PDF Guides
How to Annotate a PDF
Marking up a PDF used to mean printing it out, writing on the paper, and scanning it back in. Annotating it directly keeps everything digital — highlights, comments, and freehand drawing layered right on top of the original pages.
Why annotate a PDF instead of printing it
Reviewing a contract, marking up a draft, or leaving feedback on a student's paper all go faster when the markup stays attached to the document itself. It's also easier to share — a single annotated PDF instead of a stack of scanned pages or a separate list of comments.
How to annotate a PDF
Everything is added as a layer on top of your pages, so the original content is never altered.
- Upload your PDF
- Highlight text, add comment notes, or draw freehand with the pen tool
- Adjust color and position as needed
- Download the annotated PDF
Highlights vs. comments vs. drawing
Highlighting is best for flagging specific text. Comments work well for a note that doesn't fit neatly over the text itself, like a question in the margin. Freehand drawing is useful for circling a diagram, crossing something out, or sketching a quick arrow — anything a highlight or comment box can't easily express.
Frequently asked questions
Does this change the original PDF text?
No. Highlights, comments, and drawings are added as a layer on top of the page — the underlying text and content are never edited or removed.
Can I remove an annotation after adding it?
Yes, annotations can be undone or removed before you download the finished file.
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. Annotating runs entirely in your browser, so your file never leaves your device.