A PDF or Portable Document File does not require a specific hardware, software or operating system to be opened, but editing it is not as simple. Software developers use the term "edit" rather loosely in the PDF world. There are four concrete possibilities for creating a PDF file. If you want to know how to do it using different methods, just follow these steps.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Method 1: Use a PDF Editor
Step 1. Download a PDF editor from the Internet
Go online to find a free and reliable PDF editor. A "serious" PDF editor, if free, will not ask you for personal or financial information.
Step 2. Open the PDF through the editor
The program should give you a "Choose File" or "Browse" option which will allow you to easily locate and import PDF files to your computer.
Step 3. Edit the PDF
Use the PDF editor to edit the words or images in the document.
Step 4. Save the edited document
When you're done making changes to the document, be sure to save the final product so you'll have a copy of the edited PDF.
Method 2 of 4: Method 2: Use a PDF - Text Converter
Step 1. Find a PDF to text converter online
There are several websites that provide free PDF to text conversion service. Just search for "PDF to text" with any search engine. Make sure the converter is truly trustworthy and does not ask for personal or financial information.
Step 2. Provide your name and email address (optional)
The converter may ask you for your name or email address to send you the resulting file. Some converters can complete the conversion online, while others will email you the finished product. Provide this information if the converter requests it.
Step 3. Upload the PDF file
The converter will have a "Choose File" or "Browse" option that will allow you to easily locate the file on your computer. Wait for the PDF file to be converted to text. It may take a few minutes or much longer, depending on the size of the PDF.
Step 4. Download the converted PDF
The PDF will now appear as a *.txt file. It will be available to you on the website or by email.
Step 5. Open the file in a word processor
Step 6. Edit the file
Make any necessary changes to your PDF.
Step 7. Save the file
Save the finished product.
Step 8. Get the text file back to PDF (optional)
If you want to bring the file back into PDF format after editing it, just repeat the process using an online text to PDF conversion service. The process is the same: find a reliable converter, load the text file and wait for it to change the file back to the PDF format.
Method 3 of 4: Method 3: Use a Word-PDF Converter
Step 1. Find a PDF to Word converter online
There are several websites that provide this online service for free. And unlike the PDF to text converter, this one allows you to work on the document directly in your word processor. You must enter "PDF to text" in any online search engine. Make sure the result is reliable and free.
A good converter supports processing on single files, batch files and even selected pages. It allows users to keep the original layout of text, graphics and images after conversion. Among the most popular choices are deskUNPDF, SolidPDF and PDF Converter
Step 2. Provide your name and email address (optional)
Depending on the converter, you may be asked for specific information, such as your name or email address. Some converters can complete the conversion online, while others will email you the finished product.
Step 3. Import the file
The converter will allow you to browse the files to load the PDF you want to edit.
Step 4. Convert the file
Wait for the file conversion to complete. This may take a few minutes or more, depending on the size of the file.
Step 5. Open the file
Once the file is converted, you can open it online or retrieve it from your email.
Step 6. Edit the file
Use Microsoft Word to edit the file.
Step 7. Save the file
When you've made your changes, save the file.
Step 8. Convert Word document to PDF
If you wish to return the file to PDF format after editing it, simply repeat the conversion process, using a dedicated online service. The process is the same: find a reliable converter, upload the text file and wait for it to finish returning it as a PDF. You can also just reconvert the file with Microsoft Word if you have the right software.
Method 4 of 4: Method 4: Use Adobe Acrobat
Step 1. Purchase and install or open Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is the primary tool used to create PDF files. If you already have it, just open it. If you want to buy it, know that while it is a little expensive, it is very useful for creating PDF files, as well as for carrying out a wide range of other useful tasks.
Step 2. Open the file
Click on "File" and "Open" to locate the file.
Step 3. Activate the Advanced Editing tool
Click on "Tools" -> "Advanced Edits" -> "Show Advanced Edits Bar". This will allow you to edit the PDF as effectively as possible.
Step 4. Edit the images in the PDF (optional)
If you want to edit the images in the PDF, click on the "Retouch Objects" tool at the right end of the advanced Edit toolbar. Then click on the image and select "Edit Image". The image will open in Photoshop or another photo editing program. This will automatically update the image in Adobe Acrobat.
Step 5. Change the order of the PDF pages (optional)
To do this, click on "View", then "Navigation panels" and then "Pages". At this point, change the order of the pages by clicking on the thumbnail of the pages and dragging them to a new position.
Step 6. Edit the text in the PDF
Click on the "Text Retouch" tool on the Advanced Editing toolbar. It is the third option from the right. After that, click on the text and make any necessary changes, remembering to use the same font as the original text. Once you have finished editing the text and other aspects of the PDF, you will have completed the PDF file.
