How to Edit PDFs on a Mac Using Preview & Third-Party Apps

PDFs, or Portable Document Format files, are widely used for sharing documents due to their ability to preserve formatting across various platforms. While they’re generally considered read-only files, editing them on a Mac is actually quite simple, thanks to built-in tools like Preview and a plethora of third-party applications.

Using Preview for Basic PDF Edits

Preview, Apple’s default image and PDF viewer, offers a surprising range of editing capabilities. Here’s how to make basic modifications:

1. Opening and Navigating a PDF

• Double-click the PDF file to open it in Preview.

• Use the toolbar to navigate between pages.

• To zoom in or out, use the command + or command – keyboard shortcuts, or use the zoom slider in the toolbar.

2. Adding and Editing Text

• Click the “Annotate” button in the toolbar.

• Select “Text” from the annotation options.

• Click on the PDF to create a text box.

• Type your text, adjust its font, size, and color using the toolbar.

• To edit existing text, double-click on it.

3. Drawing, Shapes, and Highlights

• Select the “Annotate” button again.

• Choose from tools like “Pencil,” “Line,” “Shape,” and “Highlight” to make markings.

• Customize line thickness, colors, and transparency using the toolbar.

4. Inserting Images

• Open the “Edit” menu.

• Select “Insert.”

• Choose “Image.”

• Locate the image file you want to add and click “Open.”

• You can resize the image and drag it to your desired location within the PDF.

5. Rotating Pages

• Click the “Tools” button in the toolbar.

• Select “Rotate” from the options.

• Choose “Clockwise” or “Counterclockwise” to rotate the page 90 degrees.

Beyond the Basics: Third-Party Apps

While Preview is suitable for minor edits, more complex modifications require dedicated third-party applications.

1. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

• The industry-standard for professional PDF editing.

• Provides powerful features for:

Adding, deleting, and rearranging pages.
Manipulating images and text directly within the PDF.
Converting PDFs to other formats (Word, Excel, etc.)
Adding digital signatures.

2. PDF Expert

• Known for its user-friendly interface.

• Offers advanced features including:

Interactive form filling.
Text and image editing with precision.
Merge and split PDFs.
Security features for password protection.

3. Skim

• Focuses primarily on annotation and review.

• Designed for research and study.

• Key features:

Text highlighting and notes.
Powerful search functionality.
Syncing notes between devices.

Tips for Editing PDFs

Here are some helpful tips to make your PDF editing process more efficient:

• **Save a backup.** Before making significant edits, create a copy of your PDF to avoid losing the original.

• **Use layers.** If you’re making multiple edits, utilize layers in apps like Adobe Acrobat Pro DC to organize changes and prevent overlap.

• **Check compatibility.** If sharing your edited PDF, ensure the recipients can view it using their respective software.

PDF editing on a Mac is a straightforward task, whether you need to make simple annotations or complex alterations. Choose the appropriate tool based on your requirements, and make the most of the intuitive editing options available.