How do I edit text in a PDF document using Adobe Acrobat?

First, open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat. Click the 'Edit' button in the global bar to enter editing mode. Then, click on the text you want to change and type your new words. Finally, save your document to keep the changes.

Why does Adobe Acrobat say 'Font not available' when I try to edit a PDF?

Adobe Acrobat shows 'Font not available' because the font needed for the text is not installed on your computer. Even if the font is embedded in the PDF, Acrobat needs it locally to let you edit. To fix this, you should install the missing font on your system, activate it through Adobe Fonts, or use the 'Preflight' tool under 'Print Production' to embed missing fonts if possible.

What is the best way to edit a scanned PDF page in Adobe Acrobat?

When editing a scanned PDF, Acrobat first runs OCR to turn the image into editable text. However, OCR can sometimes make mistakes, especially with numbers or similar-looking letters. For complex layouts or if OCR output is poor, it's often better to add a new text box on top of the scanned page and type your new text there. Always proofread the OCR output carefully, especially for important details like names, dates, or totals.

How can I make sure my edited text matches the original text in a PDF?

Match the font: Use the same font as the existing text. Match the size: Keep the font size consistent. Match the color: Use the exact same text color. Match the alignment: Make sure your text lines up with the surrounding text.

Can I use an API to automatically change text in a PDF with Adobe Acrobat?

No, you cannot use an API to automatically change text in a PDF with Adobe Acrobat. Editing PDF text and content is a feature that is only available through the desktop or web user interface. There are no REST operations for this specific action.

◆ Acrobat · edit

Edit text in a PDF for accessibility compliance

Edit the lyric sheet PDF to correct the misspelling of ‘morning’ to ‘mourning’ on page 4 and update the songwriter att…

3ready prompts

1real task

3roles

See the prompt↓More edit workflows

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Please help me edit this PDF so it meets accessibility…+

Please help me edit this PDF so it meets accessibility standards for [describe audience or use, e.g., visually impaired users].

when the reply comes backWould you like tips for checking accessibility in Acrobat?

BImprove — “do it better”Can you suggest ways to improve the accessibility of my PDF…+

Can you suggest ways to improve the accessibility of my PDF for [describe group, e.g., students with disabilities]?

when the reply comes backNeed help adding alt text to images in your PDF?

CDecide — “help me choose”Which accessibility changes should I make to this PDF for…+

Which accessibility changes should I make to this PDF for [purpose or audience, e.g., a public website]?

when the reply comes backWant to know how to test your PDF with a screen reader?

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

PDFA common file type used to share documents that look the same everywhere.ExampleShe saved the brochure as a PDF so everyone would see the exact same layout and fonts.

AccessibilityMaking sure everyone, including people with disabilities, can use something.ExampleThe website was designed with Accessibility in mind, so screen readers can easily navigate it.

Screen ReaderA tool that reads text and image descriptions out loud for people who cannot see them.ExampleA screen reader announced the menu options and read the text of the article aloud.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Fix a misspelled lyric or incorrect attribution before the run goes to press.

FAQ

about this task

In Adobe Acrobat, you can use the 'Edit PDF' tool to change text, and the 'Accessibility' tools to check and fix issues so everyone can read your document, including people using screen readers.

An accessible PDF is one that people with disabilities, such as those who use screen readers, can read and understand easily because the text is clear and images have descriptions.

Making your PDF accessible helps everyone, including people with disabilities, and may be required by law or school rules.

In Adobe Acrobat, right-click on an image, choose 'Edit Alt Text,' and write a short description so screen readers can tell users what the image shows.

Editing for accessibility means you not only fix the words, but also make sure the document can be read by assistive tools, like adding alt text to images and using clear headings.

Edit text in a PDF for accessibility compliance

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