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How to Edit Text in a PDF for Free

You can edit text in a PDF for free without buying software or converting the file to Word. With PDF Hydra's Edit PDF, you click on a word and type the new text, and the editor keeps the same font, size and color. It works on your phone and your computer.

This guide shows how to change existing text, move or delete parts of a page, add new text and images, and what to do with scanned PDFs. It also explains why you should not use a plain black box to hide private data.

Edit PDF: Change the text already in your PDF, even inside tables. Add text, images and shapes.

Try it free

What you can change

Existing text, including text inside tables, in the matching font, size and color.
The position of text: drag it to move it, or delete it.
A logo, box or table: the Move area tool lifts it so you can place it somewhere else or delete it.
New content: text, images, shapes, highlights and whiteout anywhere on the page.

Edit text in your PDF with PDF Hydra

Open Edit PDF and choose your PDF.
Click on the text you want to change and type the new words.
To move something, drag the text, or use the Move area tool for a logo, box or table.
To add something new, pick a tool for text, images, shapes, highlight or whiteout.
Click Download to save your edited PDF.

Edit PDF: Change the text already in your PDF, even inside tables. Add text, images and shapes.

Try it free

Common everyday fixes

Most people need small changes. A wrong spelling of a name on a form, an old date on a bank letter, a typo in an invoice, or a new phone number on a CV. These are quick to fix by clicking the word and typing.

Your file is edited in your browser and stays on your device, which matters when the document has personal or company details.

Editing a scanned PDF

A scanned page is a picture, so the words cannot be clicked and changed. For small changes, cover the old words with the whiteout tool and type new text on top.

If you need to change a lot of text in a scan, it is easier to convert it first. PDF to Word with the AI reads every word mode reads scanned pages and gives you a Word file you can edit fully.

Hiding private data: use Redact, not a black box

If you want to hide an ID number, account number or address, do not just draw a black shape over it. A plain box only covers the text, and the words can still be copied from underneath.

Use Redact PDF instead. It removes the hidden text from the file itself, so it cannot be copied, searched or uncovered later. Keep your original file if you need the full version again.

After editing

Open the downloaded file and read it once more. Check that the new text lines up with the rest of the page. If the document needs a signature, add it with Sign PDF. If it is a form with fields, PDF Form Filler lets you type into the fields and save them.

Only edit documents you have the right to change. Do not change official papers issued by someone else.

Frequently asked questions

Can I edit the text that is already in a PDF?

Yes. Click on the text and type the new words. The editor keeps the same font, size and color, and it works inside tables too.

How do I edit a scanned PDF?

Use the whiteout tool to cover the old text, then add new text on top. For bigger changes, convert the scan with PDF to Word first.

Is Edit PDF really free?

Yes. There is no sign-up, no subscription and no watermark on your file.

Is my document uploaded anywhere?

No. Your PDF opens and is edited inside your browser. It never leaves your phone or computer.