Add text to a PDF: fill in blanks and add content
How to add text on top of a PDF page or enter values into form fields and save, without installing any program.
When you only need to write your name and date on an application or confirmation PDF before sending it, there’s no need to print it, fill it in by hand and scan it again.
PDFs with form fields
For PDFs with clickable fields, enter values in the text boxes, checkboxes and lists, then save with ‘Download edited copy’. In this case the page editing tools are disabled so the form doesn’t break.
PDFs without form fields
- Open the PDF in the Workspace.
- Press ‘Add text’, choose where the text should go, and type your content.
- Press ‘Download edited copy’ to download a new PDF with the text added.
Good to know
- This does not edit the existing body text. It places new text on top.
- If you plan to rotate the page, add the text first and then rotate.
- Digital signatures are not supported. For documents that need a signature, follow the instructions of the place you’re submitting to.
When this comes in handy
- When you need to write your name, contact details and date on an application PDF that has no fields
- When adding a confirmation note or memo in the margin of a document you received
- When ticking the checkboxes on a consent form and sending it back
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether it has form fields? When you open a form PDF, you can type values straight into its text boxes, checkboxes and lists. If the fields don’t respond, the PDF has no form fields, so use ‘Add text’.
Can the recipient change the text I added? That depends on the PDF program the recipient uses. For documents whose content must not change, follow the submission method required by the recipient.