How do I add a proofing note to a PDF using comments in Adobe Acrobat?

Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat. Click the comment tools. Choose a tool like sticky note or highlight. Click where you want to add your note. Type your proofing note.

If my scan is blurry, can I still use comments and annotations to apply proofing notes?

Yes, you can add comments and annotations even if the scan is blurry. Your notes will appear on top of the blurry image. But it may be harder for others to read what you are referring to.

How are comments and annotations different from editing the actual PDF content?

Comments & Annotations Editing PDF Content. Adds notes or marks on a separate layer Changes the real text or images Easy to remove or hide Harder to undo changes Used for review and feedback Used to fix or update the main file

◆ Acrobat · convert

Apply Proofing Notes

Export color-separated PDF files of the booklet that match the printer's supplied [profile=CoatedFOGRA39] profile and …

2ready prompts

1real task

3roles

See the prompt↓More convert workflows

When to use it

real situations

An editor marks mistakes in a report before it is published.
A teacher gives feedback on a student's essay in PDF form.
A designer reviews a brochure and adds notes for changes.

AI prompts

2 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Export color-separated PDF files of the booklet that match the printer's supplied…+

Export color-separated PDF files of the booklet that match the printer's supplied [profile=CoatedFOGRA39] profile and include my proofing notes, then deliver them to prepress by [deadline=Wednesday].

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

BImprove — “do it better”Create print-ready color-separated files using the printer's [profile=CoatedFOGRA39] profile,…+

Create print-ready color-separated files using the printer's [profile=CoatedFOGRA39] profile, run a soft-proof against my annotated color corrections, embed the profile in each PDF, and bundle a one-page changelog of proofing notes so prepress can reconcile color adjustments without calling back.

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
Click the Comment button in the toolbar to display the commenting tools.
3
Select the annotation tool you want to use, such as Note, Highlight, Text Box, or Draw.
4
Click on the PDF page where you want to add your comment or annotation.
5
Type your comment or draw your annotation as needed.
6
Click away from the annotation or press Escape to save your comment or annotation.

In the appWith the API

You can use multiple annotation types in one session, such as highlighting text and adding sticky notes for detailed feedback.

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

Glossary

words on this page

CommentA note or message added to a file to give feedback or ask questions.ExampleYou add a note to a report asking the author to clarify a specific paragraph.

MarkupHighlighting, underlining, or drawing on a PDF to show what is important.ExampleYou use the markup tool to highlight key sentences in the report.

SanitizeTo remove sensitive or private information from a document before sharing it.ExampleRemember to sanitize the document by redacting personal details before sharing it publicly.

Who does this

3 roles

EditorTeacherProject Manager

FAQ

about this task

Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
Click the comment tools.
Choose a tool like sticky note or highlight.
Click where you want to add your note.
Type your proofing note.

Comments are notes or marks you add to a PDF to give feedback or show what needs to be changed. They are important because they let many people review and suggest changes without changing the original document. This helps teams work together and keeps the original safe.

Yes, you can add comments and annotations even if the scan is blurry.
Your notes will appear on top of the blurry image.
But it may be harder for others to read what you are referring to.

You should flatten or sanitize a PDF after using comments and annotations because comments are a separate layer that stays in the file, even if you cannot see them. If you do not remove them, someone else might find your proofing notes later. Flattening or sanitizing protects your feedback and keeps your document private when you share it.

Comments & Annotations	Editing PDF Content
Adds notes or marks on a separate layer	Changes the real text or images
Easy to remove or hide	Harder to undo changes
Used for review and feedback	Used to fix or update the main file