How do I change the font style or size of text in a PDF?

First, click 'Edit' in the global bar to enter editing mode. Then, click on the text you want to change. A toolbar will appear where you can select a new font style or size. Make your changes, and the text will update immediately.

What is the difference between editing text in a normal PDF and a scanned PDF?

Feature Normal PDF Scanned PDF. Editing Text Directly editable, font information is present. Requires OCR to convert image to editable text first. Accuracy High, no conversion errors. Can have errors (e.g., '0' for 'O'), needs proofreading. Layout Usually stays the same. Can shift after OCR; sometimes adding a text box is better.

If my scanned PDF text looks strange after editing, what should I do?

Proofread the text carefully, especially numbers and names, as OCR can make mistakes. Consider adding a new text box on top of the original text instead of editing the converted text directly. Try using a common font for any new text you add to avoid issues.

Frontline Quick Reference Need in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

1 way to ask · copy any one

CDecide — “help me choose”I have screenshots and brief notes from shadowing three supervisors. Assemble a one-page job…+

I have screenshots and brief notes from shadowing three supervisors. Assemble a one-page job aid with annotated screenshots and step-by-step cues they can keep on their phones. Make it scannable for someone under pressure and include one suggested line a supervisor can say to a trainee. I need this in time for tomorrow's shift.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Select the Edit PDF tool from the right pane or the toolbar.
3
Click on the text you want to edit in the PDF.
4
Type to add, delete, or change the text as needed.
5
Click outside the text box or press Esc to finish editing.
6
Save the PDF to keep your changes.
Best practiceIf you notice formatting issues after editing, try adjusting the font size or spacing for better alignment.

In the appWith the API

You can undo text edits immediately by pressing Ctrl+Z or using the Undo option in the Edit menu.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

OCROCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. It is technology that turns images of text into real text you can search and copy.ExampleAfter scanning a paper invoice, OCR allows you to copy the vendor's name from the image.

FontA font is the style of letters and numbers used in writing, like Arial or Times New Roman.ExampleChanging the font from Arial to Times New Roman altered the look of the entire report.

EmbedTo put something, like a file or image, inside another file.ExampleYou can embed a short video clip directly into your presentation slide.

Who does this

3 roles

Administrative AssistantContent EditorLegal Secretary

FAQ

about this task

First, click 'Edit' in the global bar to enter editing mode.
Then, click on the text you want to change.
A toolbar will appear where you can select a new font style or size.
Make your changes, and the text will update immediately.

Acrobat shows 'Font not available' because the specific font used in the PDF is not installed on your computer. Even if the font is embedded in the PDF, your system still needs it to make changes. To fix this, you can install the missing font on your computer, activate it if it's an Adobe Font, or try to embed missing fonts using the 'Print Production' tool in Acrobat.

Feature	Normal PDF	Scanned PDF
Editing Text	Directly editable, font information is present.	Requires OCR to convert image to editable text first.
Accuracy	High, no conversion errors.	Can have errors (e.g., '0' for 'O'), needs proofreading.
Layout	Usually stays the same.	Can shift after OCR; sometimes adding a text box is better.

Proofread the text carefully, especially numbers and names, as OCR can make mistakes.
Consider adding a new text box on top of the original text instead of editing the converted text directly.
Try using a common font for any new text you add to avoid issues.

To ensure new text matches existing text, pay close attention to the font, size, and color. When you click to edit, Acrobat often tries to match these automatically. If it doesn't, manually select the correct font, size, and color from the editing toolbar. Using common fonts like Arial or Times New Roman can also help maintain a consistent look across the document.

Frontline Quick Reference Need

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

Video

Other guides

When it fails