How to Draw on a PDF Document: Complete Guide

Whether you’re marking up a report, sketching ideas, or highlighting key details, drawing on a PDF makes it easy to personalize any document. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do it.

Can you draw on a PDF?

Yes, absolutely! There are plenty of tools that make it possible to annotate, markup, and paint on PDF files. Whether you’re using a built-in tool or trying out an online option like PDF Guru, you’ll find it simple to add your own personal touch to any document.

Now, let’s get to the practical part of PDF editing.

How to draw on a PDF using PDF Guru

Easily draw lines on PDF with our online tool, PDF Guru. Here’s how to get started:

1. 1
   Go to the PDF Editor.
2. 2
   Hit the + button or drag & drop your PDF file into the window.
3. 3
   In editing mode, use the Pencil from the tool menu.
4. 4
   Once you’re finished, review your changes and click Done to save your work. You can also find it stored in your PDF Guru account for future use.

Want to convert your PDF drawing into an image format? Not a problem, that’s where our PDF converter comes in.

Now, let’s review some of the other editing solutions we have.

How to add shapes in PDF files?

1. 1
   In editing mode, go to the More tools and choose Shapes.
2. 2
   Insert shapes in PDF and style them using the options on the right.
3. 3
   Click Done.

How to add a line in PDF documents?

1. 1
   Go to the More tools and choose Line.
2. 2
   Add arrows to PDF files and adjust their size as needed.
3. 3
   Click Done.

How to draw a box in PDF?

You can easily add a rectangle as an element. Here’s how:

1. 1
   Go to the More tools and choose Add Shapes.
2. 2
   Place the shape and customize it using the options on the right.
3. 3
   Click Done.

Or maybe you need a fillable box? Here's how to do it:

1. 1
   Choose Textbox from the top menu.
2. 2
   Type your text, then adjust its formatting on the right.
3. 3
   Click Done.

Want to leave a comment for smoother collaboration? Give our Annotation tool a try — it works just like the editing tool.

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How to draw on PDF in Windows

To draw on a PDF file, you can use a new version of Microsoft Edge:

1. 1
   Open your PDF in Microsoft Edge.
2. 2
   Look just below the address bar for the toolbar with Draw and Erase options.
3. 3
   Click Draw to start adding notes or sketches.

Note: The inking feature doesn’t work on web pages in the latest Microsoft Edge.

How to paint on a PDF on Mac using Preview

Mac users, this one’s for you! With the built-in Preview tool, you can draw on PDF files using helpful features. Here are the steps:

1. 1
   With the PDF open in Preview, click the Markup icon in the toolbar at the top.
2. 2
   From there, you can insert text boxes, draw, and add shapes to PDF files.
3. 3
   While this built-in PDF drawing tool may not meet all your professional needs, it’s a solid starting point.

Final thoughts

So, how to draw on a PDF? Online and offline options are available, each offering different features for drawing and annotation. Try a few to see which one best fits your needs.

If you're after an all-in-one solution, our PDF editor is a great option to explore.

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