Is it possible to edit a PDF? The answer is yes, even if the PDF format is not easily editable at the base. This article will help you get there. And you will see, it is very simple.
Surely you have already tried to modify a PDF and you have encountered the difficulty of the task if you use a classic PDF reader. This is not surprising since the format is designed not to be editable. Many tools promise to provide this capability, but in most cases the best you can do is add annotations, comments, or highlight text without actually being able to edit the document.
How to edit a PDF for free?
You can edit a PDF for free as long as you have Microsoft Office. Word makes it easy to edit a PDF, but also to convert a PDF into a Word document. What the app does is indeed convert the original format at first. You can then edit the document and save it again as a PDF. Or in .docx according to the desired output format.
- Open Microsoft Word
- Go into File > Open > Browse
- Load the PDF file from your hard drive
- Wait a few seconds while Word converts the PDF to an editable file
- You can now place the cursor anywhere and make your changes
- Finally, save the document by choosing the desired format (PDF or docx)
From a smartphone
If you want to edit a PDF from a smartphone for free, the process is pretty much the same. You will need to download the mobile version of Microsoft Word. Next, open and then edit the PDF you want to modify (save a new copy first).
- Download Microsoft Office for Android or from the App Store if you are on iOS
- Open Word
- At the bottom right, tap To open, select This device and load the PDF from its location on your smartphone. Word tells you that the file will be converted. Press OK and wait a few seconds.
- Press on the icon with a pencil and a leaf at the top of the toolbar.
- To edit the PDF, Word asks you to first save a copy in .docx format.
- Then make your changes
- Finally, save a copy again as a PDF (or other).
That’s it, you now know how to edit a PDF for free and easily. No need for Adobe Acrobat Pro DC software, one of the few that allows it. But this solution is paying and is moreover very expensive.