Editing a PDF on a Mac doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you need to make minor text changes, add annotations, or completely reformat a document, macOS offers built-in tools and third-party apps to get the job done. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
- Best free & paid methods to edit PDFs on Mac
- Step-by-step instructions using Preview, Adobe Acrobat, and online tools
- Advanced editing tips for professionals
- Troubleshooting common PDF editing issues
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to modify any PDF file efficiently.
Why You Might Need to Edit a PDF on Mac
PDFs are widely used because they preserve formatting across devices. However, they’re not always easy to edit. Common reasons to modify a PDF include:
✅ Correcting typos or outdated information
✅ Adding signatures, annotations, or highlights
✅ Combining multiple PDFs into one file
✅ Filling out forms digitally
✅ Removing or rearranging pages
Let’s explore the best ways to edit PDFs on a Mac.
Method 1: Edit PDFs Using Preview (Free & Built-In)
Preview is macOS’s default PDF viewer, and it includes surprisingly powerful editing tools.
How to Edit Text in a PDF with Preview
- Open the PDF in Preview (right-click → Open With → Preview).
- Click the Markup Toolbar (pencil icon) or press ⌘ + Shift + A.
- Select the Text Tool (T) to add or edit text.
- Note: If text isn’t editable, the PDF may be image-based (use OCR tools like Adobe Acrobat).
- Change font, size, and color from the formatting menu.
- Save changes (⌘ + S).
How to Add Annotations & Signatures
- Highlight text → Use the highlighter tool.
- Draw shapes → Select the shape tool (square, circle, arrow).
- Add a signature → Click the Signature button (use Trackpad, iPhone, or a scanned image).
How to Rearrange or Delete Pages
- Open the Thumbnails sidebar (⌘ + Option + 2).
- Drag pages to reorder them.
- Press Delete to remove unwanted pages.
Pros of Preview:
✔ Free & pre-installed
✔ Good for basic edits & annotations
✔ Supports PDF signing
Cons:
❌ Limited text editing (can’t edit scanned PDFs)
❌ No OCR (text recognition)
Method 2: Edit PDFs with Adobe Acrobat (Best for Professionals)
For advanced PDF editing, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is the industry standard.
How to Edit Text & Images in Adobe Acrobat
- Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
- Click Edit PDF in the right toolbar.
- Edit text by clicking any paragraph.
- Replace images by right-clicking and selecting Replace Image.
- Use OCR (Scan & Edit) if the PDF is scanned (Tools → Scan & OCR).
How to Fill & Sign PDF Forms
- Click Prepare Form, and Acrobat will auto-detect form fields.
- Type directly into text boxes, checkboxes, and dropdown menus.
Pros of Adobe Acrobat:
✔ Advanced text & image editing
✔ OCR for scanned documents
✔ Form creation & e-signatures
Cons:
❌ Expensive (subscription-based)
❌ Overkill for simple edits
Method 3: Free Online PDF Editors (No Installation Needed)
If you don’t want to install software, these web-based tools work well:
1. Smallpdf (smallpdf.com)
- Edit text, images, and annotations directly in the browser.
- Supports merging, compressing, and e-signing.
2. PDFescape (pdfescape.com)
- Free online editor with form-filling and annotation tools.
3. Sejda (sejda.com)
- Allows text editing, image insertion, and page management.
Pros of Online Editors:
✔ No software installation
✔ Works on any device
Cons:
❌ Requires internet
❌ Privacy concerns (avoid for sensitive documents)
Method 4: Using Microsoft Word to Edit PDFs
Did you know Word can convert PDFs into editable documents?
Steps to Edit a PDF in Word
- Right-click the PDF → Open With → Microsoft Word.
- Word will convert it to an editable format (may lose some formatting).
- Edit text, images, and tables as needed.
- Export back to PDF: File → Export → PDF.
Best for: Simple text-based PDFs (not scanned or image-heavy).
Method 5: Best Third-Party PDF Editors for Mac
1. PDF Expert (Paid but Powerful)
- Smooth text editing & annotations.
- Faster than Adobe for basic tasks.
2. Foxit PDF Editor (Cheaper Adobe Alternative)
- Full-featured editor with cloud integration.
3. Skim (Free for Annotations)
- Great for researchers (highlighting, notes).
Related Post:
- How to Edit an InDesign File Without InDesign
- How to Delete Reddit Posts: A Complete Guide
- How to Delete Your GoHighLevel Account: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Pinnacle Financial Partners Online Banking: A Complete Guide to PNFP Online
Troubleshooting Common PDF Editing Issues
Q: Why can’t I edit text in my PDF?
- The PDF may be scanned or locked. Use Adobe Acrobat’s OCR or an online converter.
Q: How do I password-protect an edited PDF?
- In Preview: File → Export → Encrypt.
- In Adobe: File → Protect Using Password.
Q: Can I edit a PDF on iPhone/iPad?
- Yes! Use Apple’s Markup tool or Adobe Acrobat Mobile.
Final Verdict: Best Way to Edit PDFs on Mac
| Tool | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Preview | Basic edits & signing | Free |
| Adobe Acrobat | Professional editing & OCR | $14.99/month |
| PDF Expert | Faster than Adobe | $79 one-time |
| Online Tools | Quick fixes, no install | Free/Premium |
Recommendation:
- For most users → Preview (free & simple).
- For professionals → Adobe Acrobat (best features).
- For quick online edits → Smallpdf or Sejda.
Conclusion
Editing a PDF on a Mac is easy once you know the right tools. Preview works for basic needs, while Adobe Acrobat is best for advanced users. If you prefer free online editors, Smallpdf and Sejda are great options.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below!