How to Easily Edit PDF Files on Windows

PDF documents are everywhere. From ebooks and reports to receipts and forms, PDFs allow you to share documents across devices while retaining the original formatting.

But what if you need to edit a PDF after it’s already been created and finalized? Making edits directly in a PDF used to be very difficult, if not impossible

Fortunately, with the right software, editing PDF documents on Windows is simple. In this guide, I’ll show you several different methods for editing PDFs on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.

We’ll cover:

• Using Microsoft Word to edit PDF text and images
• Annotating PDFs with digital ink in Microsoft Edge
• Online PDF editors for quick edits right in your browser
• Tips for choosing the right PDF editing tool for your needs

With these PDF editing options, you’ll be able to update, revise, and customize PDF files to your heart’s content. Let’s dive in!

Edit PDF Text and Images in Microsoft Word

If you need to update text, insert images, or make other major changes to a PDF, your best bet is to use Microsoft Word. Here’s how

1. Open Word and go to File > Open. Browse to and select your PDF file.

2. When prompted, click OK to have Word make a copy of your PDF and convert it into an editable Word document.

3. Once the PDF is opened in Word, click Enable Editing at the top of the window.

4. Now you can edit the document just like any other Word file. Make your text changes, insert images, etc.

5. When you’re done, go to File > Save As and select where you want to save the edited PDF version.

That’s all there is to it! The original PDF stays intact, while you now have an updated editable copy.

Pro Tip: If your PDF contains complex formatting like columns or lots of images, the layout may shift slightly in Word. For best results, stick to PDFs that are mostly text-based.

![GIF showing PDF being edited in Word][video1]

Editing text and images in a PDF is straightforward with Microsoft Word.

Word provides the most flexible way to make major revisions to PDFs on Windows. Next, let’s look at adding annotations…

Annotate PDFs in Microsoft Edge

For quick edits like adding notes, highlights or drawings, use the Microsoft Edge web browser.

Edge includes built-in PDF annotation tools that allow you to markup PDFs without needing to convert the file. Here’s how to use them:

1. Open your PDF file in Microsoft Edge. You can drag and drop a file into the browser window.

2. At the top of the PDF viewer, click the Pen icon to open annotation tools.

3. Choose the highlighter, pen, text box or other tools to add annotations.

4. When finished, click the Save icon in the toolbar to save your edited PDF copy.

The annotation experience is smooth and responsive. And the handy eraser lets you remove any annotations as needed.

![Image showing annotations in a PDF opened in Edge][image1]

Microsoft Edge makes it easy to highlight, draw, and add text to PDF files.

For quick feedback and collaboration, annotating PDFs right in Edge is perfect. And it doesn’t alter the original file or require any specialized software.

Use Online PDF Editors for Fast Edits

For basic editing without installing any programs, use a free online PDF editor like Sejda or PDFEscape.

To use an online editor:

1. Go to the tool’s website and click Upload PDF to add your file.

2. Edit text by clicking existing text to modify it. Insert images by dragging and dropping.

3. Click Save or Download to save your edited copy of the PDF file.

Online editors work right in your web browser, so there’s nothing to install. And you can access them from any computer. Most even provide mobile apps.

![Image showing online PDF editor interface][image2]

Online PDF editors allow fast edits without installing software.

Just be aware that uploading files to a website means your data is stored on their servers. So avoid online editors for sensitive documents.

Choosing the Right PDF Editor

With Word, Edge and online tools, you have flexible options for editing PDFs on Windows. Here are some key differences:

• Word – Best for major text and layout changes. Format may shift.

• Edge – Perfect for quick annotations and feedback.

• Online – Fast and easy without installing anything. Upload required.

In general:

• Use Word to extensively edit text or insert/replace images.

• Use Edge to highlight, draw, add text boxes, or collaborate.

• Use an online editor for quick edits from anywhere.

Now you have the power to easily modify and update PDF files right from your Windows devices. No more printing to paper or recreating documents from scratch!

With these PDF editing methods, you can fix typos, insert corrections, update images, or make any other changes needed to revise documents and forms.

Go forth and edit those PDFs. Your paperless office will thank you!