How to Make Comments on a PDF Easily

Part 1: Why Adding Comments to PDFs is Important

Adding comments to PDFs is a crucial feature that enhances collaboration, streamlines review processes, and makes document navigation easier. Here’s why it matters:

1. Improves Collaboration

When multiple people work on a document, adding comments allows them to communicate feedback without altering the original content. This is especially useful for business teams, students, and professionals who need to review and approve documents.

2. Highlights Important Information

Annotations help in marking key points, which can be useful in academic papers, legal documents, and business reports. Highlighting certain areas ensures that readers focus on the most critical information.

3. Enhances Document Review and Editing

Reviewing a document becomes more efficient when users can add comments, corrections, or suggestions directly within the PDF. It eliminates the need for multiple email exchanges and long explanations.

4. Saves Time and Increases Productivity

Instead of rewriting a document, adding notes and comments allows quick feedback, reducing revision time. This is particularly helpful for large teams or when working under tight deadlines.

Part 2: Different Ways to Comment on a PDF

Different Ways to Comment on a PDF

Several tools allow users to add comments to PDFs, ranging from built-in features in free software to professional-grade editors. Below are some of the most effective methods.

1. Using Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader is one of the most widely used tools for handling PDFs. It provides built-in annotation and commenting features, making it an excellent choice for reviewing and collaborating on PDF documents.

How to Add Comments in Adobe Acrobat Reader:

• Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Click on the “Comment” option in the toolbar.
• Choose from different annotation tools:

○ Sticky Notes – Add pop-up notes to specific sections.

○ Highlight Text – Emphasize important sections with different colors.

○ Underline or Strikethrough – Mark errors or suggested edits.

○ Drawing Tools – Use freehand drawing to circle, underline, or mark specific areas.

• Click anywhere on the document to place a comment.
• Save the file to retain the changes.

Pros and Cons of Adobe Acrobat Reader

2. Adding Comments with Online PDF Editors

If you do not want to install software, online PDF editors allow you to annotate PDFs directly in a browser. Websites like Sejda, Smallpdf, and PDFescape provide basic commenting features.

How to Use an Online PDF Editor for Comments:

• Visit an online PDF editor such as Sejda or Smallpdf.
• Upload your PDF file.
• Select the annotation or commenting tool.
• Click on the section where you want to add a comment.
• Use sticky notes, highlights, or freehand drawing tools to mark up the document.
• Download the updated file after completing your comments.

Pros and Cons of Online PDF Editors

3. Using Microsoft Edge or Other Built-in PDF Viewers

Many web browsers, such as Microsoft Edge, come with built-in PDF annotation tools. These allow users to add comments without installing additional software.

Steps to Add Comments in Microsoft Edge:

• Open the PDF file in Microsoft Edge.
• Click on the pen or highlighter icon in the toolbar.
• Use the available annotation tools:

○ Text Highlighting – Mark important parts of the text.

○ Freehand Drawing – Use a stylus or mouse to write directly on the document.

○ Sticky Notes – Add pop-up notes to sections of the file.

• Save the PDF after making annotations.

Pros and Cons of Microsoft Edge for PDF Commenting

4. Commenting on PDFs Using Mobile Apps

If you need to add comments to PDFs on the go, several mobile apps provide annotation tools. Popular options include Adobe Acrobat Reader (Android/iOS), Xodo PDF Reader & Editor, and Notability (iOS only).

How to Add Comments Using Mobile Apps:

• Download and install a PDF annotation app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Open the PDF file within the app.
• Select the commenting tool and choose from:

○ Sticky notes

○ Freehand drawing

○ Highlighting and text markup

• Save the file after completing the annotations.

Pros and Cons of Mobile PDF Editors

5. Using Google Drive and Google Docs for PDF Commenting

If you prefer a cloud-based solution, Google Drive and Google Docs offer a way to add comments to PDFs without installing additional software.

How to Add Comments Using Google Drive:

• Upload the PDF file to Google Drive.
• Right-click on the file and open it with Google Docs.
• Once the file is converted, use the "Comment" feature to add notes.
• After making changes, save or export the document as a PDF again.

Pros and Cons of Google Docs for PDF Commenting

6. Using Dedicated PDF Annotation Software

For those who need advanced commenting tools, dedicated PDF annotation software like Nitro PDF, Foxit Reader, and PDF-XChange Editor offer a more comprehensive set of tools.

Features of Dedicated PDF Annotation Software:

• Advanced markup tools like stamps, shapes, and text boxes.
• Ability to add audio comments or video notes.
• Supports collaborative review workflows with multiple users.

Pros and Cons of Dedicated PDF Editors

Part 3: How to Make Comments on a PDF Using PDNob PDF Editor

PDNob PDF Editor offers a comprehensive and user-friendly way to add comments, highlights, and annotations to PDFs. Unlike free tools, it provides an efficient workflow for reviewing and editing documents without restrictions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Comments in PDNob PDF Editor:

• Open PDNob PDF Editor and load the PDF file.
• Click on the “Comment” or “Annotate” option in the toolbar.
• Choose from various commenting tools, including:

○ Sticky Notes – Add comments without modifying the document text.

○ Highlighting – Emphasize key sections for review.

○ Text Boxes – Insert additional notes or corrections.

○ Drawing Tool – Add arrows or freehand annotations for better clarity.

• Click on any part of the PDF to place your comment.
• Save or export the file with comments for easy sharing.

Highlighting and Annotating Text

PDNob PDF Editor allows precise highlighting of text for better document navigation. You can:

• Select different highlight colors to categorize notes.
• Underline or strikethrough text to indicate changes.
• Use the eraser tool to remove unnecessary highlights.

Using Sticky Notes and Drawings

For interactive feedback, PDNob PDF Editor supports sticky notes and freehand drawing:

• Click on the “Sticky Note” tool and place it anywhere in the document.
• Write detailed feedback without cluttering the page.
• Use the drawing tool to add shapes, lines, and handwritten notes.

These features make PDNob PDF Editor an ideal choice for professionals, students, and teams who need a powerful annotation tool.

Part 4: Conclusion

Adding comments to a PDF improves document collaboration, enhances review efficiency, and saves time by eliminating unnecessary revisions. Whether using Adobe Acrobat Reader, online tools, built-in PDF viewers, or PDNob PDF Editor, choosing the right method depends on your needs.

For seamless annotation, editing, and document review, PDNob PDF Editor provides the best combination of usability and advanced features. If you frequently work with PDFs, using a dedicated tool will ensure better document management and smoother workflows.