open the text editing option.
Step 5. Change text in PDF
Double-click a word or a line to start modifying it. You can start typing in new text on PDF, too.
Step 6. Customize text settings
Check out the flexible text settings in the menu on the left: font size, color, style (bold, italic), transparency. Change them if needed.
Step 7. Save the document
Once you finish editing the PDF, save the document. To do this, click the "File" button and select "Save" or "Save as". In the first case, the data is saved to the original document, in the second - to a new place and under a new name of your choice.
Tools to edit text in a PDF of Icecream PDF Editor
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Hand | Use this tool to move the page in different directions. |
| Select | Switch to this mode to select a specific object for further editing text in a PDF. |
| Text | Enables text editing option. Here you can adjust the font size, the transparency, the color, the style, and the alignment. |
| Add image | Press the image icon to insert a picture from the PC's memory into the file. The program has the ability to control its positioning, size, and rotation angle. You can move the graphic object behind the text, too. |
| Rectangle/Circle | Allows you to add figures and shapes to highlight a specific PDF area of data. For example, a paragraph or important information in a sentence. Adjust the color and thickness of the outline, the opacity of the fill, and the position in relation to the other objects (foreground/background). |
| Line | Can be used to underline or cross out something. You can set its thickness, color, and transparency. |
| Add arrow | Helps to point out an important place in the document, indicate the direction, and so on. Available settings are similar to the previous tool. |
Pros:
- Four editing modes: edit PDF text, annotate, manage pages, and fill in the PDF forms;
- A comprehensive set of tools for editing existing text in PDF, adding new text and comments;
- High speed of processing, uploading, and saving data;
- User-friendly and straightforward interface;
- Modify PDF text without an Internet connection;
- All documents are saved to the hard disk when you edit PDF and there is no information leakage;
- Option to add new blank pages;
- The PDF editor recognizes all fonts and selects them automatically when you edit the text.
The first PDF editor was created in 1993 by Adobe Systems, the same company that invented the PDF format.
Handling formatting and layout
When editing text in a PDF, various formatting issues may arise, particularly due to the inherent complexities of the PDF format.
Common problems that you may encounter when changing text in PDF
1. Font substitution
- Problem. If the font in which the document is published is not present in your system as active, the program will simply replace it with a standard one, and therefore transform some layouts.
- Solution. Replace any missing fonts or mimic the original font and size as much as possible.
2. Line spacing
- Problem. Editing PDF text may disrupt paragraph spacing, leading to uneven or awkwardly spaced lines.
- Solution. Adjust it using the controls for the software. Take care as you adjust leading not to degrade the appearance in any area of the document.
3. Text flow
- Problem. Adding or removing text in a PDF may disrupt the natural flow of text, causing overlap or unnatural breaks.
- Solution. Review the document after making edits and adjust the text layout as needed to maintain readability.
4. Text style
- Problem. Changing the size or style of text in a PDF can result in discrepancies in boldness, italicization, or underlining.
- Solution. Utilize the PDF editor's formatting options to match the font size and style of the original text and ensure consistency.
5. Image overlap
- Problem. Editing PDF text near images may cause overlap or misalignment.
- Solution. Resize images as needed or reposition them to accommodate changes. Use layers or arrange objects to prevent overlap.
FAQ on editing existing text in PDF
- Is there a way to add comments and notes to a PDF file?
- Yes, to add a comment, go to "Annotate PDF" mode of the free PDF editor. For more detailed instructions on how to annotate a PDF, check the article.
- How to resize the text in the PDF?
- Select the text you want to resize and move the slider until you get the dimensions you need.
- Can I edit images in my PDF?
- Yes, you can resize the images, rotate it, and choose the level of transparency.
- Can I convert my edited file back into a Word document?
- You can do this easily with the help of various PDF converters that allow you to convert your revised file into a DOC or alternative formats.
- Is it possible to rotate the pages in my document?
- Sure! Open the "Manage Pages" tab in the PDF editor for Windows, select the pages and press rotate. In this mode, you can also add new pages to PDF, and delete or extract the unnecessary ones.
Tips on modifying PDF text
- Save a copy of the original doc before editing the PDF.
- Check the security settings of the PDF to make sure text editing is allowed.
- Speed up your work with hotkeys. For example, copy a bunch of text from a PDF by highlighting it with your cursor, then press Ctrl + C.
- Preview your changes to ensure everything looks correct before saving.
- Check for spelling and grammar errors using services like Grammarly or spell-checker software built into your program.
- Compress large PDFs if necessary, to reduce file size and make it easier to share with others online.
- Protect your PDF with a password to make sure your edits won't be accidentally deleted or changed by anyone else.
With the rise of remote work and online collaboration, PDF editors have become even more popular as they allow users to easily share and collaborate on documents without having to rely on physical copies.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever tried to edit some text in a PDF file, you’ve likely flailed around in frustration.
But it is possible to modify any PDF text, with the right tools and techniques. I hope this tutorial has shown you some new tips for editing existing text in a PDF file, whether you are new to working with documents or have experience with them.
If you give it some thought and you have a plan, you can change any PDF text, no matter how bad or long it is, which means that it can be done without any errors or changes to its layout.
Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps
Co-authors
Expert Tech Writer
