How to Write on a PDF File
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Considered as one of the more popular ways of sharing and creating digital documents, majority of computer programs incorporate a method that allows the user to save files using the .pdf format. Originally intended strictly for the Adobe Acrobat, there are now numerous utilities that can be used to read this type of file for all diverse Operating System platforms. To be able to edit an existing .pdf file, normally the original document used to generate it is required in order to have a more accurate output. The .pdf format has been established as an open-standard that can allow the digital signing or password protecting of shared documents.
Materials Needed:- Source PDF file
- PDF editor and viewer programs
- word processors or image editing applications
Step 1
The easiest way to write to a .pdf file is to modify its source document that may have been created by a word processor or some other computer application. Modifying it and saving it again as a .pdf format will incorporate all edited contents. If however, no original source file is available, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2
When only the main .pdf file is available to the user, a PDF editing program is required to allow the writing into the file. If no such program is available in the user’s computer, programs like GNU Ghostscript (Open Source), Foxit, or similar software may be searched and downloaded from the Internet.
Step 3
Upon completion of the downloading and installation process of the editor, launch the program and open the .pdf file for editing. Minor editing activities can now be done to the .pdf file like insertion of objects in blank portions, correction of typographical errors, or the removal of some contents. Make use of the different tools like the Text Box, Picture Holder, Eraser, and others to make your desired changes.
Step 4
For multiple page .pdf documents, do not attempt to edit them as a single document but only per page. This will eliminate any problems that may affect its content formatting. Every .pdf page opens in its individual window for easier editing. After making the necessary changes, proceed by saving the pages individually.
Step 5
When saving, make sure not to overwrite the original document in case there is a need to revert to it in the future. Prior to sharing the updated .pdf file, open it using any viewer program to make sure that its formatting was not affected by the modifications made and that the entire contents remain readable.
Step 6
If everything is in order, it can now be distributed or printed depending on the need of the user.