How to Draw on a PDF in Adobe Acrobat: Step-by-Step Tutorial

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There are several methods of drawing on a PDF in Adobe Acrobat: users can try the desktop version of the tool or simple online tools. Using the online version is an easier option, suitable for beginners. With the help of Adobe Acrobat, it is possible to explain complex PDF markups without saying a word.

Step 1. Open the File

open the file to draw on a pdf in adobe acrobat

It is great that this method does not require installation of Adobe software on your PC. You will only need to upload your file to the online version of the program and add markings using the Comment tool.

At first, upload a PDF file where you are going to work.

Step 2. Select a Comment Tool

select a comment tool to draw on a pdf in adobe acrobat

Pick Comment from the right menu bar.

draw lines on a pdf in adobe acrobat

Now you can draw lines and change their colors to your liking.

Step 3. Choose the Line Tool

choose the line tool and draw on a pdf in adobe acrobat

Now choose the Drawing Tools and select Line. Using the Line tool, it is possible to cross out the paragraph with mistakes. Besides, it is easy to adjust the length of lines.

Step 4. Change the Line

change the line and draw on a pdf in adobe acrobat

To get a straight line, hold the Shift key while drawing. In addition, you can customize the thickness of lines using the icon with four lines, which you can find on the right side of the comment panel.

Step 5. Select the Draw Tool

choose the draw tool and draw on a pdf in adobe acrobat

Find the Draw tool in the Comment toolbar.

choose the color and draw on a pdf in adobe acrobat

There are different colors available for your drawings. Find the Properties command in a context menu. In the Properties dialog box, choose the Appearance tab and select the required style, color, and opacity. Confirm your adjustments with the OK button.

You can freely relocate or resize your drawing. Click on it to make the bounding box appear around your sketch. By dragging the resizing handles, the adjustment of the size of your drawing will only take several clicks.

Clicking the border of the box lets change the position of your drawing. With the help of the resizing handle at the narrow edge, it is possible to put your creation anywhere on the page.

Step 6. Remove Undesired Elements of the Drawing

erase and draw on a pdf in adobe acrobat

The Eraser tool is what you need in this case.

If you want to remove a drawing, click its borders to select it, then hit the Delete key on your keyboard or activate the context menu by clicking the drawing with the right mouse button and picking the Delete command.

Step 7. Save a File

draw on a pdf in adobe acrobat and save the file

Besides, after editing, you can merge PDFs or rearrange PDF pages in Adobe Acrobat.

Save the result when you are done. The program also allows printing your drawing. Drawing in Adobe Acrobat is almost the same as with online tools.

FAQ

  • • Can I draw on a PDF file in Adobe Acrobat using a mobile phone?

Yes, the procedure is identical to the algorithm you’d follow when working on a computer or a laptop. This process will be even more convenient when using Adobe Acrobat mobile app.

  • • Is it more convenient to use the desktop program or its online version?

Both versions of the tool are easy to use. Besides, the developers let everyone try the functionality of both tools for free.

The web version comes with a basic toolkit. For instance, you can convert online JPG to PDF with Adobe Acrobat. If you require more pro-level options, the desktop program is the best option.

Using Adobe Acrobat on a computer, you can customize PDF texts and pics, add annotation, benefit from OCR to recognize text, add and delete pages, include page numbers and bookmarks, convert PDFs, combine files, split PDFs, compress docs, sign PDFs, and more.

Ann Young

Retouching Guides Writer

Ann Young is an expert photographer, retoucher, and writer with over 9+ years of working at FixThePhoto. Her career in digital community began after earning her degree from New York University. She believes AI can be a real helper if you know how to use it properly. Unlike many photographers, she isn’t afraid that AI tools can replace human experts in different spheres.

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Tetiana Kostylieva

Photo & Video Insights Blogger

Tetiana Kostylieva is the content creator, who takes photos and videos for almost all FixThePhoto blog articles. Her career started in 2013 as a caricature artist at events. Now, she leads our editorial team, testing new ideas and ensuring the content is helpful and engaging. She likes vintage cameras and, in all articles, she always compares them with modern ones showing that it isn’t obligatory to invest in brand-new equipment to produce amazing results.

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