PDF has proved invaluable to the online community since its introduction. Today, most people choose to have agreements, spreadsheets, or manuscripts in PDF form; it is compatible with most operating systems and more convenient than paper documents.
Until recently, editing PDF files was complex as no tools were available. Users had to edit, reprint, or scan original files manually. With any PDF editor, companies and individuals can now work with documents however they want.
This article explains ways to edit PDF files using Google Docs and Google Drive PDF editor. We will also recommend some great PDF editors you can access online.
Why do people edit PDFs?
We live in a dynamic, fast-paced world where processes change according to current realities. People now prefer going paperless and collaborating on projects online. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the way work is done today.
Companies are embracing the idea of teleworking, meaning more work relies on online resources. As a result, these companies can boost productivity and allow team members to collaborate, regardless of location.
Also, working with PDFs is good for the environment. Since people no longer need mountains of paperwork to share information, they can reduce their overall carbon footprint.
How to edit a PDF on Google Docs
Google Docs is a free word processing tool that allows easy collaboration and access to files on any device. This web-based application lets users export files in different formats: DOCX, ODT, RTF, TXT, HTML, EPUB, and PDF.
To edit PDF online, Google Docs works for everyone and requires no purchase or upgrades.
If you need to edit fillable PDF, Google Docs is a superb tool for you.
Here’s how you can edit your PDF using Docs:
- Upload the PDF file to Google Drive.
- Open Google Drive by clicking on the “Google Apps” box next to your avatar in the top-right corner of the Chrome browser.
- Select “Google Drive.”
- Drag the PDF file from its storage folder into any cloud storage folder on Google Drive. This action automatically uploads the PDF to Drive.
- Right-click on the uploaded file and select the “Open With” option. Then, select “Google Docs” from the drop-down menu that appears.
- A notification pops up, informing you that Docs will convert the PDF file into an editable Google document. Accept by clicking “OK” and start editing.
- Once you have finished editing, you can convert the file back to PDF by clicking on “File”> “Download”> “PDF Document”.
- The file is saved to your computer.
How to edit a PDF on Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud-based storage tool for files of various formats, including PDF and Word documents. You can edit PDF files in Google Drive using these straightforward steps:
- Upload the desired PDF file to Google Drive.
- Right-click on it and select “Open With” from the pop-up menu.
- You can decide to edit PDF in Google Docs or any pre-installed editing tools.
- Connect third-party apps like Lumin PDF editor.
- Follow the instructions for uploading and editing your PDF file as provided by any add-on you have chosen.
- Save and download the edited file to your computer.
How to edit a PDF using an online editor
Online editors provide a stress-free way of editing PDF files on the go, eliminating the need for bulky and expensive software. All you need is a stable internet connection and a compatible browser.
Most online PDF editors allow you to add text to PDF, fill PDF form online, and edit fillable forms. When editing PDF online, it’s vital to choose a tool with functional editing capabilities and reliable and user-friendly.
Lumin PDF provides a simple way to edit PDF files online. Here is how you can edit your PDF files online using this tool:
- Drag and drop the PDF file you wish to edit in the box provided on the website.
- You can also click on the “Browse files” link to upload files from your computer, Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Click on the file to begin editing. Edit files as you wish using the editing toolbar at the top of the screen.
- Toggle between the “Viewer” mode and “Page tools” mode to access more tools like page rotation, etc.
- Once you are done editing, you can download the file to your computer or send a copy to cloud storage like Drive or Dropbox.
Lumin PDF allows you to edit files below 20MB, and you have free access to premium features for seven days after you register.
How to edit a PDF on your smartphone
In the past, it was impossible to edit PDFs using smartphones and tablets; users could only view PDF files on these devices.
Nowadays, you can find many PDF editing apps for your smartphone to edit PDF Google Drive Android or iOS platforms.
With an app like Lumin PDF, you can access your files and use the editing features on your mobile phone.
3 Tools for Editing PDFs in 2022
Lumin PDF
If you need a user-friendly and affordable PDF editing tool, choose the Lumin PDF editor. This tool packs many features, including document annotation, merging, and cloud integration. It also works well with Google Drive, and you can edit a blank PDF template or download PDF invitation templates free.
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is the oldest PDF editor ever. Its latest versions pack helpful, easy-to-use features and PDF template download options. Using Adobe Acrobat, you can annotate PDFs, highlight text, create a PDF template, and redact data.
An exciting feature of this tool is using action wizards to edit PDFs. More so, Adobe Acrobat has an inbuilt PDF form creator, which you can use to make PDF forms.
Mac Preview
This tool is free to use for macOS users. Preview allows you to annotate, highlight and sign a PDF fillable form. Although you can’t edit original text and images using Preview, it is still a handy tool for basic PDF editing.
Conclusion
We have explained how to edit PDF files using Google Docs and other similar online tools. These editors are easy to use, require no software download or subscription fee, and can be accessed anytime.
If you want to explore additional editing options that Google Docs cannot offer, use an advanced online editor to work on your document.
