PDFs are a versatile and widely-used file format that can accommodate various document types, from reports and ebooks to job applications and surveys. They allow for the embedding of interactive features such as hyperlinks, buttons, and videos, making them ideal for forms and surveys. If you need to fill out or edit a PDF, knowing how to do so efficiently can save you time and effort.
In this guide, I’ll provide detailed, step-by-step instructions to help you add text to a PDF on a Mac, whether you’re using Preview, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Microsoft Word, Markup on an iPhone or iPad, or the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC mobile app.
1. Using Our Online PDF Editor
At PDFtoPDF.io we are committed to serve the best possible Online PDF Editing and Conversion experience for absolutely free. With that said, if you are looking for the most convenient and simple way to write on your PDF files, then our online PDF Editor is the best one to use.
The best thing is that you don’t have to install any kind of software or anything, and unlike iOS, that offer quite a lengthy set of steps to add text to a PDF, our online tool is just extremely convenient because of its completely online and privacy-focused nature. And on top of that, you can use it universally on any device be it iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.
Here’s how simple it is to type on a PDF with a variety of text using our OnlIne PDF Editor.
1. Open Our free Online PDF Editor by going to the https://pdftopdf.io/edit-pdf/ link in your browser.
2. Once you are on the Online PDF Editor Page, click on the “Choose File” button and select the PDF file from your device.

You can also use the dropbox to import PDF or paste the URL of your PDF file saved online.

3. After selecting the PDF file, it will get imported and processed so that you can edit it. Once processed, click on the “T” button to bring up the Text Properties popup.

4. In the Text Editing popup window, enter the text that you want to add to your PDF file.

You can also customize the text using the options given above the text input field that includes text font, font size, bold, italic, underline, etc. Use these features to customize the text as per your requirements.

5. Once you are happy with the text you want to add to your PDF, finally click on the “Add” button to add the text that you just customized.

6. Now, you’ll notice that your cursor has been converted into a plus sign.

Use the cursor to select the field where you want to add the text that you just created.

As soon as you’ll release the cursor, you’ll see that your text has been added to the PDF.
7. Finally, once you are done adding text to your PDF, click on the “Save” button on the top to save the changes and get the Download button to download the edited PDF.

8. Finally, click on the “Download” button and save the edited PDF on to your device locally.

2. Using Mac Preview
Preview is the default PDF viewer on Mac computers, but it also offers robust editing capabilities. Follow these steps to type on a PDF using Preview:
1. Double-click the PDF file to open it in Preview. If Preview is not your default PDF viewer, right-click the file, select “Open with,” and choose Preview.


2. In the toolbar at the top of the Preview window, click the text tool icon, which looks like an “A” inside a box. Alternatively, go to the menu bar and select Tools > Annotate > Text.

3. A text box with the word “Text” will appear on the PDF. This text is usually red by default.

4. Click the Aa icon, then click the red box to choose a different color from the color picker.

5. Use the Aa menu to select your preferred font. Adjust the size by clicking the up and down arrows next to the size number or by typing a specific number in the size box.


6. To bold, italicize, or underline the text, click the B, I, or U icons respectively.

7. Click inside the text box to start typing your desired text.

8. Click and drag the text box to move it to your desired location on the PDF. You can place it anywhere that makes sense for your document.

9. If you need to mark checkboxes, you can use the text tool to place an “X” inside them. Repeat the previous steps to add additional text as needed.

10. When you are finished, click Done in Quick Look if that option is available. Go to File > Save in Preview to save your changes to the PDF.

3. Using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a free, powerful tool for editing PDFs. Here’s how to use it:
1. Launch the program and click “Fill and Sign” in the “Recommended tools for you” section.

2. Click “Select a file” and upload the PDF you want to edit.

3. Click “Fill and Sign.” For adding spaces for signatures, use “Request signatures.”


4. Scroll to the page you want to edit and place your cursor where you want to add text.

5. If no text box appears, select the oval-shaped icon from the toolbar and click the desired location.

6. Click the “Ab” button, then type your text into the new text area. Drag the text box to reposition it.

7. Save your document by clicking “File” and then “Save.”

4. Using Markup on iPhone or iPad
The Markup tool on iOS devices is handy for adding text to PDFs. Follow these steps:
1. Download and save the PDF, then open it from the “Files” app.

2. Tap the “Markup” icon (a marker in a circle) in the upper right corner.

3. Tap the “+” button in the bottom right corner and select “Add Text.”

4. Drag the text box to your desired location, tap on the text and type your desired text.

Once done, Tap outside the text box and tap on the text again. You will get couple of options to duplicate (a square with “+” icon), delete (red trash bin icon).

You can also edit the font by tapping on the “Edit Font” (Aa icon) and then choosing the appropriate option to edit the text font like bold, italic, underline, font size, etc.

5. Finally, tap outside the text box and then tap “Done” to save.

5. Using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Mobile App
The Adobe Acrobat Reader DC mobile app is available for Android devices. Here’s how to use it:
1. Download and save the PDF, then open the app and click “Files” and open the saved PDF.

2. Tap the pencil icon in the lower right, select “Fill and Sign.”

3. Tap the desired location, choose font size, and type your message.

4. Tap the check mark icon in the upper left to save.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I edit any PDF file?
Most PDFs can be edited using these methods, but some secured or password-protected PDFs may restrict editing.
Do I need special software to type on a PDF?
While special software like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC offers more features, built-in tools like Preview and Markup on iOS are sufficient for basic edits.
Is it possible to edit PDFs on mobile devices?
Yes, using apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or the Markup tool on iOS, you can edit PDFs on mobile devices.
How can I ensure my edits are saved?
Always use the “Save” or “Save As” option after making edits to ensure your changes are not lost.
Can I change the text’s appearance in these tools?
Yes, most tools allow you to customize the font, size, and color of the text.
Editing PDFs might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of practice, you can easily add text to any PDF. Whether you’re using a Mac, PC, or mobile device, these methods will help you complete your task efficiently. Happy editing!
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