How to Edit PDF in Preview

PDFs are the go-to format for sharing and storing critical documents like contracts, reports, and forms. But what happens when you need to tweak a PDF file after signing it? Maybe you want to add a quick note, highlight a key point, or adjust the layout. If you’re a Mac user, the Preview app offers a simple, built-in solution to edit PDFs quickly.

However, for more advanced needs—like editing existing text or filling complex forms—pdfFiller steps in as a powerful ally. This article will show you how to edit a PDF in Preview on MacOS after signing it and explore how pdfFiller can enhance your document management.

Let’s get started.

How to Edit PDFs in Preview on MacOS

The Preview app is MacOS’s default PDF viewer, offering a range of editing tools perfect for basic adjustments. Whether you’ve just signed a PDF document and need to add annotations or rearrange pages, Preview has you covered. Here’s how to get started.

Opening the PDF in Preview

Getting your PDF file into Preview is straightforward. Most PDFs automatically open in Preview when you double-click them on a Mac. If not, here’s what to do:

• Right-click the PDF, select "Open With," and choose "Preview."
  
• Alternatively, open Preview from the Applications folder, then go to "File > Open" and pick your PDF.
  

How to Use the Markup Toolbar

The heart of Preview’s editing tools lies in the Markup toolbar. This feature gives you access to everything you need to annotate or adjust your PDF.

• Look for the Markup button—a pencil tip inside a circle—in the top-right corner of the Preview window. Click it to reveal the toolbar.
  
• If it’s not visible, head to the menu bar and select "View > Show Markup Toolbar."
  

With the Markup toolbar active, you can start making changes to your signed PDF.

How to Edit Text, Add Shapes, and Annotations

Preview offers several ways to enhance your PDF with new text, shapes, and annotations. Here’s how to use these markup tools:

• Add Text: Click the "Text" icon (a "T" inside a box). A text box appears on the PDF—click it, type your message, and adjust the font, size, or text color using the options that pop up.
  
• Add Shapes: Hit the "Shapes" icon (a square and circle). Choose from rectangles, ovals, lines, or arrows, then click and drag to place them. Customize the color box to match your needs.
  
• Highlight Text: Select the text you want to emphasize, then click the "Highlight" button (a highlighter pen icon). Pick a color to make it stand out.
  
• Add Sticky Notes: Click the "Note" icon (a speech bubble). Place it on the PDF and double-click to type your note—perfect for quick comments.
  
• Add Arrows: From the shapes menu, select an arrow and drag it to point out specific areas.
  

These tools let you annotate your signed PDF without altering the original content.

Rearranging and Managing Pages

Need to tweak the structure of your PDF pages? Preview makes it easy to rearrange, add, or delete pages:

1. Go to "View > Thumbnails" to display a sidebar with page previews.
   
2. To rearrange pages, click and drag the thumbnails into your desired order.
   
3. To add pages, select "Edit > Insert > Page from File" to pull in pages from another PDF, or choose "Blank Page" for a fresh one.
   
4. To delete, select a thumbnail and press the "Delete" key.
   
5. To rotate, pick a thumbnail and go to "Tools > Rotate Left" or "Rotate Right."
   

This flexibility ensures your PDF document stays organized after signing.

Saving Changes

Once you’ve made your edits, saving them properly is key:

• Choose "File > Save" to update the original PDF file with editable annotations.
  
• To keep the original intact, select "File > Export" and save a new version.
  
• For a flattened, uneditable copy, use "File > Export as PDF."
  

Preview is a free PDF editor built into MacOS, making it a handy choice for quick edits like these.

Limitations of Preview for PDF Editing

While Preview excels at basic tasks, it’s not a full-fledged PDF editor. After signing a PDF, you might notice some constraints:

• No Editing of Existing Text: You can’t modify the existing text in the PDF—only add new text boxes on top.
  
• Limited Image Editing: Editing images isn’t an option; you’re stuck with adding new ones instead.
  
• Basic Form Handling: If your PDF has a fillable form, Preview might not recognize it fully, limiting your ability to fill it.
  
• Simple Tools: The markup tools are great for annotations but lack the depth of advanced editing software.
  

For more robust editing—like changing editable text or managing signatures beyond simple additions—consider a tool like pdfFiller.

Editing PDFs with pdfFiller

When Preview’s capabilities fall short, pdfFiller emerges as a comprehensive online PDF editor. It’s designed to handle everything from basic annotations to complex document edits, making it ideal for both personal and professional use.

Introduction to pdfFiller

pdfFiller transforms how you work with PDFs. It offers:

• The ability to edit existing text and images.
  
• Tools to fill PDF forms and add signatures.
  
• Features like password protection and page management.
  
• Options to convert PDFs into formats like Microsoft Word.
  

With its intuitive interface, pdfFiller empowers you to tackle any PDF editing task with ease.

Uploading and Opening a PDF

Getting started with pdfFiller is simple:

1. Visit pdfFiller.com and sign up for a free trial or log in.
   
2. Click “+Add New” and choose "Upload Document" to bring your PDF file into the platform.
   
3. Select the PDF to open it in the pdfFiller editor.
   

Now, you’re ready to make advanced changes to your signed PDF.

How to Edit Images and Text

pdfFiller lets you edit the core content of your PDF:

• Edit Text: Click any existing text to modify it. Use the toolbar to tweak the font, size, or text color.
  
• Edit Images: Select an image to resize, rotate, or delete it. Add new ones with the "Image" tool.
  

This level of control is perfect for refining a PDF document after signing.

Filling Out Forms and Adding Signatures

pdfFiller shines when handling forms and signatures:

• Fillable Forms: If your PDF has form fields, pdfFiller detects them automatically—click to fill them out. You can also add new fields with the "Form" tool.
  
• Signatures: Use the Sign tool to add your signature by drawing, typing, or uploading a signature. Place it anywhere on the document and save it for future use.
  

These features make managing signatures and forms seamless.

Advanced Features

pdfFiller goes beyond basic editing with tools like:

• Convert PDFs: Transform your PDF into Microsoft Word, Excel, or other formats.
  
• Rearrange Pages: Merge multiple PDFs or split a large one into smaller files.
  
• Password Protection: Secure your PDF with a password for controlled access.
  
• Online Services: Share your PDF via email or a link for collaboration.
  

These capabilities make pdfFiller a versatile PDF editor for any workflow.

Saving and Sharing

To save and share your PDF after editing do the following:

1. Click "Done" in the top-right corner.
   
2. Save the file to your pdfFiller account, download it, or share it directly.
   
3. Print it if needed, straight from the platform, or share it via LinkToFill, Email, or Text.
   

Your edited PDFs are stored securely in the cloud, accessible anytime.

Editing a PDF in Preview on MacOS is a breeze for basic tasks like adding text, shapes, or sticky notes after signing. It’s a free PDF editor that’s always at your fingertips. However, when you need to edit existing text, fill complex PDF forms, or manage signatures with advanced tools, pdfFiller takes the lead. Its comprehensive features streamline document management, saving you time and effort.

Ready to elevate your PDF editing? Start your free trial with pdfFiller today and discover a smarter way to handle your documents!

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