Adobe Acrobat
How to make an editable PDF
Discover how to edit a PDF. Transform a range of files into editable PDFs easily with Adobe Acrobat.
A file format for everyone.
PDFs are a universal file type. That means people can view and edit them on almost any device, from Windows operating systems to Mac computers, Android or iOS phones. Since they’re so versatile, PDFs are ideal for business agreements, official forms, resumes, and so much more — leaving consumers and businesses alike searching for the best PDF editing functionality and options.
What is an editable PDF?
An editable PDF is a PDF that can be modified – you can add and remove text, images and other elements easily. PDF files are a universal file type, meaning they can be opened and edited on almost any device. Thanks to their versatility, they’re a great file format. Whether it’s for CVs, cover letters, contracts or something else, using an editable PDF can be beneficial.
Creating an editable PDF – or making an existing PDF editable – used to be a difficult process. Typically, PDFs are read-only files. This means they can’t be modified, and no adjustments can be made. However, this handy guide from Adobe will explain how you can use the Acrobat tools to edit a PDF with ease.
Discover Adobe Acrobat features for free
Learn how to edit images, change text, and alter page layouts in Acrobat.
How to make a PDF editable
Adobe Acrobat makes it easy for you to edit a PDF online, on mobile or on your desktop. It uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to recognise the text, images and other features in your document, then extracts them into editable fields.
Once your PDF is editable, you can rectify any spelling mistakes, update your content and tweak your images. So, rather than starting again from scratch when you spot an error, you can save time by making changes directly in the document.
Having an editable PDF means you can also get quick responses. If, for example, you need someone to complete a form, they can do so with ease thanks to the convenience of it being editable.
There are two ways you can make a PDF editable with Adobe Acrobat:
Edit a PDF with Acrobat Pro.
- Open the PDF in Acrobat Pro.
- On the right-hand panel, click the Edit PDF tool.
- A box will appear around all the editable elements on the PDF.
- Use the tools to make any changes.
- You can add a watermark at this point too.
- Name and save your file as a PDF
Edit a PDF with Adobe Acrobat online services.
Don’t have Acrobat Pro? You can still access some tools for free with Adobe Acrobat online services. To make your PDF editable using Acrobat online, simply:
- Open the browser version of Adobe Acrobat.
- Click the Edit PDFs tool > “Select a file” and choose your PDF.
- Sign in to your Adobe account.
- Use the toolbar to make any edits. You can add text, highlights, sticky notes and more.
- Once finished, you can download the edited PDF or get a shareable link.
How to create an editable and fillable PDF form.
One of the biggest benefits of having an editable PDF is that it can be fillable. The Adobe Fill & Sign tool can be used to create fillable PDF forms. Simply upload a file, then you can sign in to fill in the form fields required.
You also have the option to create a new PDF from scratch and add your own fields that need to be filled out.
Why should you convert a PDF to an editable PDF?
An editable PDF has many benefits, whether you’re a student or business owner. Whichever device you open a PDF on, they maintain their layout. This makes them a great file choice for documents and forms.
Editable PDFs for small business owners.
A small business owner can benefit from editable PDFs if they need a client to fill in the document or capture an electronic signature. If you’re a business owner who has to update contracts or make amendments regularly, then an editable PDF can mean this can be done straight away without any delay.
Editable PDFs for students.
An editable PDF for a student can make the world of difference when it comes to amending assignments and documents following feedback. If you submit a piece of work for some feedback from a teacher, you can then act on this by editing the PDF directly in Adobe Acrobat. Simply make the edits and print or send it without any worry.
Editable PDFs for job applicants.
If you’re creating a job application using a CV or cover letter, an editable PDF can be very useful. No two job applications are the same, so you may want to change and prioritise different information about yourself depending on the job description. By using an editable PDF for your application, you can make quick amends to a general template and save yourself plenty of time.
Once you know how to edit a PDF, it can open a wealth of other features and benefits. Take collaboration for example. Whether you operate in a hybrid model, remote or you’re onsite, the whole team can all work on a PDF together.
Other editable file formats and options.
Looking for other ways to edit your documents? You can make editable files in a few different ways, depending on how much time you have and what the project is.
Export your file from Creative Cloud.
If you work with Adobe Creative Cloud, you can export and save your Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, or Illustrator projects as an editable file. With Acrobat Pro, you’ll be able to make quick edits like switching an image or amending a typo.
Scan your documents.
You can even turn your scanned documents into an editable PDF. Simply use Adobe Scan and save the file as a PDF. You can then open it with Acrobat and edit the text as you need.
Change files into editable documents.
If you’ve been creating Word documents, these can also be switched to PDF. PowerPoints, Excel sheets and Google Docs can also be converted to PDFs. If you then put these PDF files into Adobe Acrobat, they can be edited.
Image tools.
It’s not just text that can be amended. You can also use the ‘Edit PDF tools’ to rotate, resize, replace or rearrange images in Acrobat. Simply select the image you want to edit, then choose the relevant tool to adjust as needed.
Formatting options.
When you edit a PDF, it’s not just the content that needs changing. There might be instances where you need to make amendments to the structure of the PDF pages. You can delete, reorder or rotate PDF pages, merge PDF documents into a new file, or remove sections to create a new, smaller PDF.
Use editable PDFs to optimise workflow.
Adobe Acrobat can help you streamline and optimise your workflow to make the editing process even easier. Thanks to the convenience and accessibility of the Adobe Acrobat app and online services, you can edit PDFs from your laptop, phone and tablet. Keep your documents stored in the Document Cloud to ensure you’re never without them.
Keep exploring.
Open, view and edit a PDF online.