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 redaction purposes

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 redact all [type of info] from this PDF...…+

Please redact all [type of info, e.g., names or addresses] from this PDF file: [insert PDF].

when the reply comes backWant to check if the redacted info is really hidden?

BImprove — “do it better”Review my PDF to see if any sensitive info...…+

Review my PDF to see if any sensitive information was missed or could be better hidden: [insert PDF].

when the reply comes backNeed help saving your redacted PDF safely?

CDecide — “help me choose”Help me decide which details should be redacted...…+

Help me decide which details in this PDF should be redacted for privacy: [insert PDF].

when the reply comes backWould you like to learn how to undo a redaction?

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

RedactTo hide or remove sensitive information from a document.ExampleYou redact the social security number before sharing the report with others.

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.

Adobe AcrobatA program used to view and edit PDF files.ExampleYou use Adobe Acrobat to open and read the instruction manual.

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 redaction tool to select and hide any text or images you don't want others to see. This makes sure the information is covered and can't be read by anyone else.

Redacting means you are blocking out or removing sensitive information from a PDF so that it is not visible or readable to anyone who opens the file.

You should redact information in a PDF when it contains private, personal, or sensitive details that should not be shared with others, like names, addresses, or confidential data.

Yes, redacting in Adobe Acrobat is safer because it removes the information completely, while just covering text with a black box can sometimes be undone, letting people see what was hidden.

Double-checking helps make sure that all sensitive information is truly hidden and can't be found by anyone, keeping your data safe and private.

Edit text in a PDF for redaction purposes

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