How To Edit A PDF On Mac

Editing a PDF on a Mac is simpler than many realize, thanks to built-in tools and powerful third-party apps. Whether you need to make quick text changes, add annotations, or fill forms, this guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step methods to edit PDFs effectively on your Mac.

Open the PDF Using Preview

Locate the PDF file on your Mac and double-click it, which will open the document in the Preview app by default. Preview is a native macOS app designed for viewing and basic editing of PDFs without needing additional software.

Use Preview’s Markup Tools to Edit

Click the “Show Markup Toolbar” button (looks like a toolbox) at the top of the Preview window. This reveals editing options such as text insertion, drawing, and highlights.

  • To add new text, click the “Text” tool, then click anywhere on the PDF to start typing.
  • To annotate, use tools like the pen, highlight, or shapes to emphasize or mark portions of the PDF.
  • Note: Preview allows you to add text overlays but cannot directly edit existing text within the PDF.

Save Your Edited PDF

After making your changes, go to the “File” menu and select “Save” to overwrite the current PDF. If you want to keep the original file unchanged, use “Export” to save your changes as a new PDF with a different name or location.

Use Advanced PDF Editors for More Complex Edits

If you need to edit existing text, replace images, or rearrange pages, Preview’s capabilities might be limited. Consider using a specialized PDF editor designed for Mac, such as:

  • PDF Expert: Offers robust text and image editing, form filling, and annotation features with seamless syncing across Apple devices.
  • Nitro PDF Pro: Allows text selection, formatting, and advanced PDF manipulation.
  • PDFelement or Foxit PDF: Provide extensive editing tools, including OCR, electronic signatures, and format conversions.
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These apps typically require installation and may offer free trials or paid licenses. They enable you to directly modify existing PDF content rather than just add annotations or overlays.

Edit PDFs Online Using Adobe Acrobat

For quick edits without installing software, you can use Adobe Acrobat’s online PDF editor:

  • Upload your PDF via any web browser.
  • Use tools to add text, highlight, draw, or insert comments.
  • Download the edited PDF or share it directly with collaborators.

This is especially useful for those who need occasional edits and prefer not to use local software.

Tips for Editing Scanned PDFs

If your PDF consists of scanned pages (images), editing text directly is not possible without Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software:

  • Use apps like PDF Expert, PDFelement, or Nitro PDF Pro, which support OCR to convert scanned images into editable text.
  • After OCR processing, you can select and edit the text normally.

By following these steps, you can efficiently edit PDFs on your Mac tailored to your editing needs—from simple notes in Preview to advanced text and layout adjustments with professional editors.