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How to Align Text in a PDF: A Step-by-Step Guide

by David Beníček

Align text in a PDF quickly with Smallpdf’s easy online tool. No downloads needed—just upload, edit, and download your perfectly aligned PDF.

Why Aligning Text in a PDF Matters

PDFs aren’t as flexible as Word documents, so even small text misalignments can make files look messy. Proper PDF text alignment matters because it keeps your documents looking polished and professional. Whether it’s for work, school, or personal projects, neat text placement always makes a better impression.

How to Align Text in a PDF Using Smallpdf

Don’t worry if you’ve never aligned text in a PDF before. This step-by-step guide makes it super simple. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Import your PDF into the Edit PDF tool.
  2. Click on the block of text you want to align to select it.
  3. In the text toolbar that appears, click on “Horizontal alignment.”
  4. Select “Left,” “Center,” or “Right” depending on how you want it aligned.
  5. Tweak the size, color, or font if you want.
  6. Click on “Finish” and download your polished PDF—that’s it!

The Edit PDF tool is available with a Pro subscription, but you can try it free for 7 days and enjoy unlimited access to all its features.

PDF text alignment using Edit PDF

PDF text alignment using Edit PDF

Tips for Smooth PDF Text Alignment

If you’re adding new text to a PDF, take a second to line it up with the existing content. A little attention to detail goes a long way in avoiding uneven spacing or formatting mishaps.

For scanned PDFs, things can get trickier since the text isn’t editable by default. If that’s the case, consider using our PDF OCR tool, which uses optical character recognition to convert the scan into editable text first. Then, you can reposition and align it just like any other PDF file.

Why Smallpdf Is the Best Choice for PDF Text Alignment Online

Smallpdf makes aligning text in PDFs a breeze. You don’t need to download and install new software, or wrestle with complicated tools. With over 20 handy tools for managing documents online, Smallpdf does far more than just help you align text in PDFs. You can easily convert files between Microsoft Office formats and PDF, compress large PDFs to make them more shareable, or even use the AI PDF Summarizer to quickly pull together a clear, concise summary of long documents. Whatever you need, Smallpdf has you covered.

Everything happens in your browser with an interface so simple you’ll figure it out in seconds. Plus, Smallpdf keeps your files secure while you work. Whether you’re a tech pro or new to editing PDFs, you’ll get perfect alignment every time.

FAQs for Aligning Text in a PDF

How do I align text in a PDF?

Upload your file to Smallpdf’s Edit PDF tool, select the text, and use the alignment features to adjust its position. The tool highlights the block of text with a dashed border, so you can easily see what you’re working on and fine-tune it as needed. Whether you’re centering a title or straightening out misaligned paragraphs, it’s simple to adjust.

How do you change the position of text in a PDF?

Just click on the text box in our PDF editor and drag it to wherever you need it. You can move it up, down, or across the page until it lines up perfectly with other elements. If you’re working on multiple sections, take a moment to check alignment across the whole page for a clean, consistent look.

How to align text in a PDF online?

Visit Smallpdf’s Edit PDF page, upload your file, and adjust the text alignment using the simple tools provided. Aligning text online means you don’t need to install any software, so you can edit PDFs on any device. Plus, Smallpdf’s browser-based tool keeps things secure, so your file stays private while you work.

How do you fix text formatting in a PDF?

Use Smallpdf’s editor to align, resize, and reposition text so everything looks consistent and clean. You can also adjust font sizes or styles to match the document’s overall layout. Fixing the formatting ensures your PDF looks professional and is easier to read for whoever you’re sharing it with. How do I fix a misaligned PDF?

Upload your file to Smallpdf, select the misaligned text, adjust its position manually, and save your changes. If the misalignment is widespread, take it section by section to ensure everything lines up neatly. Use the “Annotate” feature in the same tool to draw a straight, vertical line in the document. This will make it easier to align the text precisely. Once finished, double-check the document to catch any areas you may have missed, delete the line you drew, and then select “Finish” to download your fixed PDF.

There you have it – an easy way to fix and align text in a PDF. Give it a try and enjoy perfectly aligned PDFs every time!

David Beníček – Product & Engineering Manager
David Beníček
Product & Engineering Manager @Smallpdf