PDF format is widely used for sharing documents as it preserves the layout and formatting of the original file. However, sometimes you may need to add notes, markup, or annotations to a PDF document. Drawing on a PDF can be a useful tool for highlighting important points, adding explanations, or making corrections. In this article, we will explore different methods and tools for drawing on PDF files.
Using Built-in Tools
- Adobe Acrobat Reader: Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free PDF viewer that allows you to add annotations, drawings, and comments to PDF files. Here’s how you can draw on a PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader:
- Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Click on the “Comment” toolbar at the top of the screen.
- Select the “Drawing” tool from the toolbar.
- Use the drawing tools to annotate, highlight, or draw on the PDF file.
- Preview on Mac: If you’re using a Mac, you can use the built-in Preview app to draw on PDF files. Here’s how:
- Open the PDF file in Preview.
- Click on the “Markup” toolbar.
- Select the drawing tool from the toolbar.
- Draw on the PDF file using the drawing tools.
Using Third-Party Tools
- Xodo PDF Viewer & Editor: Xodo is a free PDF viewer and editor that allows you to annotate, highlight, and draw on PDF files. Here’s how you can use Xodo to draw on a PDF:
- Open the PDF file in Xodo.
- Click on the “Pen” tool in the toolbar.
- Select the drawing tool you want to use.
- Draw on the PDF file using the selected drawing tool.
- PDF Annotator: PDF Annotator is a paid software that offers advanced drawing and annotation tools for PDF files. Here’s how you can draw on a PDF using PDF Annotator:
- Open the PDF file in PDF Annotator.
- Select the drawing tool from the toolbar.
- Customize the drawing settings as needed.
- Draw on the PDF file using the selected drawing tool.
Using Online Tools
- Smallpdf: Smallpdf is a free online tool that allows you to edit and annotate PDF files. Here’s how you can draw on a PDF using Smallpdf:
- Go to the Smallpdf website.
- Upload the PDF file you want to draw on.
- Select the drawing tool from the editing options.
- Draw on the PDF file using the online drawing tool.
- PDFescape: PDFescape is another online tool that lets you edit and annotate PDF files. Here’s how you can draw on a PDF using PDFescape:
- Visit the PDFescape website.
- Upload the PDF file you want to annotate.
- Select the drawing tool from the editing options.
- Draw on the PDF file using the online drawing tool.
There are several methods and tools available for drawing on PDF files, whether you prefer using built-in features, third-party software, or online tools. Adding drawings, annotations, and highlights to PDF documents can help you showcase important information and improve the readability of the document. Choose the method and tool that works best for your needs and start drawing on PDF files with ease.
