How to Edit PDF on iPhone

Imagine you’re rushing to a meeting, and a client emails you a contract that needs a quick signature—or perhaps a typo corrected—before it’s finalized. You don’t have your desktop computer handy, but your iPhone is right there in your pocket. Fortunately, editing a PDF on your iPhone is not only possible but also surprisingly simple.

This article will show you how to edit PDFs using the native tools built into your iPhone and the powerful features of pdfFiller’s iOS application. Whether you want to add text, highlight key points, or manage multiple files, you’ll find all the tools you need here. Let’s dive in and explore how to make your iPhone a PDF editing powerhouse.

Editing PDFs with Native iPhone Tools

Your iPhone comes equipped with free, built-in tools that allow you to edit PDFs without downloading additional software. These options—the Files app and the Books app—are perfect for quick edits to a PDF document. Both are accessible to all iPhone users and require no extra setup. Here’s how to use them effectively.

Overview of Native Tools

The Files app serves as a central hub for managing files on your iPhone, including PDFs stored locally or in the cloud. It integrates with iCloud Drive, On My iPhone, and other services like Google Drive or Dropbox. Meanwhile, the Books app, designed primarily for reading, also supports PDF viewing and editing. Both apps offer a markup feature that lets you add text, use the highlight tool, or draw directly on a PDF file. These tools are ideal for basic tasks but have limitations when it comes to advanced editing features like modifying existing text or deleting pages.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Files App

Editing a PDF using the Files app is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Files app on your iPhone.

2. Navigate to where your PDF is saved—perhaps in iCloud Drive or On My iPhone.

3. Tap the PDF file to open it on your screen.

4. Look for the markup icon (a pen tip inside a circle) at the top right and tap it.

5. Use the available tools to:

• Insert a text box to add new text anywhere on the page.
  
• Select the highlight tool to mark important sections.
  
• Draw with your finger or an Apple Pencil (if paired with an iPad) to sign or annotate.
  
• Add shapes like arrows or circles to emphasize specific details.
  

6. When finished editing, tap Done to save your changes.

The Files app excels at quick fixes—think signing a document or adding a note. However, it can’t edit text already in the PDF, rotate pages, or delete pages. For those tasks, you’ll need more robust software.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Books App

The Books app offers similar functionality with a slightly different workflow. Here’s how to edit PDFs in Books:

1. Launch the Books app on your iPhone.
   
2. If your PDF isn’t already in Books, import it by tapping the More button (three dots) and choosing Import.
   
3. Open the PDF by tapping it, then tap the screen to reveal the controls.
   
4. Tap the markup button—it looks just like the one in the Files app.
   
5. Use the tools to add text, highlight, or draw on your PDF.
   
6. Tap Done to save when you’re finished editing.
   

Like the Files app, the Books app is great for basic markup but falls short for tasks requiring you to modify text or replace images. For iPhone users needing more control over their PDF editing, pdfFiller’s iOS app offers a significant upgrade.

Enhancing Your PDF Editing with pdfFiller

When you need to edit PDFs on your iPhone beyond simple annotations, pdfFiller steps in as a powerful PDF editor app. Available for download from the App Store, pdfFiller provides advanced editing features tailored to professionals and businesses. It’s designed to handle everything from text editing to e-signatures, making it an essential tool for managing PDF files efficiently.

Benefits of pdfFiller for PDF Editing

pdfFiller goes well beyond what native tools offer. Its standout features include:

• Edit Text: Modify existing text in a PDF, adjusting font size, style, or color—perfect for correcting errors or updating details.
  
• Edit Images: Add new images or replace images already in the document to keep it current.
  
• E-Sign: Add legally binding electronic signatures with a few taps, ideal for contracts or approvals.
  
• Fillable Forms: Create or fill out forms directly on your iPhone, streamlining applications or surveys.
  
• Add Comments and Sticky Notes: Collaborate with others by leaving feedback or notes on the PDF.
  
• Page Management: Rotate pages, delete pages, or rearrange them to perfect your document’s layout.
  
• Security: Protect sensitive PDFs with passwords or redact confidential information.
  
• Cloud Access: Save and access your PDFs across devices like your iPhone, iPad, or Mac via cloud services such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
  

These tools make pdfFiller a top choice for anyone who needs to edit PDF files regularly. Businesses, in particular, benefit from its workflow automation and collaboration capabilities, ensuring documents are handled securely and efficiently.

How to Use pdfFiller on Your iPhone

Using pdfFiller to edit a PDF on your iPhone is intuitive and efficient. Here’s how to get started:

1. Download the pdfFiller app from the App Store—it’s free to install.

2. Open the app and sign in or create a new account to access all the features.

3. Upload a PDF document from your iPhone, cloud storage, or scan pages using your camera.

4. Tap the Edit button to open the editing toolbar.

5. Use the pdfFiller tools to:

• Select and modify text within the PDF.
  
• Insert a text box or add text anywhere on the page.
  
• Edit images by adding or replacing them.
  
• Use the e-sign feature to add signatures or initials.
  
• Highlight, underline, or add comments and sticky notes for collaboration.
  

6. To manage pages, tap the Pages icon to rotate pages, delete pages, or reorder them.

7. When you’ve finished editing, tap Save to store the updated PDF on your device or in the cloud.

pdfFiller’s interface is designed for ease of use, even on a small screen. Whether you’re editing a single PDF or handling multiple files, this app ensures you can complete your tasks quickly and professionally.

Best Practices for PDF Editing on iPhone

To get the most out of editing PDFs on your iPhone, follow these practical tips. They’ll help you stay organized and efficient, whether you’re using native tools or pdfFiller.

• Organize with the Files App: Create folders in the Files app for different projects or clients. This makes it simple to find and edit PDFs when you need them.
  
• Use Cloud Storage: Save your PDFs to services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox. You can then access them from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac without missing a beat.
  
• Leverage Templates: If you often work with similar documents, use pdfFiller to create templates and save time on repetitive tasks.
  
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update the pdfFiller app from the App Store to enjoy new editing features and improvements.
  
• Backup Your Files: Before making major edits, save a copy of your original PDF. It’s a safeguard against accidental changes.
  
• Convert When Needed: Use pdfFiller to convert PDFs to formats like Microsoft Word or Excel for additional editing, then convert them back to PDF if necessary.
  
• Scan Pages Efficiently: With pdfFiller, scan pages directly into a new PDF using your iPhone’s camera—perfect for digitizing paper documents.
  

These practices ensure your PDF editing process is smooth and productive, whether you’re working on a single document or managing a batch of files.

Final Thoughts

Editing PDFs on your iPhone is a game-changer for staying productive on the go. The native Files app and Books app provide free, convenient options for quick edits like adding text or using the highlight tool. However, when you need advanced editing features—such as the ability to edit text, replace images, or add an e-sign—pdfFiller’s iOS application takes the lead. It’s a comprehensive PDF editor that empowers iPhone users to manage documents with precision and efficiency. From text editing to collaboration via sticky notes, pdfFiller offers all the features professionals need to streamline their workflow.

Why settle for basic tools when you can unlock a full suite of PDF editing capabilities? Start your free trial with pdfFiller today and discover how it can transform your document management experience on your iPhone.

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