Today, we use PDF documents for all sorts of things, from work contracts to marketing posters. Most of us send and receive this type of file on a regular basis. Although it’s mostly used for written documents, it can also be used for images or files that include both writing and pictures. This format is appreciated for being universally compatible, secure and widely accessible, even when it needs editing.
On the other hand, the lack of flexibility can sometimes be an issue. Have you ever received a PDF and immediately spotted something that needed changing, but you weren’t able to edit the document? Unlike Word documents, you need to jump through some loops to make changes to a PDF file.
On this page, we will reveal some of the best programs for editing your PDFs. Not only that, we will dive deeper into how to edit a PDF in Photoshop, offering some top tips for successfully editing your files from your very first attempt.
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Step By Step: How To Edit A PDF In Photoshop
There are several programs you can use to edit your Portable Document Format files, but Photoshop is undoubtedly one of the best. Although, you will need to pay for a subscription to use Photoshop, they do offer a free trial period, so you can first try it out and decide if it’s for you.
Once you have installed the program on your device, follow the steps below:
- Open the file in Photoshop by going to File, then Open and browse through your files to find the right one.
- Next, select ‘Edit PDF’ from the toolbar.
- Now you can edit the text and images in the document. Some of the things you can do are:
- Delete text.
- Add new text.
- Swap an image for another.
- Change the size of an image.
- Edit the image (e.g. contrast, exposure, etc.)
The changes you can make using Photoshop are somewhat limited. If you wish to add new elements, for instance, you will need to create a new layer and superimpose the new elements.
What You Need To Know About Editing A PDF In Photoshop
Photoshop is a versatile program used for editing all sorts of files. While most people know it for its outstanding image editing potential, it can also be used for making everyday changes to documents. Before you decide whether Photoshop is right for your specific needs, here are some things you should consider:
- If the file is saved as an image, you may have to convert it first. In this case, you will need to use OCR software to convert the file to an editable version before opening it in Photoshop. An OCR comes in handy when you have a scanned document where the file is an image, so it needs to be converted so the program can identify the text.
- If your file contains images that you would like to change, Photoshop is a great option. The adjustments you can make to images are endless, from basic tweaks in light and size, to the most advanced features.
Check This: How To Edit A PDF In Word
- Before installing Photoshop, you should consider how often you will be using it and to what end. Since Photoshop can only be used with a paid subscription, it’s not worth making the investment if you only plan to use it sporadically for manor editing that could be done using a free online platform.
- Keep in mind that the changes you can make in Photoshop are limited. While you can edit the text and make some changes to images, things get a little trickier when it comes to layout changes. If you need to make major changes, you should look into getting an Adobe Acrobat Pro subscription or using an online editor.
Which Programs Allow You To Edit A PDF
In general, this format isn’t designed for editing. Often it’s easier to make changes in the original file, such as a Word document, and save it again as a PDF. However, if you don’t have access to the original file, there are several programs you can use to help you edit your documents.
Editing A PDF From A PC
When using a PC, you can opt for downloading and installing software like Photoshop or Acrobat Pro. Alternatively, you can open your browser and use an online editor. This is a cheap and easy solution, especially if you just need to make minor changes to your document. Now, let’s take a closer look at which options are available on the most popular operating systems: Windows, Mac and Linux.
Windows
Photoshop, as well as Acrobat Pro, are available for Windows users. All you need to do is head to the website, subscribe to a membership and install the program only on our device. If you don’t want to pay for a subscription, you can simply edit your documents online on a platform like FormatPDF.
Mac
On Mac devices, you can also download and install Photoshop and Acrobat Pro. While you can add text quite simply in Preview, for more advanced editing you will need to install one of the programs mentioned above or use an online PDF editor.
Linux
On Linux devices, you will need to install an open-source tool especially designed for editing this kind of file. Qoppa PDF Studio is a great option that allows you to edit existing text, among other useful features.
Editing A PDF From A Smartphone Or Tablet
Of course, knowing how to edit this format from your phone or tablet is essential nowadays. Many of us work at least partially from our phones, so having the ability to make a quick change to a document while you’re on the go can be a lifesaver. Check out these apps available for Apple and Android devices.
iPhone or iPad
You can do some editing with Files, which comes pre-installed on Apple devices. You can highlight text, add a signature and draw on the file, but you can’t edit the text. An app you can use for editing the text is PDF Expert. Don’t forget that you can always use an online editor on your phone or tablet.
Android
Just like Apple, you will need to install an app on your Android device if you wish to edit the text of a PDF. One of the most popular Android ones you can try is PDF Text Editor. It also allows you to add and edit photos, annotate and add a signature. Alternatively, you can access an online platform directly from your phone’s browser.