• Pricing
  1. Home
  2. Annotate PDF
  3. How-To Guides
  4. Add Notes to Your PDF to Boost Efficiency & Collaboration
convert-xls-to-xlsx-banner

Add Notes to Your PDF to Boost Efficiency & Collaboration

by Stéphane Turquay

Adding notes to a PDF doesn’t have to be a chore. With Smallpdf’s easy-to-use annotator, you can mark up documents in no time and stay organized.

Why Notes on PDFs Can Save Your Day

Adding notes to a PDF might sound like a small thing, but it can make a world of difference. For starters, it’s a lifesaver for teamwork—clear feedback and notes keep everyone on the same page without endless back-and-forth emails. And even if you’re working solo, jotting down notes helps keep your thoughts in order.

Smallpdf’s PDF Annotator is reliable and super simple to use. With just a few clicks, you can turn a static PDF into a dynamic document full of useful notes and highlights.

How to Add Notes to a PDF

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Import your document into our PDF Annotator tool.
  2. Select an annotation tool from the top toolbar and start adding your notes.
  3. You can add text, highlight text, add shapes, write or draw freehand, or add images.
  4. Select the “Finish” button in the top-right corner once you’re done adding notes.
  5. Download your PDF with notes intact—that’s it!
Using Smallpdf’s Annotate tool to add notes to PDFs

Using Smallpdf’s Annotate tool to add notes to PDFs

Exploring Different Types of Annotations

Smallpdf gives you plenty of ways to get creative with your annotations other than just typing your notes. Use the highlighter feature to emphasize key sections of text and draw attention to important points; you can also underline or strikethrough text. If you’re more of a visual thinker, freehand drawing or shapes can help make your ideas stand out.

For team projects, adding text notes and using the highlighter are your best friends. They’re perfect for leaving feedback that’s easy for others to find and understand.

Pro Tips for Stress-Free PDF Note-Taking

To keep your notes organized and easy to navigate, try using colors to categorize your comments—like red for urgent tasks and blue for general ideas. Labeling notes with headings or topics can also save you time when you need to find something later.

Collaborate and Share Your Notes Without the Hassle

Once your PDF is fully annotated, sharing it is a breeze. Download the PDF for your own records or to send it via email. You can also save it to Dropbox or Google Drive and share it from there, or automatically share a link to the document using different platforms.

If you have a Smallpdf Pro account, you can also edit the text of your document as you get feedback from your team. Sign up for a 7-day free trial to test this feature and remove download limits.

Smallpdf Features to Explore

The PDF Annotator is just the beginning. With Smallpdf’s online tools, you can merge different PDFs into one file, convert annotated PDFs into other formats, or even take your note-taking on the go with the Smallpdf mobile app for Android or iOS.

It’s all about making your workflow as smooth as possible.

Quick Fixes for Common PDF Note-Taking Problems

If your notes are a little messy, try adjusting the font, line thickness, or color settings to clear things up. You can also select any of your annotations and move them around your document. And if sharing is giving you trouble, compressing the PDF or using a sharing link can do the trick.

FAQ Section

How can I add notes to a PDF?

Upload your file to our Edit PDF tool, use the “Annotate” tool to add your notes, and save your changes. This process works entirely online, so there’s no need to download any software. Whether it’s a quick note or detailed feedback, you can add it with ease.

How to take notes on PDF documents?

Mark up your PDF with text, highlights, images, shapes, or freehand drawings using Smallpdf’s annotation tools. These annotations are perfect for reviewing, editing, or collaborating on documents, giving you the flexibility to customize your notes to any purpose.

How do I make handwritten notes in a PDF?

The freehand drawing feature in Smallpdf lets you write notes on PDFs or sketch directly onto your document. It’s a handy way to add a personal touch or mark up documents in a more visual, creative way when typing isn’t enough. Naturally, this feature works best when paired with a stylus or digital writing tool like an Apple Pencil.

How can I add PDF notes online?

Use Smallpdf’s online platform to add, format, and save notes to any PDF file without downloading extra software. It’s cloud-based, so you can annotate from anywhere if you have an internet connection, making it a convenient choice for users on the go.

With Smallpdf, it’s never been easier to take your PDFs from plain to powerful.

Stéphane Turquay – Principal Product Manager at Smallpdf
Stéphane Turquay
Principal Product Manager @Smallpdf