How to Draw on a PDF on PC and iOS
Knowing how to draw on a PDF can be an invaluable skill, whether you're annotating PDF documents, highlighting key points, or adding your personal touch to presentations.
In this guide, we'll explore a reliable PDF editor that makes drawing on PDFs accessible and efficient. From basic annotations to more intricate illustrations, mastering this skill can significantly enhance your productivity and creativity in handling digital documents.
No matter if you're a student, a professional, or just someone who wants to streamline the workflow, learning how to draw on documents will prove to be a valuable asset.
How to draw on a PDF on Windows
Icecream PDF Editor is a great powerful PDF editing software designed to simplify the process of managing PDF files. It offers a range of features that cater to both basic and advanced editing needs. With a suite of drawing tools, users can highlight, underline, or strikethrough text.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to draw on a PDF on your PC.
Step 1. Download and install the free PDF editor
If you haven’t already, download the best free PDF editor from the official website and set it up on your computer.
Step 2. Open the file
Launch the PDF drawing editor. Click the "Open" button to load the desired file to the application.
Step 3. Access the tools
Once your PDF is open in Windows PDF editor, navigate to the toolbar. Look for the "Annotate" section. Press on it.
Step 4. Select PDF drawing tools
In the left menu of the PDF editor, you’ll find various options such as lines, arrows, shapes (like rectangles and circles), and freehand drawing tools. Choose the instrument that best suits your needs.
See the description of the tool in the table:
| Drawing Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Stamp. | Allows you to add predefined or custom PDF stamps to your PDF for quick, standardized annotations or approvals. |
| Sticky Note. | Enables you to place notes on the PDF with variable color and opacity to provide additional information or comments. |
| Highlight Area. | Lets you emphasize specific text or areas by applying a translucent color overlay, which can be customized for opacity. |
| Underline. | Provides the option to underline text with a straight or wavy line, with selectable color for corrections. |
| Strikeout. | Allows you to mark text as incorrect with a strikethrough line in a selectable color. |
| Rectangle. | Helps you to draw rectangles with adaptable frame width, color, opacity, and fill. |
| Circle. | Use it to add circles with flexible border width, color, opacity, and optional fill for emphasis or decoration. |
| Line. | Apply it to draw straight lines on PDF with custom border width, color, opacity, and fill for clear demarcation or connection. |
| Arrow. | Lets you incorporate arrows with configurable settings to indicate direction or draw attention. |
| Pencil. | Allows freehand drawing with customizable stroke width, color, opacity, and fill options for detailed or artistic annotations. |
| Eraser. | Provides a tool for removing unwanted drawings, with adjustable size to clear specific areas efficiently. |
Step 5. Draw in the PDF
Click and drag your mouse or employ your stylus to draw directly on documents. If necessary, you can move, resize, or modify your drawings after placing them. Select the element and use the available handles to make adjustments.
Step 6. Save changes
After you’ve finished drawing and annotating your file, make sure to keep the result. Hit the "Save" button or use the "Save As" option if you want to create a new PDF with the modifications.
Best for:
- Professionals and students wanting detailed markup with shapes and freehand
- Those who prefer a powerful offline desktop app
How to draw on a PDF on iOS
Apple Books and Files App offer easy ways to draw on PDFs directly on your iPhone or iPad. With built-in tools like Markup, users can annotate, highlight PDF text, or sketch over their documents effortlessly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on the PDF drawing editor on your iOS device.
Step 1. Open the PDF
Locate your document in the Files app or open it directly in Apple Books. If the file is in another source, you can use the "Share" button to save it to your storage.
Step 2. Access the Markup tools
Once the PDF is open, tap the "Markup" icon (a pencil tip inside a circle) in the corner.
Step 3. Select your drawing tool
At the bottom of the screen, you'll see various tools, including:
| Drawing | Description |
|---|---|
| Pen | For smooth, freehand lines with adjustable thickness and color options. |
| Pencil | Mimics a natural pencil feel, great for sketching or shading. |
| Highlighter | Allows translucent highlighting over text with customizable colors. |
| Eraser | Removes specific parts of your drawing or highlights. |
| Lasso | Selects and moves annotations or drawings within the PDF. |
| Ruler | Helps you draw perfectly straight lines. Tap and drag to reposition it on the page. |
Step 4. Start drawing on the PDF
Use your finger or Apple Pencil (if you have an iPad) to draw directly on the PDF. Adjust the size, color, and opacity with the settings in the toolbar.
If you need to make changes, employ the eraser to remove drawings or lasso to select, move, or resize them.
Step 5. Save your annotations
When you’re finished, tap "Done" in the top corner. The PDF will save automatically with your annotations. If needed, you can utilize the "Share" option to send the updated document via email or other apps.
By following these steps, drawing on a PDF on iOS is quick and intuitive, making it easier to annotate or customize your documents.
Best for:
- iPhone and iPad users seeking quick, easy PDF sketching
- People preferring Apple Pencil for natural drawing
How to draw on a PDF online?
PDF Candy is a versatile and easy-to-use online and desktop tool that offers a wide range of features for handling PDF files. Whether you want to edit, convert, compress, merge, or secure documents, the service provides over 90 different tools to manage your files efficiently.
Step 1. Visit website
Open your browser and go to the platform.
Step 2. Choose the PDF drawer
Find and click on the tool labeled "Edit PDF" from the homepage or menu.
Step 3. Upload your document
Select your PDF file from your device or drag it into the upload area.
Step 4. Access the drawing tools
After the file loads, locate the rectangle or pencil to add notes and annotations.
Step 5. Draw directly on the pages
Use your mouse, finger, or stylus to sketch or mark up the content as needed.
Step 6. Save your work
When finished, hit "Export file", then download the result.
Overall, PDF Candy is a handy solution for anyone needing quick and flexible PDF editing, especially if you prefer a simple interface without complicated software.
Best for:
- Those who want to draw on PDFs across any device
Why draw on a PDF
Drawing on a PDF can be incredibly useful for a variety of reasons, whether you're working in a professional, educational, or personal context.
Here are some key reasons:
- Emphasize Main Points. Highlights in PDF and underlines can draw attention to important sections of the document.
- Add Notes. You can annotate PDFs with personal comments or reminders directly on the file.
- Review Documents. Use PDF drawing tools to mark up drafts, and provide visual feedback on contracts, reports, or design proposals.
- Digital Signatures. Draw your signature on a PDF to electronically sign contracts or forms.
- Approval Stamps. Utilize pre-made or custom stamps to quickly indicate the status of a document.
- Create Diagrams. Draw in PDF shapes and lines to create diagrams, flowcharts, or other visual aids.
- Illustrate Ideas. Employ a freehand drawing instrument to sketch out concepts.
- Strikeout Errors. Mark mistakes and choose additional notes to correct or clarify information.
- Add Shapes. Use arrows to visually organize or connect different parts of the document, enhancing its readability and structure.
FAQ on PDF drawing
- How do I draw on a secured PDF?
- If the file is protected, you’ll need to unlock PDF using the password before making any annotations or drawings.
- What’s the difference between drawing and annotating?
- Drawing refers to freehand input like lines or shapes, while annotating typically means highlights, text boxes, and other structured comments.
- What should I do if I can’t draw on a PDF?
- Ensure the PDF is not locked or read-only, and check that your software supports drawing features. Consider switching to a different app if the issue persists.
Conclusion on free PDF drawing
In conclusion, drawing on a PDF opens up a world of possibilities for enhancing and personalizing your digital documents.
With the right tools and techniques, you’ll be able to effectively communicate your ideas, collaborate with others, and ensure your documents meet your exact needs. Embrace the power of the PDF editor to transform your files into dynamic, interactive resources that stand out and serve your purpose more efficiently.
Expert Tech Writer
