How To Edit a PDF on Mac—Three Fast and Free Ways

Mac users can choose from three main methods: Preview for basic edits, Smallpdf for comprehensive online editing, and conversion tools for deeper text changes.

Each one covers a different kind of modification, so you can pick the right fit and start working in minutes.

Edit PDFs on Mac—Fast and Free Options (and When to Use Each)

Whether you need to add a signature, highlight text, or completely rewrite sections, Mac users have several solid options for PDF editing:

• Preview (built-in): Perfect for annotations, signatures, and basic page organization—no internet required
• Smallpdf online editor: Best for comprehensive editing with professional results and security
• Document conversion: Ideal when you need to heavily edit text or restructure content

Each method has its sweet spot, so let’s dive into when and how to use each one.

What “Edit” Really Means on Mac (Annotate, Edit Text, Organize Pages, Sign)

Before we get into methods, let’s clarify what “editing a PDF” actually covers. Different tools excel at different types of edits:

• Annotations: Adding comments, highlights, shapes, and sticky notes without changing the original content
• Text editing: Actually changing, adding, or deleting the text within the PDF document
• Page organization: Adding, removing, rotating, or rearranging pages in your PDF
• Form filling & signing: Adding your signature, initials, checkboxes, or filling out form fields
• Advanced edits: Adding watermarks, password protection, or redacting sensitive information

Knowing what type of edit you need helps you pick the right tool for the job. Now let’s explore your options!

How to Edit a PDF on Mac With Preview (Free)

When it comes to basic PDF editing, your built-in Mac PDF Editor has you covered.

You can access the PDF Editor through your Mac’s Preview function. It’s simple, free, and preinstalled on your machine. With Preview, you can easily add text, images, or annotations, and you can add, remove, and rearrange pages in your PDF documents.

Open a PDF on your Mac. (Note: If your PDF doesn’t automatically open in Preview, open the Preview tool first, then search for your PDF.)

Most options can be found in the Markup toolbar. This gives you tools to add text, signatures, shapes, and more. You can find this by clicking the Markup icon in the main toolbar, or in the View menu, then selecting “Show Markup Toolbar.”

To see all your PDF pages, click View, then choose “Thumbnails.” This makes it easy to delete and rearrange pages in your document.

Key advantages:

• Built into your Mac
• No internet connection required
• Basic options are free and easy to use

The Mac Preview option is great for simple edits, but it is limited. For example, you can’t edit existing text in a PDF. If you need to make more professional-looking edits, one of the below options might be your better choice.

Quick Mac Tips (Shortcuts, Thumbnails, Drag & Drop)

Remember that all the basic navigation tricks and keyboard shortcuts you’re used to work for most PDF tools too:

• Command + A to select all the text in a PDF document
• Command + C and Command + V to copy and paste selected text or images
• Trackpad gestures, like pinch-to-zoom or two-finger scrolling, allow for quick navigation within longer PDF documents
• To add pages to a PDF document, drag and drop new PDF documents alongside thumbnails of existing pages
• To rearrange pages in your PDF document, simply click and drag with your trackpad

How to Edit a PDF on Mac Online With Smallpdf (Free)

If you’re looking for a user-friendly interface with more options, another easy-to-use tool is the Smallpdf PDF Editor. It’s fast and free, and doesn’t require any signup or software download.

Go to the Smallpdf PDF Editor, and drag and drop your PDF into the box. You’ll see options to Edit, Mark up, and Organize your PDF. This includes all you need to add text, colors, shapes, even images. You can add your signature, initials, and checkboxes too. Adding, deleting, and rearranging pages is also fast and easy.

More advanced features—like making your text fully editable—are available to Pro users. Take advantage of the unlimited 7-day free trial to test it out.

The PDF Editor is also private and secure: all documents you upload and modify are deleted from Smallpdf’s servers when you’re done. No one sees your documents but you.

Key advantages:

• Simple, user-friendly interface
• No signup or install required
• High-quality output
• Options to convert to Word, JPG, and more
• Fully edit all text (Pro with free trial)

Editing PDFs with Smallpdf on Mac is a quick and convenient solution for users who need high-quality, professional documents without the expense or hassle.

Convert a PDF to an Editable Format on Mac (Google Docs or Smallpdf)

When you need to make extensive text changes, sometimes the best approach is converting your PDF to a fully editable format first. You have two solid options: Google Docs Method: 1. Upload your PDF file to your Google Drive account 2. Right-click on the uploaded file, go to “Open with,” and select Google Docs from the drop-down menu

This converts your PDF into a Google Doc and allows you to make edits just like you would with any other document format. This includes adding or deleting text, inserting images or shapes, and even applying formatting changes.

When you’re done editing, simply print your document as a PDF to finish.

Smallpdf Conversion Method: 1. Use our PDF to Word converter to transform your PDF into a DOCX file 2. Edit the document in Microsoft Word, Pages, or Google Docs 3. Save or export back to PDF when you’re finished

Key advantages of conversion:

• Full control over text editing
• Easy collaboration with sharing features
• Better layout preservation (Smallpdf method)

The biggest downside to conversion is that you can lose some of the original PDF formatting, especially for more complex documents. So, while this is a good option for text-dominant PDFs, it doesn’t provide the functionality and control you get with the other options.

Make Scanned PDFs Editable on Mac (OCR)

Got a scanned PDF that won’t let you select or edit text? You’re dealing with what’s essentially a picture of a document. Here’s how to make it editable using OCR (Optical Character Recognition):

Here are some signs your PDF is scanned:

• You can’t select individual words or sentences
• The text looks slightly pixelated when you zoom in
• Searching for words in the document returns no results
• The file size is unusually large for the amount of text

To make scanned PDFs editable, you’ll need OCR technology. Smallpdf’s Pro plan includes OCR capabilities that can convert your scanned documents into searchable, editable text. This works great for business cards, receipts, contracts, and other documents you’ve photographed or scanned.

The OCR process analyzes the image, identifies text characters, and creates a text layer you can actually edit. Pretty neat, right?

More Ways to Work With PDFs on Mac (Convert, Compress, Merge, Split, Sign)

Beyond editing, Smallpdf offers a complete toolkit for Mac users who work with PDFs regularly:

• Convert: PDF to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG, and more—or vice versa
• Compress: Reduce file sizes without losing quality
• Merge & Split: Combine multiple PDFs or break them apart
• E-sign: Add legally binding electronic signatures
• Protect: Add password protection or remove it
• Organize: Rotate, delete, or rearrange pages

All tools work seamlessly on Mac through your web browser—no software installation required. Perfect for those “I need this done now” moments.

Is It Safe to Edit PDFs Online on a Mac? (Security & Privacy)

We get it—uploading sensitive documents online can feel risky. Here’s what makes Smallpdf secure for Mac users:

• TLS encryption: Your files are encrypted during upload and processing.
• Auto-deletion: Files are automatically deleted from our servers after processing.
• No human access: Our team can’t see or access your documents.
• GDPR compliant: We follow strict European privacy regulations.
• SOC 2 certified: Independent security audits verify our practices.

For extra-sensitive documents, you can always stick with Preview for offline editing. But for most business and personal documents, online editing with proper security measures is both safe and convenient.

Which Method Should You Use? (Quick Comparison)

The most important tip for editing PDFs from your Mac is knowing that you have different free options available that are easy to use.

The next tip is knowing what type of edits you need to make. For simple edits that don’t require an internet connection, your built-in Mac Preview option may be all you need. If you need a little more control and high-quality output, the Smallpdf PDF Editor might be your best choice. And if you’re mostly working with text-heavy documents, conversion might be your best bet.

While native applications like Preview allow quick and simple PDF edits, online platforms provide more advanced editing capabilities. These cloud-based apps provide user-friendly interfaces with powerful extras specifically designed for modifying PDFs on Mac. Many are free to start with no signup needed, and inexpensive to upgrade if more professional features are needed.

While Preview handles quick annotations and Google Docs works for text-heavy edits, Smallpdf brings everything together in one browser tab.

You can edit, split, sign, merge, compress, or convert your PDFs without switching apps—and your files stay secure with TLS encryption and automatic deletion after processing. It’s fast, private, and consistent across devices, so you can start on your Mac and finish on your phone if needed.

Each option has its own strengths depending on what you need:

• Preview: Best for quick annotations, signatures, and rearranging pages. Free, offline, and built into every Mac.
• Smallpdf: Ideal for full editing, merging, compressing, and signing online. It’s fast, secure, and works across all devices.
• Conversion tools: Best for rewriting or reformatting long, text-heavy documents. Convert with Smallpdf’s PDF to Word tool, edit, and export back to PDF.

If you only need to comment or sign, Preview is perfect. For everything else—especially when you need polished, professional results—Smallpdf gives you the most flexibility.

Start Editing PDFs on Mac Today

Ready to tackle that PDF editing project? Whether you choose Preview for quick annotations, Smallpdf for comprehensive editing, or conversion for heavy text work, you’re all set to get the job done.

For the most flexibility and professional results, start your free trial to access all Smallpdf tools. No commitment, just better PDF editing!

Troubleshooting Common PDF Editing Issues on Mac

Even with the right tools, a few hiccups can happen. Here’s how to fix the most common ones:

• Can’t edit text? Your PDF is probably scanned or image based. Use Smallpdf’s OCR feature to convert it into editable text.
• Formatting looks wrong after conversion? Try Smallpdf’s PDF to Word converter—it keeps layouts far better than free browser options.
• File too large to upload? Compress it first with the Compress PDF tool to make editing smoother.
• Mac Preview won’t save changes? Export a new copy via “File,” choosing “Export as PDF” instead of “Save.”

FAQs About Editing PDFs on Mac

Can I edit a PDF on Mac for free?

Yes! Mac’s built-in Preview app handles basic editing for free, and Smallpdf offers free online editing with no signup required.

Why can’t I edit text in my PDF on Mac?

Your PDF is likely scanned or image-based. You’ll need OCR technology or conversion to make the text editable.

What’s the difference between annotating and editing a PDF?

Annotating adds comments, highlights, and notes on top of content. Editing actually changes the original text and layout of the document.

Can I edit a password-protected PDF on Mac?

You’ll need to unlock the PDF first by entering the password, then you can edit it using any of the methods above.