How to edit PDFs in Windows 11: methods, apps, and tricks

Work with PDF files en Windows 11 It's an everyday thing, but edit a PDF It's not as direct as seeing itThe PDF format was created to present information consistently and securely, and that means manipulating its content requires specific tools and methods.

The good news is that there are multiple ways to do this and each one fits with different needs and levels of complexity: from quick edits in the browser with Microsoft Edge, from converting PDF with Word, to using dedicated editors (desktop or online) with OCR, annotations, signature, page organization and password protection.

Edit PDF with a powerful desktop editor

If you need a complete experience, a dedicated editor like PDFgear for Windows 10 and 11 It allows you to work with text, images, and pages with ease. It's free, clean, and secure software that includes advanced features such as OCR, watermarking, signature, and document protection.

Step 1. Open the PDF in the editor

Install PDFgear and launch it, then click on “Open file” to select the documentIf the PDF is protected, you can manage the password from within the program before you begin editing.

Step 2. Make changes to the content

In the editing tab you will find the option to Edit text to add, modify, delete, or format paragraphs. With the built-in OCR, you can copy or recognize text from scanned PDFs, and in the annotations section, you can underline, strikethrough, highlight, and insert text boxes, comments, and shapes.

When you have the retouching ready, you can Insert a watermark, sign the PDF, or apply a password to protect the file. The tool also makes it easy to rotate, extract, renumber, and even rearrange pages.

Step 3. Save the new PDF

Use the option “Save as” to export the final version to your computer. PDFgear doesn't add intrusive watermarks to exported documents, making it ideal for a professional workflow.

Edit a PDF online from your browser

When you don't want to install anything, the web editor of PDFgear Online allows you to edit text and images, add or delete pages, and annotate directly from the browser with a clear interface.

Step 1. Upload the file

Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge) and access the online editor. Click on “Choose files” to Upload the PDF you are going to edit No registrations, charges, or watermarks, and no limit on the number of documents processed.

Step 2. Edit the content

Once loaded, the editor displays the document and unlocks its contents. editing and annotation tools: text adjustments, image insertion, highlights, comments, and other common tasks.

Step 3. Download the PDF

When you're done, click on “Save” or “Download” to get the PDF edited on your computer, ready to share or archive.

Edit PDF with Microsoft Word

If your PDF is mostly text and you don't mind a bit of text, possible loss of formatting, you can open it in Microsoft Word and edit it like a normal document. It's a practical solution when you already have Microsoft 365 installed.

Step 1. Open the PDF in Word

Start Word and go to File > Open > Browse to locate your PDF, or drag it into the Word window. Before opening it, Word will warn you that it will make a copy and may alter the original formatting; confirm with OK.

Step 2. Enable editing and modifying

You will see an editable version of the document; click “Enable editing” and then “OK”From there, select any text to edit, delete, or rewrite it, just like in a Word document.

Step 3. Save again as PDF

When you're done, go in File> Save As, choose a folder and name, and change the type to “PDF” to export it. The file will be available in the chosen location.

Convert or save as PDF from Office

From Office applications it is possible to convert to PDF with simple steps: File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document, select destination (e.g. OneDrive), adjust “Options…” if applicable and press “Publish”.

Basic editions from Microsoft Edge

The Windows browser allows Quick actions on PDFs without installing anythingEdge offers tools to add text, draw, highlight, and erase changes in minutes.

Step 1. Open the PDF with Edge

Find the file in Explorer, right-click and choose “Open with > Microsoft Edge”A preview will open with a set of tools at the top.

Step 2. Annotate or highlight

With “Add Text” you can write on the PDF, “Draw” allows you to draw lines of different colors and thicknesses, and “Highlight” adds color to emphasize content; the eraser removes unwanted changes.

Step 3. Save changes

When you have the document ready, press “Save” or “Save as” in the top right corner to keep your settings, either on top of the original or as a new file.

Integrated tools for Windows 11 and Microsoft 365

For the day to day, Microsoft Edge is a fast reader with useful features: Full-screen mode, fit-to-window mode, and text reading aloud. It also allows for quick pencil annotations and highlights, although it's not a deep editor.

For its part, with Microsoft 365 (Word) You can open PDFs, extract and edit text, and convert documents to PDF. It's ideal for generating "ready-to-read" copies and sharing, although converting from PDF may alter the formatting.

Install tools from the Microsoft Store

If you need additional features, in the Microsoft Store there are hundreds of PDF utilities Free and paid. Evaluate price, features, and the type of tool (reader, editor, converter) and choose the one that best fits your workflow.

Recommended professional software: PDFelement

When you're looking for an all-in-one solution, PDFelement offers editing, conversion, forms, annotation, and signing. in a simple environment. Allows you to customize fonts and styles and easily add graphic elements.

In security, it enables hide sensitive information and set passwordsIt also converts PDFs to Word or PowerPoint with high font and format fidelity, which is key to maintaining visual consistency.

Edit PDF in Windows without Acrobat

Although Adobe Acrobat It's a classic, there are cheaper options like UPDF for Windows. Allows you to edit, view, and share PDFs, and integrates collaborative annotation and commenting features.

UPDF: Basic Steps

First, open UPDF and click on “Open File” to upload the PDFIn the sidebar, "Comment" lets you add notes, highlights, and shapes; "Edit PDF" lets you edit text like you would in an editor, insert or edit images, and hyperlinks.

You will also find “organize pages”, crop, header and footer, watermark, and other layout tools. When you're done, use Ctrl+S or File > Save / Save As to save the result.

Among its advantages: OCR with high accuracy in multiple languages, synchronization across different devices with a single account, storage in the cloud using UPDF Cloud and assisted functions with IA.

Microsoft Word as an alternative

Another way is Open the PDF in Word to edit text and save it again as a PDF. It's a quick solution if you don't need to keep the original design down to the last detail.

Edit PDF with Adobe Acrobat

If you choose Acrobat, open the program, go to File> Open and upload the document. Its classic interface brings everything together in a single environment.

“Edit PDF” tool

Accede to Tools > Edit PDF to work with text, images, links, headers and footers, watermarks, clippings, and more. A context bar with specific options appears on the right.

Save the result

When you're done, press the Save icon or use Ctrl+S to save your changes. This way you can be sure you don't lose your edits.

With all this range of options, the key is to match your needs with the level of editing required: if you want quick solutions, Edge and Word will save the day; if you're looking for full control, a dedicated editor (desktop or online) like PDFgear, PDFelement, or alternatives like UPDF, Foxit, or Nitro will offer the best. Deep editing, OCR, advanced organization and protection without giving up comfort.