How to Change the Font Size of Your PDFs

Have you ever opened a PDF where the text looks too small to read or too cramped to fill out? You can change the font size in a few quick steps, whether you’re using Smallpdf’s online editor or another simple tool that works for your device.

Smallpdf offers the easiest way to resize text in PDFs directly in your browser, no installation needed. It’s perfect for adjusting layouts, improving readability, or editing form fields.

How to Change Font Size in a PDF Online (Smallpdf)

Here’s how to use Smallpdf’s PDF Editor to change your font size in a PDF file:

1. Go to the Smallpdf Edit PDF tool and upload your file.
2. Your PDF will open automatically in the editor.
3. Click “Edit Text” in the top toolbar. Select existing text or choose “Add text” to insert new content.
4. Click on the text you want to resize. A toolbar will appear with font options.
5. Use the font size dropdown or the arrow icons to make the text larger or smaller.
6. When you’re done, click “Finish”, then “Download” to save your updated PDF.

You can also export the document in different formats, share, or print your PDF file directly from the tool.

Troubleshooting tips:

• Can’t select text? Your PDF might be scanned. Use our OCR tool first to convert the image to editable text.
• Font not changing? Some PDFs have embedded fonts with restrictions that limit editing options.
• Need to edit fillable forms? See our FAQ section below for specific guidance on form fields.

More Than Just Font Size—Other Things You Can Do with PDF Editor

Once your font size looks right, you can also adjust the overall appearance of your text to make your document stand out. Smallpdf’s PDF Editor lets you do more than resize. You can fine-tune your font style and layout too.

• Change font style: Choose from standard typefaces like Arial or Times New Roman to match your document’s tone.
• Make text bold or italic: Highlight important points or headings by selecting text and clicking the Bold (B) or Italic (I) icons in the toolbar.
• Change text color: Select the text and pick a new color from the font color dropdown to make sections easier to read or highlight form inputs.
• Adjust alignment: Use the alignment options (left, center, right) to position text neatly within the page.

When you’re done, click “Finish” and download your updated PDF.

Troubleshooting Common Font Issues

The Font Size Won’t Change

Some PDFs use embedded or restricted fonts that block edits. Convert the file with Smallpdf’s PDF to Word tool, make your changes in Word, and then save back to PDF.

Text Looks Blurry or Uneven After Editing

This can happen if parts of your document are images rather than text. Use OCR to turn images into editable text before adjusting the font.

Only Some Text Can be Selected or Changed

Editable text boxes can behave differently depending on how the PDF was created. Convert the file to Word for consistent control over all text elements.

The Toolbar Doesn’t Appear When Selecting Text

Make sure you’re in Edit mode. If you can’t see the options, click Edit in the top bar before selecting text again.

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FAQs About Changing Font Size in PDFs

How do I change the font size in a fillable PDF form?

Click on the form field and look for the formatting toolbar. You can resize the text using the font size dropdown or the A+ / A- buttons.

Can I change font size in a scanned PDF?

Scanned PDFs are images, not text. First, use our OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tool to convert the image to editable text, then follow the steps above.

Can I change the font size in a password-protected PDF?

Yes, but you’ll need to unlock the file first. If you have the correct password, open Smallpdf’s Unlock PDF tool, enter the password, and remove the restriction. Once unlocked, you can change the font size just like any other editable PDF.

How do I make PDF text smaller without losing quality?

Simply select the text and choose a smaller point size from the dropdown. Vector-based PDF text maintains quality at any size, so you won’t lose clarity when making text smaller.

How to change the font size in a PDF document on iPhone?

To change the font size of a PDF on your iPhone, use Smallpdf and access the PDF Editor via your mobile browser. Upload your PDF, tap on the text you want to edit or add a new text box, and then adjust the font size using the on-screen toolbar.

How do I check the current font size in my PDF?

Select the text with your editing tool—the current font size will display in the formatting toolbar. This makes it easy to see what size you’re working with before making changes.