How to Type on a PDF on Mac

Editing and otherwise modifying a PDF can sometimes be tricky as this format originally was not intended to be altered.

In this article, we'll walk through the steps of how to type on a PDF on Mac utilizing 4 free methods. It's especially important for Apple devices for which specialized software can get very expensive.

At the end, you will also find answers to some common questions regarding the topic.

Why would I type on a PDF?

Although some professional programs and web-based tools allow you to edit the existing text, typing on a PDF can be useful for many reasons.

Here are two of them:

• You can add notes to the document without making significant changes to the original file or creating a new one.
• It is a straightforward way to complete forms without having to print and re-scan them into a digital format.

Option 1. PDF Candy

PDF Candy is a reliable platform for performing various tasks with digital papers. Its online PDF editor is a great solution for anyone who is looking for an efficient way to insert text on a PDF on a Mac.

How to edit a PDF on your Mac online with PDF Candy

1. Open the free online PDF editor in your browser and upload the draft.
2. Select the "Text tool" from the left menu. Hit anywhere on the page to add new text to a PDF. Make the words bold or italic, and refine its color and size.
3. Click the "Export" button to save and apply all the tweaks.

Applying the online PDF editor has many benefits:

• Your files can be opened from any gadget as long as there’s internet access;
• For collaboration, just copy the generated link once processing is complete—your partners will have 7 days to download the material;
• Because the PDF editor functions entirely online, it doesn’t occupy disk space or require installation;
• Reports may be pulled directly from Google Drive or Dropbox, modified as needed, and then returned to the same storage without hassle;
• The service provides many other tools to work with PDFs, like password protecting, compressing, merging, converting, and others.

Best for

• Project Coordinators – Insert comments or updates into project PDFs while collaborating remotely.
• Doctoral Candidates – Add marks or notes to research manuscripts stored on cloud platforms.
• Editorial Staff – Modify press kits or submissions quickly without installing anything.

Ultimately, relying on a cloud-based solution is a convenient way to type on a PDF on any macOS. The approach works equally well across Windows, Linux, or mobile environments. Use the web PDF editor to optimize your flow and save time.

Option 2. Preview

You can also employ the built-in Preview program to add overlay text to a PDF.

How do I type on a PDF in Preview on macOS

1. Open the archive in Preview.
2. Press the "Text" icon in the top toolbar.
3. Select the PDF area where you wish to add message.
4. When done, click "File" and "Save" to submit your changes.

Best for

• Clinic Administrators – Update patient forms or informational brochures efficiently.
• Supply Chain Managers – Attach delivery instructions or remarks to shipment documents.
• Archivists – Annotate catalog entries or reference materials in digital collections.

Working with this program makes it easy to type on a PDF on a Mac without purchasing any additional software. Plus, with its intuitive user interface, Preview is perfect for beginners.

Not only it is free and already installed on your computer, but it also offers other tools, like viewing and editing images, resizing or highlighting PDF, etc.

Option 3. LibreOffice

LibreOffice is another solution if you want to know how to write on a PDF. This powerful open-source application contains many instruments for creating, sharing, and updating PDFs. Plus, it's absolutely costless.

How to add some text to a PDF on a Mac computer

1. Download and install LibreOffice from their website.
2. Open your document there.
3. Click the "Edit" button to launch the text redactor.
4. Add script directly to PDF or copy and paste existing one from another source.
5. After completing, tap "Save" to keep your amendments.

Best for

• Podcasters – Revise scripts or show notes in PDF format before distribution.
• Program Coordinators – Edit proposals or progress reports without incurring software costs.
• Research Analysts – Add clarifications or observations directly into PDF reports.

The best part about employing this program is its ease of use. You don't need any prior skills to get started. LibreOffice has a wide range of features like spell-check and formatting options.

Option 4. Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat delivers comprehensive functionality for adjusting text within PDFs. The software enables to hit directly on any area of a page and insert content much like in a traditional editor, with full control over typography, alignment, and layout refinements.

How to quickly write on a PDF with Acrobat

1. Start Acrobat on your Mac and load the PDF you want to modify.
2. Select "Edit" in the upper menu. The utility will enter the mode and display the panel.
3. Pick "Text". Click where you’d like to insert your writing.
4. Begin inserting words. The text box will expand as needed, and you can drag or resize it for better placement.
5. Customize typeface, change size, set alignment, modify color, or apply effects like superscript.
6. Once you finish, save the file.

Best for

• Policy Advisors – Transform government or institutional papers while maintaining strict formatting.
• Design Engineers – Overlay notes or specifications on technical drawings and blueprints.
• Investment Consultants – Insert detailed commentary into financial statements or portfolio reports.

The application preserves the original formatting while enabling overlays, ensuring professional accuracy across all pages.

Why can't I simply type on a PDF on Mac?

You followed the instructions exactly, but you still cannot add text to your PDF? Sometimes this happens.

Let's have a look at causes and methods to solve them. You will most likely be able to get the data you want into the PDF by following this guide.

Possible Reasons:

1. Your PDF is secured with a password. If your script was protected with an open or permissions code, you won't be able to type in it.
2. The layout of the page is not "Text". If you select "Picture" from the menu in the toolbar, you won’t be allowed to write on a PDF on Mac.
3. The file has been locked for annotation or changes. By default, some PDFs are restricted on redacting or annotation.

Possible Solutions:

1. Remove password in case you forgot it.
2. Switch the editor's option to "Text" so that you can draw directly in the PDF on Mac.
3. Use an alternative program to get rid of restrictions.

Tips for effective typing on PDF

• Keep fixes concise: Focus on essential changes to maintain clarity.
• Select suitable fonts: Match the existing style for uniformity.
• Maintain structure: Organize content with headings, lists, or boxes.
• Proofread: Double-check your additions to ensure accuracy.
• Create backups: Save different versions to easily revert changes if necessary.
• Minimize distractions: Avoid excessive text to preserve the layout.
• Use annotations: Add comments instead of altering the original content when possible.

FAQ

Can I change the formatting of the text I type on a PDF?

Yes, most tools allow you to customize the font, size, and color for the text you add on a PDF archive.

How can I type on a scanned PDF?

If the PDF is a scanned document, you can still write on above its content. However, you can use an OCR tool to convert the scanned image into editable text and simply integrate the new message within the existing one.

Can the new text contain hyperlinks?

Yes, many PDF tools allow you to incline hyperlinks, buttons, form fields, and other interactive elements while typing on a page. So, you can enhance the form's interactivity and functionality by incorporating the new text.

Will the text I type on a PDF be searchable?

Yes, you or other viewers of your PDF will be able to search the text you add on. However, it won't make the old data selectable as well.

How to type on a PDF on your Mac - summary

Learning how to insert text on a PDF on a Mac is a relatively plain task. With the 4 different ways described in this article, you should now better understand how to write on a PDF.

Whether you're employing the online PDF editor, Preview software, or cross-device app, you can easily add any text to your PDFs. With these programs and tips, you can create professional-looking documents.

Do not forget to try other PDF tools on Mac:

• Convert your photos to PDF if you need to send them and don't want someone else uploading them to the web.
• Crop your PDF to use only part of it in your blog preview.
• Reduce the size of the PDF file to fit the limitations of your messenger.