How to Add Text to a PDF for Free (2026 Guide)
Need to add text to a PDF? Whether you're filling in a form, adding notes, or labeling a diagram, you can insert text anywhere in a PDF document — completely free, no software required.
Common Reasons to Add Text to a PDF
- Fill out forms — Add your information to PDF forms
- Add comments — Insert notes and annotations
- Label images — Add captions and descriptions
- Correct errors — Fix typos or update information
- Add headers/footers — Insert page numbers or titles
- Complete applications — Fill in job or school applications
How to Add Text: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Upload Your PDF
Go to EditPDFs.app and upload your PDF by dragging it onto the page or clicking to browse.
Step 2: Select the Text Tool
Click the text tool in the toolbar. Your cursor will change to indicate you're in text mode.
Step 3: Click Where You Want Text
Click anywhere on the PDF where you want to add text. A text box will appear at that location.
Step 4: Type Your Text
Start typing. You can customize the font, size, and color to match the document or stand out as needed.
Step 5: Position and Download
Drag the text box to fine-tune positioning. When you're satisfied, download your updated PDF.
Text Formatting Options
When adding text, you have several formatting options:
- Font family — Choose from common fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Helvetica
- Font size — Adjust from tiny labels to large headings
- Color — Pick any color to match or contrast with the document
- Bold and italic — Add emphasis to your text
Tips for Adding Text to PDFs
Match the Existing Font
If you're filling in a form, try to match the font style and size of the existing text. This makes your additions look natural and professional.
Use Contrasting Colors for Notes
If you're adding comments or annotations meant to stand out, use a different color. Red or blue text on a black-text document is clearly visible.
Zoom In for Precision
When positioning text in tight spaces (like form fields), zoom in for more precise placement.
Adding Text vs. Editing Existing Text
It's important to understand the difference:
- Adding text — Places new text on top of the PDF
- Editing existing text — Modifies text that's already in the document
EditPDFs.app allows you to add new text anywhere. Editing existing text is more complex and depends on how the PDF was created. Scanned documents (which are images) can't have their text directly edited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to add text to PDFs?
Yes, completely free. No limits on how much text you add or how many documents you edit.
Will the text be permanent?
Yes. When you download the PDF, the text is embedded in the document. It will display in any PDF viewer.
Can I add text to a scanned PDF?
Yes! You can add text on top of any PDF, including scanned documents. The text appears as a layer above the scanned image.
Can I delete text I added?
Before downloading, you can select and delete any text you've added. After downloading, you'd need to re-upload and edit again.
Does this work on my phone?
Yes. EditPDFs.app works on any device with a modern browser — phones, tablets, and computers.