Can You Add Sticky Notes to PDFs?

Sticky notes are one of the quickest ways to leave feedback, reminders, or questions inside a PDF. You’re not rewriting anything. You’re adding a comment layer that sits on top of the page.

If you’ve never used them before, picture a small speech-bubble icon on the page. You click it to read the message, move it to a new spot, or delete it if you’re done.

Right after the quick answer box, you’ll see step-by-step instructions for Mac and Windows using built-in options, plus a troubleshooting section and a simple comparison table.

Quick Answer: Add a Sticky Note PDF Fast

If you want the fastest path, use the built-in reader on your device.

• Mac: Open the PDF in Preview, open the markup toolbar, click the note icon, then click the page and type.
• Windows: Open the PDF in Microsoft Edge, add a note from the PDF toolbar, click where you want it, then type and save.
• Printing with notes: In your print settings, enable printing comments or annotations if you want them to show.

These steps take a minute once you know where the comment button is.

What Sticky Notes Look Like in a PDF

A sticky note usually appears as a small icon on the page, often shaped like a speech bubble or note marker. When you click it, a comment box opens with your text. Most PDF readers also support a “comments” or “annotations” panel that lists all notes in one place.

That’s helpful when you’re reviewing a long contract, a proposal, or a report. Instead of hunting page by page, you can jump between notes from a single list.

What Are Sticky Notes in PDFs?

Sticky notes in PDFs are comments you attach to a spot on a page. They don’t alter the original content. They sit in an annotation layer, which is a separate layer used for markups like notes, highlights, and drawings.

This makes them ideal when:

• You want to leave feedback without editing the file.
• You need reminders tied to a specific line or table.
• You’re collaborating and need a clear audit trail of comments.

Why Add Sticky Notes to PDFs?

Sticky notes are more than adding a comment. They improve how people read and act on a document.

• Faster reviews: You can flag changes without rewriting paragraphs.
• Clearer collaboration: Teammates see exactly what you mean and where.
• Better navigation: Notes act like signposts in long PDFs.
• Cleaner layout: Your comments don’t disturb formatting or spacing.
• Easy cleanup: Delete notes when the work is done, without touching the PDF content.

If you’re sharing the file with someone else, sticky notes also reduce back-and-forth emails. The context stays inside the document.

Sticky Note PDF Features Compared

Different apps support sticky notes in slightly different ways. This table focuses on built-in options most people already have.

If you need a full comments list and a smoother review flow, Microsoft Edge is often the easiest built-in choice on Windows. On Mac, Preview works well for quick notes and simple collaboration.

How to Add a Sticky Note PDF on Mac Using Preview

Preview is built into macOS, and it’s usually the fastest way to add a note on a Mac.

Step 1: Open the PDF in Preview

Double-click the PDF. If it opens in a different app, right-click the file and choose “Open With” > “Preview.”

Step 2: Turn on the Markup Toolbar

Click the markup icon, then choose “Show Markup Toolbar.” You’ll see annotation controls across the top, including shapes, text, and note options.

Step 3: Insert a Sticky Note and Type Your Comment

Click the note icon, then click the spot on the page where the comment should live. Type your message in the note box. Keep it short and specific so it’s easy to act on later.

Step 4: Save a New Copy for Sharing

Go to “File” > “Save” to keep the notes. If this is a shared document, use “File” > “Duplicate” first, then save the annotated version with a clear name like “Contract_Comments.pdf.”

How to Add a Sticky Note PDF on Windows Using Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge can open PDFs and supports adding notes in many versions of Windows. The exact icon labels can vary slightly, but the workflow is consistent.

Step 1: Open the PDF in Edge

Right-click your PDF, choose “Open With,” then select “Microsoft Edge.” The PDF opens in a tab with a toolbar at the top.

Step 2: Choose the Note or Comment Option

Look for an option related to adding a note or comment. In most setups, you’ll see a comment icon in the PDF toolbar.

Click it, then click where you want the note on the page.

Step 3: Type the Note and Place It Precisely

Type your message, then click outside the box to place it. If the note lands slightly off, click and drag it to reposition.

Step 4: Save the PDF With Notes

Use the save icon or press “Ctrl” + “S.” If Edge prompts you to save a copy, do it. That ensures your original file stays untouched.

How to Add Sticky Notes on Mobile

Mobile note support depends heavily on the app. Many built-in viewers let you mark up with text boxes, which can work like a note, but it may not behave like a classic sticky note.

If you need consistent sticky note behavior across devices, use Mac or Windows for the markup step, then share the annotated PDF.

If you still want a quick mobile workaround, use a text box comment.

Step 1: Open the PDF in the Files App

Open the Files app and tap your PDF.

Step 2: Enter Markup Mode

Tap the markup icon. You’ll see drawing and text options.

Step 3: Add a Text Box as a Note

Tap “+,” choose a text option, then place it where you need it. Type your comment, then save.

This is best for quick reminders, not full document review.

Troubleshooting Sticky Note Problems

Sticky notes are simple, but a few issues come up often.

1. Notes Don’t Show Up for Someone Else

Not every PDF viewer displays annotations the same way. Ask the recipient to open the file in a PDF reader that supports comments. If you’re collaborating across teams, Microsoft Edge on Windows and Preview on Mac are good defaults.

2. Can’t Find the Comments Panel

Some apps hide it. In Edge, look for a comments or annotations icon in the toolbar. In Preview, notes appear on the page, but the “all comments” experience is more limited.

3. Sticky Notes Won’t Print

Check your print dialog for a setting like printing comments or annotations. Some apps default to printing the page content only.

If printing notes is important, export a test page first so you can confirm the output before printing the full set.

4. Can’t Move or Delete a Note

Click the note icon on the page first, then try dragging it. To delete, click the note and look for a delete option, or select it and press the delete key.

5. Notes Are Searchable in One App but Not Another

Search support varies by reader. If you rely on search, use an app that indexes comments, and keep your notes short with distinct keywords.

Use Smallpdf When You Need to Edit the PDF Content

Sticky notes are for comments. If you need to change the content itself, that’s a different job.

If you need to fix a typo, swap an image, or add a missing line before you send the PDF for review, you can handle that in Smallpdf Edit PDF.

Once the content is correct, you can add sticky notes in Preview or Microsoft Edge for feedback and collaboration.

Keep Reviews Clear and Organized

Adding a sticky note PDF is one of the fastest ways to give feedback without disturbing the layout. Use Preview on Mac or Microsoft Edge on Windows, keep notes short and specific, and save a clearly named copy for sharing.

If you need to edit the actual PDF before adding comments, handle the content changes in Smallpdf first, then return to sticky notes for collaboration and review.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you show sticky notes on a PDF?

Open the PDF in a reader that supports annotations, then click the note icon on the page. Some apps also offer a comments panel that lists notes.

How do I move a sticky note on a PDF?

Click the note icon, then drag it to a new location. If it won’t move, click the note to select it first.

How do I show all notes in a PDF?

Look for a comments or annotations panel in your PDF reader. Microsoft Edge often provides this view. Preview is more page-based, so you may need to click notes directly.

Can you print a PDF with sticky notes showing?

Yes, if your print settings include comments or annotations. Open the print dialog and enable that option before printing.

Are sticky notes searchable in a PDF?

Sometimes. It depends on the PDF reader. Some apps include sticky notes in search results, while others only search the main document text.