How to add text to a PDF

Adding text on top of a PDF is the most universal edit there is. It works on any file — even scans — because you're placing a new layer rather than rewriting the original.

Text boxes

Click where you want text and start typing. Good editors let you set font, size, colour, alignment, and style (bold, italic, underline). This is how you fill forms that aren't interactive, add a title, or drop in a note.

Annotations for review

• Highlight to mark passages.
• Sticky notes to leave comments for a colleague.
• Shapes and arrows to point things out.
• Stamps like APPROVED or DRAFT for quick status.

Images and signatures

Drop in a logo or photo, or add your signature. Resize and position freely.

Editing vs adding

If you need to change text that's already baked into the file, that's a different, harder job — see how to edit a PDF. For most tasks, adding a clean new text box (optionally covering the old text with a whiteout box) is faster and looks better.