People who work with PDF documents often need to know how to draw something on PDF, make notes, edit PDF text, or highlight it. Understanding the process of annotating PDF files can be useful for many tasks and projects.
Drawing on a PDF is easy to learn and only requires the right software. In this article, we will show you several ways to get the job done.
Method 1. PDF Candy
With the help of PDF Candy, you can not only write on the page but also easily modify it online according to your other tasks. Check out how to draw anything on a PDF file and find the other detailed instructions on how to work with the free service below.
How to easily draw on a PDF online with PDF Candy
- Open the PDF editor.
- Upload the original: drag&drop it, use the "Add file" button, or import from Google Drive or Dropbox cloud storage.
- Now you can edit it, make corrections, draw on the PDF, take notes, and so on. Click the "Pencil" icon on the left to be able to add freehand doodles. Pick the color and line thickness.
- Hit the "Export file" button to create a new document. It can be saved to the device or add back to Google Drive or Dropbox.
Other tools of the free PDF editor
Our PDF editor offers a great variety of fine editing tools that are displayed on the right side of the main window. Let us examine these in more detail.
| Tool | Description | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Hand | Move the document in any direction. Just hold down the left mouse button and drag. | Browsing through large architectural blueprints or lengthy research papers without changing the zoom. |
| Select | Allows you to choose the object you want to continue working with. | Picking specific images or shapes in a marketing presentation for resizing or moving. |
| Text | Makes changes directly to the textual content. | Correcting a typo in a contract or updating figures in a financial report. |
| Highlight | Highlights content in PDF. | Emphasizing key points in a study guide or marking deadlines in a project plan. |
| Pencil | Enables users to draw on PDF. | Sketching quick annotations on lecture notes or drawing freehand diagrams. |
| Rectangle | Create rectangular shapes in your file. For this tool, you can set the thickness, color, and transparency. | Framing important parts of a scanned invoice or creating callouts in a training manual. |
| Whiteout | Overlays text with a white background instead of erasing it. | Covering outdated pricing in a catalog or hiding personal details before sharing a document. |
| Line | Draws a straight line, adjustable in thickness and color. | Separating sections in a worksheet or underlining figures in engineering drafts. |
| Arrow | Marks an object to put attention to a certain paragraph or sentence. | Pointing to corrections in a draft or guiding readers to signatures in legal paperwork. |
| Add Image | Insert pictures from your computer or from the web. | Placing a company logo in a business proposal or adding a chart to a research article. |
| Underline/Strikeout | Marks text by drawing a line under or over the content. | Indicating completed items in a checklist or flagging text to be deleted in an editorial review. |
| Signature | Place your own initials or signature. | Signing rental agreements, approval forms, or digital receipts. |
Advantages of online PDF editor:
- Fast operation even on all devices;
- Does not require installation, and you can edit PDF without software;
- Does not take up space on the hard disk of the device;
- One can utilize the tool to draw on a PDF from anywhere at any time;
- An intuitive interface that even a first-time user will get it;
- Identifies all objects and allows to change specific PDF text in the document;
- Flexible settings and a wide range of features;
- Compatible with all operating systems of personal computers as well as mobile devices;
- Free PDF editor with a set of additional tools.
Method 2. Adobe Reader
Manipulating serves as an efficient method of inserting comments, illustrations, or other visuals into an existing PDF. Adobe Reader provides a way for users to doodle on a page.
How to draw something on a PDF with Adobe Reader
- Open the desired PDF file in Adobe Reader.
- Select the "Add comments" tab.
- Choose the "Drawing Tool". Or select from the tools, which include lines, shapes, arrows, and freehand drawing on a PDF.
- Pick the color and line thickness you want to use for your markup.
- Click on the page where you want to start, then press and drag until you have created your desired shape or path.
- When you are done, click "Save" or "Save As" from the File menu to keep your changes.
Drawing in Adobe Reader is a great method of including notes, underlining, and adding supplementary remarks to your PDF documents without requiring a physical print.
Pros:
- It's a breeze to employ;
- It works on all platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Cons:
- It's not ideal for collaboration;
- It may be slow with large files.
Method 3. Microsoft Word
Drawing on a PDF with Word constitutes an ideal approach to modifying or editing a PDF.
How to draw on your PDF file in Microsoft Word:
- Open a PDF file in the program.
- Click on the "Draw" tab and select an option from the top menu.
- Now you'll have the ability to sketch on your PDF utilizing your mouse or touchpad.
- To change the tool, hit on the "Drawing Tools" icon and choose from Pencil, Marker, Highlighter, or Eraser.
- To edit any changes you've made, click on the "Undo" or "Redo" icons in the menu bar.
- Once you have finished, get your document as a PDF by going to "File" > "Save As" > "PDF".
Editing a PDF is simple and fast with Microsoft Word! Just follow these steps, and you'll be able to make adjustments and notes directly on your pages within minutes!
Pros:
- You don't need any extra software or skills to do this, as Word is already installed on most computers.
Cons:
- Limited drawing tools;
- Not all versions of Word support this feature;
- Not all PDF files would retain their formatting when opened in Word.
Method 4. Microsoft Edge
Utilizing a PDF allows for quick and simple insertion of notes or annotations into your documents. Microsoft Edge is a great tool for this task, as it allows you to draw directly on any PDF file.
How to use Edge browser for drawing on your PDF:
- Open the original in Microsoft Edge.
- Click the "Draw" icon.
- To change the color of the tool, press the downward-facing arrow next to it and pick one of the available colors.
- To cancel or revert an action, access the undo and redo buttons.
- When you're finished, click the "Save" button and close the file.
With Edge's powerful capabilities, it's easy to annotate or make notes on any document in PDF format.
Pros:
- PDF drawing does not need any special knowledge or skills;
- Compatible with other programs.
Cons:
- May not possess all the features necessary for complex elements;
- Security risks.
Troubleshooting
Incorporating notes, sketches, or signatures into PDFs is an effective approach. But if you've ever attempted to sketch onto a PDF and failed, then you understand the aggravation of not being able to edit a PDF.
Reasons why you might fail to draw on your PDF
- It could be an issue with the PDF viewer. Some readers don't support drawing on a PDF or other features, so try using a different one.
- The PDF might be secured. This means that the author has applied restrictions so that no one can make any changes or annotations to it. In this case, you won't have the ability to edit the document or do anything else that would modify it either.
- Your device may not have a stylus, mouse, or touchscreen feature that supports drawing. If this is the case, then it will be impossible for you to modify your PDF until you upgrade your device or try another one that does have those features.
- It's possible that your PDF file is corrupted and is not allowing any changes at all. Try opening it in another viewer or using a recovery tool to see if it can be repaired.
If none of these fixes your problem, then contact the author of the file and ask them for help!
Reasons to draw on a PDF
Working with PDFs is an excellent way to express yourself. Here are the advantages:
- Organize Ideas: Drawing on a PDF can assist you in organizing ideas and planning out projects more efficiently.
- Include Eye-catching Elements: You can add visual interest to your pages by adding sketches. This can help make them look more professional.
- Communicate Ideas: Utilizing a PDF editor for drawing can enhance your communication.
- Generate Engaging Content: You can create interactive documents with elements that link to other pages or websites.
- Share Easily: You can share with others via email or social media, which makes it easier to collaborate.
Incorporating drawings into PDFs can help you communicate more clearly and make your papers memorable. Whether you're organizing ideas, adding visual interest, or sharing, working with a PDF can help you get the job done quickly and easily.
FAQ
Can I edit my drawings later?
They can usually be resized or deleted based on the software you're using, unless you flatten the page.
Can I create geometric shapes on a PDF?
Yes, you can insert shapes like lines, rectangles, and circles to emphasize points or sections.
Should I save a new file after drawing?
It's recommended to create a copy to preserve the original while keeping the changes intact.
PDF drawing tips
- Use a PDF editor with drawing capabilities.
- Choose the right tool to draw on documents.
- Zoom in for intricate details.
- Outline your drawing before filling it in with color.
- Utilize layers to keep your PDF drawings organized.
- Combine elements of different parts into one image.
- Adjust the opacity to create a more interesting look.
- Save frequently to avoid losing data due to unexpected errors or power outages.
- Export your PDF into different formats for flexibility and reuse in other projects.
- Try templates to speed up your workflow and produce consistent results quicker.
How to draw on a PDF: conclusion
Drawing in a PDF is an efficient technique for personalizing a document. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that the result looks professional and includes all of the features you need. With practice and dedication, anyone can create stunning artwork for their projects.
Today, we talked about how to draw on a PDF with a free editor. However, using it, you can do so much more. Try out other tools, too!
- Compress PDF if the file turned out to be larger than you expected.
- Combine PDF with other documents or images.
- Watermark your papers to protect your intellectual property.
