Need to mark a PDF with a check or cross? You can add checkmarks, ticks, or cross symbols directly to your document in just a few steps.
But PDFs are not like Word or Excel; there are reliable ways to add symbols using editing tools, fillable form features, or built-in apps on Mac.
Let’s go through the main methods, how to add and remove checkmarks, and how to use cross marks when you need them.
How to Add a Checkmark in a PDF
The most flexible way to add checkmarks to a PDF is with Edit PDF. It works directly in your browser, supports all file types, and lets you add checkmarks as text, symbols, or images.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Open Smallpdf Edit PDF
Head over to Edit PDF.
Step 2: Upload Your PDF
Drag and drop your file, or import it from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
Step 3: Add a Checkmark
Click Shapes in the left sidebar, then choose the checkmark. Your cursor becomes a placer, so click once on the page to drop it.
Step 4: Place the Symbol
Drag to move the checkmark. Use the corner handles to resize. In the style panel, set the color and thickness so it matches the form.
Step 5: Save the PDF
Click Export and save the updated PDF to your device or back to cloud storage.
Add a Checkmark in a PDF
How to Add a Checkmark in a Fillable PDF Form
Some PDFs are created as fillable forms, with interactive checkboxes built in. In these files, you don’t need to insert symbols manually.
- Open the PDF on a PDF reader that supports forms
- Hover over the checkbox field.
- Click once to check the box. Click again to uncheck.
This is the simplest method, but it only works if the PDF was designed with form fields. If not, you’ll need to insert checkmarks manually with Edit PDF.
How to Insert a Checkmark in PDF on Mac (Preview)
Mac’s Preview app also lets you add symbols, though it’s less flexible than a PDF editor. 1. Open the PDF in Preview. 2. Click Show Markup Toolbar (pen icon). 3. Select the Text tool, then open the Emoji & Symbols panel (Control + Command + Space). 4. Search for “check” and choose ✔ or ✅. 5. Place it in the PDF, resize, and save.
This is useful if you’re working offline and only need to add a few symbols.
How to Remove a Checkmark From a PDF
Sometimes you place a checkmark in the wrong spot or need to clear a selection. How you remove it depends on how it was added:
- In fillable forms: Click the checkbox again to uncheck it.
- In flattened PDFs: If the mark is “baked in” (part of the page), you’ll need to edit with Edit PDF and replace that section with clean text or a white shape.
- In Edit PDF: Select the text or symbol, then press Delete.
Remove a Checkmark From a PDF
How to Add a Cross Mark in a PDF
Cross marks are often used to mark incorrect answers, declined options, or rejected items. In Smallpdf, you can add them the same way you add checkmarks.
Using Smallpdf Edit PDF
The process is the same as you add the crossmark: 1. Open your PDF in Edit PDF. 2. Select the Shapes option in the toolbar. 3. Choose the X (cross) symbol. 4. Click on the page to place it, then drag and resize as needed. 5. Adjust the color or thickness in the style panel.
Using Mac Preview
If you’re working on Mac, you can insert a cross mark using Preview: 1. Open the PDF in Preview. 2. Show the Markup Toolbar. 3. Select the Text tool, then press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer. 4. Search for and insert the ❌ symbol.
In Fillable Forms
Some interactive PDFs are designed with custom fields where a checkbox can toggle between a checkmark (✔) and a cross (❌). In that case, simply click the box to switch between the two.
Add a Checkmark in a PDF
Adding checkmarks or cross marks in PDFs is simple once you know the right method. If your PDF has built-in checkboxes, just click to select or unselect.
For all other cases, Edit PDF is the fastest way to insert checkmarks, ticks, or crosses wherever you need them. And if you make a mistake, you can remove marks just as easily.
With options for web, Mac Preview, and fillable forms, you can handle checkmarks in PDFs no matter the situation.
FAQs
1. How do I insert a cross symbol in a PDF?
Open the file in Smallpdf Edit PDF, use the Text tool, and type ❌. On Mac, press Control + Command + Space to insert symbols.
2. How do I add a cross line in a PDF?
Use the Line tool in Smallpdf Edit PDF. Draw a line through text or fields to mark them.
3. How do I add a symbol to a PDF?
Open the PDF in an editor, select the Text tool, and insert the symbol from your keyboard or Character Viewer.
4. How do I insert a checkmark in a PDF?
Upload your file to Smallpdf Edit PDF, add a ✔ or ✅ with the Text tool, and save the document.
5. How do you add a tick mark in PDF for free?
Use Smallpdf Edit PDF. It’s free to add text or symbols like checkmarks without installing software.
6. What is the shortcut key for checkmark in PDF?
On Mac, press Control + Command + Space to open symbols. On Windows, use Alt + 0252 or copy ✔ from Character Map.
7. How do I put a mark on a PDF?
Use the Smallpdf Edit PDF. Select the Text tool or drawing tools to place any mark, symbol, or annotation.
