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How to Edit PDF on Mac in 2025? (Answered)

Matt Rooke
Updated on May 22, 2025

With the world going digital, most of us now deal with important documents in the form of PDF (Portable Document Format) files. These documents are very efficient, as they can be accessed and edited across a wide range of devices like Mac and Windows. However, with the Mac having a complicated interface, one might end up being tangled with the how to edit PDF on Mac query. 

If you are someone facing this issue or have the curiosity to learn how to modify a PDF document on Mac, this article can offer you some helpful answers. As, in this write-up, we have mentioned three core ways to deal with how to edit PDF on Mac in 2025.

Can you Edit Text on a PDF Mac?

It is quite common for one to end up in a whirlwind of questions related to Mac, especially if you are newly introduced to it. The answer to ‘can you edit text in a PDF on Mac?’ Yes, you can conveniently modify and alter the content in a PDF file.

To be precise, there are three efficient methods using which this query can be solved. These include 1. Using the Preview application, 2. With the assistance of Google Documents, and 3. By utilizing third-party PDF editors.

Intrigued to learn about how do you edit a PDF document on Mac? Keep scrolling as we have elaborated on each method with meticulousness!

How do I Edit a PDF File on my Mac using Preview?

Preview is a built-in application that assists in viewing and editing of images and PDFs with accuracy and convenience on macOS. You can easily fill out forms, add signatures, and create new files on the platform while having the possibility of protecting confidential documents with secure protection.

Here is how you can edit a PDF file on Mac using the Preview application. 

  1. Click on the Search Icon in the top right corner. 
    Click on the Search Icon in the top right corner
  1. Type in Preview and tap on the same.
    Type in Preview and tap on the same
  1. Go to the PDF file you want to edit. 
    Go to the PDF file you want to edit
  1. Select the Markup Tool from the options at the top. 
    Select the Markup Tool from the options at the top
  1. You can edit using the different tools available in the bar. 
    You can edit using the different tools available in the bar

By making use of these steps, you can edit any document and image in the default Preview application of macOS. 

Easy Steps for How do I Edit a PDF on My Mac for Free with the Help of Google Docs?

It might sound complicated as to how we can make use of the Google Docs feature to alter PDFs on Mac. For this reason and to ease this commotion of curiosity, let’s see how to modify a PDF document on Mac using the Google Docs platform.

  1. Navigate to your account’s Google Drive.
    Navigate to your account’s Google Drive
  1. Select the +New option.
    Select the +New option
  1. Click on File Upload.
    Click on File Upload
  1. Choose the PDF file you want to modify. 
    Choose the PDF file you want to modify
  1. Once it’s uploaded, tap on the file.
    Once it’s uploaded, tap on the file
  1. Now, first hit the Dropdown Arrow, and then press Google Docs.
    Now, first hit the Dropdown Arrow, and then press Google Docss
  1. Edit the PDF that’s now in the format of Google Docs.
    Edit the PDF that’s now in the format of Google Docs
  1. After all the changes are made, hit the File tab in the top left and further select the Download option. 
    After all the changes are made, hit the File tab in the top left and further select the Download option
  1. Press on PDF Document (.pdf).
    Press on PDF Document (.pdf)

With the steps provided above, you can easily tackle how do you edit a PDF document on Mac via Google Docs. 

How do I Convert a PDF to an Editable Document on a Mac via Third-Party Software?

There is a lot of software, like iLovePDF, Adobe Acrobat, and Smallpdf, that works on converting and editing with ease. To give you a better perspective, we have mentioned the steps for the same underneath, so give it a good read!

  1. Search and navigate to www.Smallpdf.com
    Search and navigate to www.Smallpdf
  1. Click on the Edit tab.
    Click on the Edit tab
  1. Tap on Choose Files.
    Tap on Choose File
  1. Select the document and click on Open
    Select the document and click on Open
  1. Using the various tools present at the top, edit the PDF according to your preference. 
    Using the various tools present at the top, edit the PDF according to your  preferencee
  1. At last, hit on Download
    At last, hit on Download

If you don’t find this software flexible and versatile, in the next section we have mentioned similar tools.

Effective Third-Party Tools to Modify a PDF Document on Mac

It’s necessary to find comfort while editing a PDF document on a Mac device. In this section, we have briefed about similar tools and products that provide a similar working base to users. 

  • Adobe Acrobat: From editing out texts and images to automatic layout adjustments, Adobe Acrobat is a phenomenal solution. You can also make use of its AI assistance and collaboration capabilities.
  • iLovePDF: Another prominent user-friendly platform for merging, splitting, compressing, converting, and editing any PDF document with ease and convenience is iLovePDF. 
  • Canva: Canva is a graphic design platform known for its easy graphic designing capabilities. However, it also allows individuals to modify text, images, and layout in their PDFs.
  • PDF24 Tools: If you want to compress, edit, merge, or edit a file, you can also put PDF24 Tools into use. This free tool assists in virtual PDF printing, adding watermarks, page numbers, and more. 
  • LightPDF: LightPDF is another PDF editing website that is fantastic for AI enthusiasts, as it can easily integrate the power of artificial intelligence into the editing process of data.

To get a better perspective, here is a detailed table on these editing tools. 

The comparison of top PDF editing software

Other than the above-mentioned ones, you can also make use of Lumin PDF, Xodo, pdfFiller, and PDFGuru for modifying your PDF document. 

Also Read: Learn How to Change Airdrop Name on iPhone, iPad, and Mac With Easy Steps and Solutions If You Can’t! 

Tips and Tricks to Make Use of while Editing on Mac

Making use of the above three methods can be tricky, especially the Preview application as it is quite complicated to make use of. For this reason, we advise you to refer to the Preview tools manuals for easy annotation of PDF documents. Further, we have listed a few pointers that you can be mindful of while editing on your Mac device, so read them all.

  • To remove any text, simply select it and hit the underline or strikethrough.
  • Ensure your signature is in alignment with the space. 
  • If it is a professional document, try to eliminate unwanted content. 
  • Use the text tool to fill the blank field of the document.
  • Take breaks between writing, reading, and editing processes. 

You can also make use of the trackpad gestures like pinch-to-zoom and the two-finger scrolling for a seamless document navigation experience.  

Wrapping Up

Learning how to edit PDF on Mac, can come in importance as the option to actually customize data on the device is limited. However, with the three efficient ways mentioned above can assist you to easily get rid of all the confusion pertaining the how can I edit a PDF document on a Mac.

We also encourage users to make use of the Preview tools manual, especially if you are new to the application, as it can be quite complex for you to decipher and modify. Moreover, you can convert your PDF into a Word file and edit the PDF on the Microsoft Word application. 

Also Read: How To Turn Off Private Browsing on iPhone or Mac? Step-by-Step Guide (Answered) 

Frequently Asked Questions
How to make a PDF editable?

You can make a PDF editable by making use of the PDF editors like Preview, Google Docs, and a third-party tool. You can also convert the file into a Word format to do it in Microsoft Word.

How can I edit a PDF document on a Mac?

To edit a PDF document on Mac, Go to Search Icon>> Preview >> Markup Tool >> Annotation Tool >> Done .

How to alter a PDF on Mac?

To alter a PDF on Mac, simply navigate to a third-party tool >> Edit >> Choose File >> select the document >> Open >> make changes >> Download .

Matt Rooke

Tech and Gadget Writer


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