Why Can't I Edit a PDF: FAQ

One of the most common extensions for sharing and keeping information is PDF. But a lot of people who want to change something ask themselves, "Why can't I edit a PDF?"

Working on documents in this format isn't always easy, whether you want to replace the text, add notes, or move pages around.

This article goes into detail about the most common reasons you might be unable to edit a PDF and offers solutions for each case. We'll help you get the most out of your files, whether you need to open password-protected or scanned papers.

Why can't I edit a PDF and how to fix it?

Reason 1: Password protection

PDF format is commonly used for documents that need to be secure. If you’ve forgotten the combination associated with your file, you won't be able to edit the PDF. Fortunately, there’s a fast way to unlock and edit such PDF.

How to remove a password from a PDF online:

1. Open the PDF password remover in a browser of your choice.
2. Hit "+ Add file" and select the locked content from your device. Alternatively, you can manually drag and drop it into the tab.
3. Click the thumbnail and enter the password if you know it. Go with the "Automatically" option if you don't and wish to remove the code. Please note that this tool can unlock most PDFs protected with a security combination, but there can be exceptions.
4. Once the processing is finished, under the "Download file" button, hit "Edit" to open the online PDF editor and make changes.

And there you have it! With the online PDF tool, you can remove, add, or edit the existing text in the PDF, add highlights and pictures, and even sign your digital papers.

Reason 2: Permissions

If you've ever tried to open a document with a PDF editor and been unable to edit the PDF, most likely it has the read-only permission. This type of security feature prevents viewers from making changes to a file, though they can still see its content.

This type of protection is often used in workplaces, where employees need to access certain data but not change it. To enable editing in PDF, you need to reset the settings.

Reason 3: Scanned documents

One of the most common reasons you can't edit the text in a PDF is if it is a scanned image. Each page of such PDFs is treated like a photograph, and all the information, including text and graphics, is part of this picture.

You can't change scanned PDFs with a regular service because they are basically just pictures with no formatting. Using the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tool is the only way to adjust the text.

How to extract text from a PDF with the OCR technique:

1. Open the PDF OCR tool.
2. With the "+ Add File" button, upload your scanned PDF.
3. Select the language of the original and hit "Start".
4. After the operation is completed, you can download the extracted text as a TXT.

Note that if you use this approach, your document will lose all the formatting. Only the textual content will be kept.

How to edit a scanned PDF file while keeping the layout?

In case you need to make minor changes to a scanned PDF and the formatting has to remain intact, you can take advantage of the whiteout tool. It allows you to delete parts of a PDF without affecting the overall layout of the page.

How to whiteout a PDF online:

1. Open the PDF Editor in your browser.
2. Upload the document using the "+ Add file" button or drag and drop it.
3. Locate the "Whiteout" instrument on the toolbar and cover the content you no longer need. We recommend you save at this stage and re-upload to avoid any layer-related errors.
4. Enter new information with the "Text" tool and export the PDF to apply changes.

The whiteout feature will erase anything you have selected, creating a blank area where you can draw on PDF or add new text or graphics. With this simple process, you can easily work on any PDF file.

Why choose PDF Candy if you're unable to edit a PDF?

As you've noticed by now, PDF Candy is a multi-tool service that offers a wide range of capabilities:

• Compress PDF if the size is too large to send via email.
• Split PDF in 4 modes: split into single-page files or by page ranges, extract and merge the selected pages, or delete extra ones.
• Try the universal PDF converter suitable for any task.
• And other tools for managing your documents.

Advantages of PDF Candy:

• It is an incredibly user-friendly online service – you don't need any specialized knowledge to employ it.
• The results are of high quality and can be downloaded quickly after the process is completed.
• It supports a wide range of types for conversion including PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG, and many more.
• This online PDF toolkit ensures data security as all operations is done locally – no files are stored or shared with third parties.
• The service provides quick customer support via email if you have any questions or concerns about the tools.

What makes PDFs difficult to edit compared to other formats?

PDF files are primarily designed for sharing in a fixed layout that preserves the overall appearance across different devices and operating systems. This characteristic is what makes adjusting PDFs challenging compared to other formats like Word documents or plain text.

Reasons why editing PDFs can be difficult:

• Complexity of content preservation. PDFs are intended to maintain the original look of fonts and other graphical elements precisely as the creator intended. This often means that the text is not directly selectable, especially when it's embedded in images or scanned documents.
• Limited editing capabilities. Unlike formats such as Word or spreadsheets, PDFs are not inherently designed for direct manipulation of text and content. While there are tools available, they may not offer the same ease as native text formats.
• Security and permissions. PDFs can have security features that restrict changes. Password protection, permissions, or encryption set by the creator can prevent unauthorized changes, making it challenging to change without the correct credentials.

FAQ

Why does my program say I don't have permission to adjust the file?

This message usually appears when the document is password-protected or has restrictions set by the creator so you can't edit the PDF.

Why is the font changing when I edit my PDF?

The original fonts used in the original might not be embedded, and your PDF editor substitutes them with available options.

Can I edit a PDF in Microsoft Word?

Yes, newer versions of MS Word can open and edit PDFs, but complex formatting might not be preserved.

Why can't I fill out a PDF form?

The form fields might not be interactive. You need a PDF editor that supports form filling.

Why is my PDF not opening properly?

This could be due to a corrupt file or an outdated reader. Try updating your software or downloading again.

Why is my PDF printing with strange margins?

Check your parameters and ensure the page size is set correctly in both the document and printer settings. Some devices may also scale automatically, which can affect margins.

Final words

PDF Candy makes it easy to unlock PDFs and see all of their contents, so you can make the changes you need to.

You are well on your way to being able to adjust your documents now that you know the answer to the question "Why can't I edit a PDF?" You can remove the PDF password, change a scanned paper, and more in the situations listed above.