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How to Edit Text in PDF
How to Edit Text in PDF

How to Edit Text in PDF

Tamal Das by Tamal Das
Jan 8, 2026
28,340 views

Every computer user who works with documents has come to the need to edit text in a PDF at least once.

However, it is not so easy to change the text in PDF as this format is made for preserving the information in an untouched way. For example, the content of a contract, figures in the reports, privacy policy rules, etc.

This article explains an easy method how to edit PDF text In the tutorial below, you will find a detailed guide great for lawyers, clerks, accountants, and all those who work with electronic papers in one way or another.

How to edit the text in a PDF online

Being able to change the text in a PDF enables someone to make edits quickly. For instance, if you need to make a correction, add new information, or update existing content. With PDF Candy, this can all be done within the document itself.

How to edit a PDF online with PDF Candy website:

  1. Open the free PDF editor in any browser on your phone or computer.
  2. To begin, upload a PDF. This can be done by using the "+ Add file" button or transferred from Google Drive or Dropbox.
  3. As soon as a document is uploaded, the menu with the PDF editing options will be at your disposal. Employ the "T" letter icon on the right. When hovering the cursor over it, double-click to alter.
  4. Type in new text or change the existing data just like you do in any other tool. You can edit the PDF text - delete or type additional letters and words; adjust the font size or color; adjust the writing style - bold and italic.
  5. After checking, you can save the result. To do this, hit the green "Export File" button in the upper right corner.

How to edit text in PDF online on PDF Candy website

This PDF editing platform allows the user to maintain the formatting of the original document, which is important for professional papers.

Apart from being able to edit your PDF text online, you can white out the content to remove irrelevant or unwanted parts.

You can also highlight to stress certain elements for your reader to pay attention to.

Why can't I still edit PDF text?

It can be frustrating when you open up a document only to find that you cannot change even with a PDF text editor. It is essential to comprehend why this occurs before you can work out a solution for how to edit text in a PDF.

Reason #1

Most PDFs cannot be changed due to the read-only settings. This means that the document's creator decided to prohibit changes when creating it, so you cannot adjust it. All you can do is view the content in its original form. To edit such a file, you will need to get it in a different form. For example, you can convert your PDF to Word format and see if it solves the problem.

Reason #2

Another reason why you might be unable to process your PDF is because it is a scanned document or an image turned into a PDF. Such files are not editable because they are essentially just a picture. You will need to use OCR - Optical Character Recognition - tool to turn the into a flexible format first.

Reason #3

You will not be able to complete PDF editing if your document is protected with a password. You will have to unlock it with the correct combination. If you do not know the password, contact the author to get permission. In case it is your old papers that you do not remember the code, you can try to restore access with a PDF password remover.

Reason #4

In some cases, the original was created with flattened content. This happens when layers, annotations, or form fields are merged into a single fixed layout, making them uneditable. To work around this, you can convert it into another format or recreate the original if possible.

Now that you understand why certain documents cannot be changed, you can move on to discover the techniques of editing PDF text where possible. With the right tools and knowledge, anyone can learn how to make changes to their PDFs and polish them.

Benefits of online PDF editor

Being able to revise content and complete PDF editing can be a useful aptitude. There are many benefits of utilizing an online PDF editor.

  • Change text in PDF. The service recognizes the font and size of the typeface in the uploaded document. Which makes it very easy to delete unneeded text and add new content.
  • Fast speed of file processing. The web-based editor does not require you to have a powerful device.
  • Compatibility with a variety of devices. The PDF text editor works equally well on phones and computers of all brands and models - Androids and iPhones (Pro, ProMax, Plus, Mini, SE), Windows (7, 10, and other), and Mac (iMac, MacBooks Air, and Pro).
  • Edit PDF text online and for free. You do not need to purchase the PRO version for basic work.
  • User-friendly interface. All buttons and controls are located in visible accessibility and have clear names on an intuitive level.
  • Feature-rich functionality. The service is equipped with all the necessary features along with additional handy options. These include post-creation conversion, merging, splitting, and more.
  • Convenient way for editing PDFs. You can upload from the device's memory or from Google Drive or Dropbox. Files are stored for 2 hours.
  • High-quality data processing. PDF Candy easily recognizes PDF text, its size, font, and style. This allows you to quickly and efficiently make edits to electronic documents.
  • No watermark-free online PDF editor. There will not be a watermark added to your file after you edit the text in a PDF.

Additional features of the PDF text editor

PDF editing makes it possible for you to make changes in the text of documents quickly and easily. Moreover, one can add annotations and comments. This can be great for both collaboration and providing feedback. It also makes it easier for users to keep track over time. Below is the list of other features that the free online PDF editor offers:

  • As mentioned before, you can edit the text in a PDF or add something new, set bold or italic, and adjust color and size.
  • You are able to highlight certain parts of the text and illuminate them in various colors and set the opacity.
  • Use the pencil tool to draw in PDF or otherwise annotate your document in a free way. Choose the color and stroke size.
  • You can add a rectangular figure with set stroke and fill colors, and opacity.
  • Whiteout extra parts of your PDF that you do not need anymore.
  • Draw a line or an arrow to indicate elements of a PDF you edit.
  • Underline the important content or strikeout those lines that need to be labeled to be modified or deleted.
  • You can also add an image to your PDF to illustrate points made. You can upload a file or paste a URL to it.
  • In the same online PDF editor, add signature for verification. To sign a PDF, you can draw it with your mouse or touchpad, type, or upload an image of your electronic signature.

For convenience, in the upper left corner of the working area, there are buttons "Undo" and "Redo". Undo the last action or return the content to the preliminary state, respectively. These options will help to edit a PDF online, knowing that if you make a mistake, you can easily fix it

How to edit PDF text in Microsoft Word?

Making adjustments to a PDF is useful for updating details, correcting mistakes, or inserting new information. Microsoft Word provides a straightforward way to accomplish this without extra tools.

Follow these steps:

  1. Launch Microsoft Word on your device.
  2. Navigate to "File" > "Open" and select the PDF you wish to modify.
  3. A notification will appear, informing you that Word will transform the document into an editable format. Click "OK" to continue.
  4. Once the file loads, revise the content as you would in any text editor. Modify font styles, reformat paragraphs, or replace sections effortlessly.
  5. When finished, save the document by selecting "File" > "Save As" and choosing "PDF" from the format list.

Editing PDF text in Microsoft Word

This approach allows for seamless revisions while maintaining much of the original structure.

Beyond text modifications, the app also enables you to insert comments for collaboration or convert PDFs back to Word for continued adjustments.

FAQ about editing text in PDF

Is it easy to edit text in a PDF file?

The process of modifying text in a PDF can vary in difficulty depending on the complexity of the document and the tools. Simple tasks like correcting typos or changing words are usually straightforward. Complex actions like rearranging paragraphs or formatting require more effort.

Will editing text in a PDF affect the layout of the document?

It depends on the extent of the edits and the tools you use. Basic text revisions typically don't affect the design, but significant changes may require adjustments to maintain the file's appearance.

Are there any limitations to editing text in a PDF?

Some PDFs have security settings that restrict editing, copying, or printing. In such cases, you need to remove these restrictions with a PDF unlocking tool.

How to edit text in a PDF: conclusion

In conclusion, knowing how to edit PDF text is an essential skill for anyone who works with files in this format regularly or employs them within their occupation. It enables users to make corrections quickly and easily, ensures accuracy, and promotes the addition of annotations and comments.

Utilizing the free online PDF editor also helps save time and money when completing PDF editing. So consider this your go-to tool whenever you need to add or change text in a PDF.

Other available tools to edit PDFs online

In addition to taking advantage of a free PDF text editor, make use of the PDF Candy website's other 47 tools for PDF editing before finalizing your work. Here are some that you may find useful next:

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