How to Draw on PDF Easily – Best Tools & Tips

Part 1: Why You Might Need to Draw on PDF

Drawing on a PDF can serve multiple purposes, including:

• Highlighting Key Information: Marking up essential points in an academic paper, report, or contract.
• Adding Visual Notes: Scribbling ideas, sketches, or flowcharts for better understanding.
• Signing Documents: Drawing a signature for contracts and agreements.
• Editing or Proofreading: Making corrections or suggestions on a document.
• Collaborative Work: Team members can annotate PDFs to suggest changes or improvements.

Since PDFs are generally read-only, using the right tools is crucial to ensure seamless annotation.

Part 2: How to Draw onPDF Using PDNob PDF Editor

PDNob PDF Editor is a versatile tool that allows users to easily draw, annotate, and edit PDFs. Here’s how to use it for drawing on PDFs:

Step 1: Download and Install PDNob PDF Editor

Visit the official PDNob website and download the PDF Editor. Follow the installation instructions for your operating system.

Step 2: Open Your PDF File

Launch PDNob PDF Editor and open the PDF file you want to edit by clicking on the Open File button.

Step 3: Select the Drawing Tool

• Navigate to the Annotate or Markup section.
• Click on the Draw tool, which allows freehand drawing on the PDF.
• Adjust the pen size, color, and opacity according to your preference.

Step 4: Start Drawing

Use your mouse, trackpad, or stylus (if on a touchscreen device) to draw directly on the PDF. You can underline, circle, or sketch as needed.

Step 5: Save the Edited PDF

Once you're satisfied with your annotations, click Save or Export to retain your edits in the PDF.

PDNob PDF Editor provides a seamless experience with additional features like text annotations, sticky notes, and highlighting.

Part 3: Alternative Methods for Drawing on PDF

There are several other ways to draw on a PDF. Whether you need to add handwritten notes, highlight key sections, or create diagrams, numerous tools can help you achieve this without requiring specialized software. Below, we explore different methods for drawing on a PDF, including online PDF editors, built-in PDF readers, and mobile apps.

Online PDF Editors

Online PDF editors provide a quick and hassle-free way to draw on a PDF without the need to install software. These tools work directly in your web browser, making them convenient for users who need to annotate documents on different devices. Many online PDF editors offer freehand drawing tools that allow users to add handwritten notes, signatures, and sketches. Below are some of the most popular online options:

Smallpdf

Smallpdf is a user-friendly online platform that allows you to edit PDFs with ease. It includes a freehand drawing tool that lets you annotate documents with a mouse or touchscreen. The tool is particularly useful for users who need to quickly mark up a PDF without downloading any software. Simply upload your file, access the drawing tool, and start annotating. Once done, you can save and download the modified PDF.

Sejda PDF Editor

Sejda is another great online option that provides various annotation features, including freehand drawing. It allows you to draw directly on a PDF, add text, highlight sections, and even insert shapes. Sejda is particularly useful for users who need a fast and efficient way to edit their PDFs without worrying about software compatibility. One advantage of Sejda is that it supports in-browser editing without requiring an account for basic use. However, free users may have some limitations on the number of documents they can edit per day.

Adobe Acrobat Online

Adobe Acrobat Online is one of the most trusted tools for working with PDFs. It includes a comprehensive set of annotation tools, including freehand drawing. Since Adobe is the original creator of the PDF format, its online tools provide a reliable way to edit and annotate documents. Users can easily open a PDF in their browser, use the drawing tool to add handwritten notes or sketches, and save the document. The online version of Adobe Acrobat is ideal for quick edits and works seamlessly across different devices.

Built-in PDF Readers

If you prefer not to rely on online editors, you can use built-in PDF readers that come with basic annotation features. Many operating systems provide built-in PDF viewers that allow users to draw, highlight, and add comments without needing additional software. Here are some common options:

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is one of the most widely used PDF readers. It includes a freehand drawing tool under the “Comment” section, allowing users to annotate PDFs using a mouse, stylus, or touchscreen. This feature is useful for signing documents, adding handwritten notes, or sketching directly on the file. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is available for free, making it a great option for users who need reliable PDF annotation tools without purchasing premium software.

Microsoft Edge PDF Viewer

Windows users can take advantage of the built-in PDF viewer in Microsoft Edge. This browser includes an annotation tool that allows users to draw directly on a PDF using a stylus, touchscreen, or mouse. The inking feature is particularly helpful for those using touchscreen laptops or tablets. Microsoft Edge’s PDF annotation tool is simple yet effective for basic markups, making it an excellent option for students, professionals, and casual users who need quick access to PDF editing features.

Mac Preview

Mac users can utilize the Preview app, which comes pre-installed on macOS. Preview includes a markup toolbar that allows users to draw freehand on a PDF. It supports both trackpad and stylus inputs, making it a convenient option for those who need to sign documents, highlight sections, or add sketches. The markup tools in Preview are straightforward and integrate well with other macOS features, such as iCloud, for seamless document management.

Mobile Apps for PDF Annotation

For users who need to draw on PDFs while on the go, mobile apps provide a convenient solution. Whether you’re using a tablet or smartphone, these apps offer powerful annotation tools that allow for smooth handwriting, highlighting, and sketching. Below are some of the best mobile apps for drawing on PDFs:

Adobe Acrobat Reader (Android/iOS)

Adobe Acrobat Reader is available for both Android and iOS devices, offering a pen tool for freehand drawing. This app is widely used for viewing, editing, and annotating PDFs. The freehand drawing tool is particularly useful for signing documents, making handwritten notes, or adding sketches. The app also allows for cloud storage integration, so users can access and edit their PDFs across multiple devices.

Xodo PDF Reader & Editor

Xodo is a powerful PDF reader and editor available on both Android and iOS. It provides a smooth and intuitive annotation experience, allowing users to draw directly on a PDF using their finger or a stylus. Xodo supports real-time collaboration, making it a great tool for team projects. Users can also highlight text, add comments, and fill out forms, making it a versatile option for both personal and professional use.

Notability (iOS)

Notability is a highly popular app among iPad users, especially for students and professionals who need to take detailed handwritten notes. It allows users to draw on PDFs, add sketches, and annotate documents using the Apple Pencil or finger. Notability provides a seamless handwriting experience, making it one of the best options for users who frequently work with PDFs and need high-quality annotation tools.

Choosing the Best Method for Your Needs

When deciding how to draw on a PDF, consider factors such as convenience, features, and device compatibility. If you need a quick solution without installing software, online editors like Smallpdf and Sejda are great options. For users who prefer built-in tools, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Microsoft Edge, and Mac Preview provide easy access to annotation features. Meanwhile, mobile apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader, Xodo, and Notability offer excellent functionality for those who need to edit PDFs on the go.

Regardless of the method you choose, taking advantage of freehand drawing tools can enhance your ability to annotate and communicate effectively through PDFs. Whether you need to mark up documents for work, school, or personal use, these tools provide practical solutions for all types of users. By exploring the different options available, you can find the best tool that fits your workflow and makes PDF annotation a seamless experience.

Part 4: Tips for Better Annotations and Markups

To make the most of your PDF drawings, follow these tips:

Use a Stylus for Precision

If you’re working on a touchscreen device, using a stylus will provide better control and accuracy compared to a mouse or finger.

Choose the Right Color and Opacity

• Use bright colors like red or blue for important notes.
• Adjust opacity to make notes blend naturally with the document.

Keep It Clear and Organized

Avoid cluttering the document with excessive annotations. Use lines, arrows, and minimal text to keep it professional and readable.

Utilize Layers for Editing Flexibility

Some PDF editors allow you to work on different layers, so you can edit or remove drawings without affecting the original text.

Save a Copy Before Editing

Always save an original copy of your PDF before making annotations, so you have an unedited version if needed.

Part 5: Conclusion

Drawing on a PDF is an essential skill for anyone who works with documents regularly. Whether you’re highlighting key points, signing contracts, or collaborating with a team, knowing how to annotate PDFs efficiently can enhance productivity. PDNob PDF Editor is a powerful tool for making smooth and precise annotations, but several alternatives also provide great options for drawing on PDFs. By following the methods and tips outlined in this guide, you can easily annotate PDFs and improve your workflow.