How to Edit PDF Text Offline and Online

PDFs provide one of the most secure ways to store and share text documents. They also take limited storage space and can be easily accessed. However, it's nearly impossible to make any changes to the text - unless, of course, you have access to PDF editing software.

You can also use a free PDF editor, so you don't have to worry about monthly subscriptions. If you want to learn how to edit your PDF document, here's a detailed step-by-step guide on how to edit PDF files both online and offline.

Why do you need a PDF editor?

PDF editing tools are a basic necessity in any PDF text manipulation task. But that's not the only reason why you might need them. Having a reliable PDF editor can benefit you greatly in various ways, such as the following:

Easily create and edit documents

This is a no-brainer. However, most people don't realize the scope of their text manipulation capabilities with a PDF editor. With a reliable tool, you can change the date, format, and content in a PDF document. You can also add or replace images.

Some PDF editors also enable you to perform various other operations, such as merging, splitting, watermarking, and signing PDF documents.

Secure your documents

With cybersecurity issues on the rise, securing your important digital documents is no longer a matter of preference but a vital necessity. While protecting your device with a password and storing documents in secure cloud servers may help, you can also go a step further by converting and storing your documents in PDF format.

In this regard, PDF editors provide a reliable security mechanism. You can add passwords, manage access, add watermarks, and use reduction tools to censor specific portions of the document permanently.

Manage file size

Large documents, especially those containing multiple pages, infographics, and images, take up a lot of storage space and are quite hard to share. By converting such documents to PDFs, you can effectively compress them without compromising text format and media quality. And since PDF files are much smaller in size, they are also easier to share.

How to edit PDF files offline

To edit a PDF file offline, you must first acquire PDF editing software. Once you've got that covered, the editing process is fairly straightforward. Here's how to do it.

1.   Open your PDF editing software.
2.   On the home window, click the “open files” button and select and import the document you want to edit.
3.   Depending on the tool you're using, you may have to click on the “edit all” button on the top menu or start editing immediately.
4.   Utilize the various features in the PDF editor to make any changes to your document.
5.   Save the edited document in your preferred folder on your device.

Advantages of editing PDF files offline

• You don't need an internet connection.
• Offline tools generally have more features and editing options than their online counterparts.
• Offline tools can perform more complex tasks.

Disadvantages of editing PDF files offline

• Offline editors cost more than online editors.
• You first need to download and install the software before you can start editing.

How to edit PDF files online

The best thing about editing PDF files online is you don't have to download the software. Additionally, most online PDF editors are free, so you don't have to pay anything. All you have to do is find a reliable editor, visit the website, and start editing. Here's a step-by-step guide.

1.   Visit your preferred PDF editing website.
2.   Upload your file from a device or cloud.
3.   Select the “edit” button on the menu bar.
4.   Click on a block of text or other area within the document and start editing.
5.   Select the “save” or “download” button to save the edited file on your device.

Advantages of editing PDF files online

• You can edit and gain access to edited files wherever you are, as long as you have an internet connection.
• Most PDF editors are free.
• You don't have to download or install anything.

 Disadvantages of editing PDF files online

• Some online editors are not as feature-rich as most offline editors.
• You need an internet connection to edit your files.

The bottom line

Editing PDF files, whether online or offline, is fairly straightforward. Both options provide all the basic features you need to manipulate your PDF files in whichever way you see fit. That said, the simplicity of the editing process and the degree to which you can manipulate your files comes down to the editor you choose.

Therefore, you should choose a PDF editor that's not only feature-rich but also compatible with your device and secure enough to safeguard your files.