How to Edit a PDF

Change text, fill forms, or sign a PDF using free tools you already have.

1. Fill in and sign with your browser or Preview

   To complete a form or add a signature, open the PDF in Chrome/Edge or in Mac's Preview app. Click a form field to type, and use the markup/signature tool to sign. Then File > Print > "Save as PDF" to keep your changes.

2. Edit existing text in Microsoft Word

   To actually change the words, open Word, choose File > Open, and pick the PDF. Word converts it to an editable document. Edit normally, then File > Save As and choose PDF. Layout may shift a little on complex files.

3. Use a free online editor for quick changes

   Sites and tools from Adobe, Smallpdf, or similar let you add text, images, or whiteout in the browser. Don't upload anything sensitive (tax forms, IDs) to a random site — use offline tools for private documents.

4. Save a flattened copy when you're done

   Re-print to PDF or "flatten" the file so your edits and signature can't be moved or removed by the next person. Keep the original untouched in case you need to start over.