I need to edit a basic PDF file that someone sent to me. Can I even do this?

[dale_gazelle]

I need to edit a basic PDF file that someone sent to me.  Can I even do this?

[jane-e · Accepted solution]

Hi Dale,

You can't make edits with the free Reader. The correct way to make edits has always been to open the original document in the software where it was created and generate a new PDF.

Over the years, Adobe has made advances in editing the PDF with the paid version of Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. There is an Edit tool, and it works fairly well if the PDF was made well and if the fonts are properly embedded or you have the fonts on your system. Sometimes it fails. People make PDFs in many different ways, and they don't always use Adobe software to make the PDF.

If the PDF has security, that's another reason you would not be able to edit it.

So can you edit this particular PDF? Maybe. Possibly. You would need the paid version of Acrobat, and if you have never downloaded it, you can download a trial version for seven days or there are various subscription options.

HTH,

Jane