Why is it so difficult to edit text?
Initially, PDF was developed precisely so that the document could not be changed. And this was its distinctive feature. In fact, text in this format is not a set of letters, but character codes that draw words and sentences, hence the difficulties.
Since PDF became an open format, developers have created numerous tools and programs for reading and editing, but not all of them work as expected.
By editing we mean not just changing the text, but fully working with it - underlining, highlighting, creating footnotes and notes, as well as adding and deleting pages and graphics.
When can't you edit text?
There are situations when PDF content cannot be corrected. If the document consists mainly of diagrams and other illustrations, then the page appears as a picture that cannot be edited.
Also, after scanning, the text is usually presented as a picture. But the editing option becomes possible in this case if the OCR (recognition) tool is built into the editor.
When opening a document, strange characters appear instead of text, which means the tool does not support the specified fonts. You can convert fonts to curves, but then the file will become a graphic object that cannot be changed.
Online tools
Free tools that offer online PDF editing usually have very limited functionality.
PDF24 Tools
Includes standard tools: converting a file into various formats (among them Word and graphic), compressing, merging and splitting files, extracting and adding pictures, deleting and rearranging pages, comparing documents, adding a watermark.
There is also an option to convert a web page to PDF. In this case, all text and pictures are saved, and hyperlinks are available.
Link to PDF24 Tools »
Smallpdf
An easy-to-use editor that makes it easy to add or draw any element. You can also sign your signature on a document using the touchpad or mouse.
The free version allows only two actions per hour.
Subscription cost is $6/month.
The trial version is available here »
PDFCandy
A simple and at the same time powerful editor. With it you can trim the file, change metadata, sort pages and add headers and footers. The service is also used to convert documents into formats such as DOC(X), EPUB, MOBI, TIFF, BMP and FB2. Reverse conversion also works.
The service is available at the link »
Hipdf
In addition to standard tools, it is possible to select a zone, add a rectangle and text (and also cross it out). There are options to change the color and size of the text. Added elements can be moved across pages.
The editor is characterized by fast processing and loading of documents.
You can find it here »
Take different forms? Easily
The program can add 7 types of interactive fields that are familiar to many: Text field.
Allows you to enter a line or several lines of text. You can apply formatting to the text you enter, such as making it a date. If such formatting is typical for a field, then you can open a calendar in the field window and select a date there. The user can choose the date format (for example, 12/18/1987 or 1987/18/12).
Date formatting, like any other formatting, is specified in the form field using JavaScript instructions. The product has a built-in JS engine that can execute these instructions and help the user enter the required text.
Check box.
Allows you to check a box, for example, to consent to data processing, indicate special conditions when choosing a hotel room, subscribe to news, etc.
A notable feature: if you think that the check mark in the check box is drawn (with vector commands or a picture), then this is not always the case. When creating a check box in ABBYY FineReader PDF, the check mark is a symbol. There is a special character font, ZapfDingbats, and it consists not of letters, but of these special characters. And in our check box we simply get text from one character of this font.
Switch
(also called “radio button”). This element allows you to select only one of the possible options in the list.
The PDF toggle is the most striking example of how one field can contain multiple widgets. Each of them has a choice name (the name of the selected state), which is preset by the PDF viewer. This is the name that is written in the field when a button is selected. Each widget has several preset states (ChoiceName/Off, Normal/Down). And depending on what state the widget is in, this state will be shown to the user. No animation, just replacing one picture with another.
Drop-down list.
Allows you to select one of the preset values or, if the form allows, enter your own (arbitrary) value.
List.
You can choose several options.
Button.
Allows you to set an action that is performed upon a specific event (that is, interaction with a button). For example, when you click on a button or hover the cursor, you can send the form by email, print, save, show attached files, clear the form, and so on. Instead of clicking on the button, you can select other events, for example, releasing the cursor, etc. There are many options for action:
Signature field.
Allows you to specify the place in the document where you need to put a digital signature:
Browser plugins and add-ons
All browsers support opening and viewing PDF. However, this is where the functionality ends. To take working with PDF to the next level, you should install a special extension in your browser.
Free versions offer only basic editing.
Kami Extension
The free plugin is used mostly in school environments as it integrates with Google Classroom and Drive services. Thanks to the extension, you can highlight text, split and join documents, add images, create text and voice comments. There are underlining tools, a text editor (pencil, brushes, eraser, etc.), OCR option.
To work, you need to register on the service website or connect through a Google account.
License cost for teacher and students is $99/year. The cost of a corporate license is not announced; you need to contact the developer by email.
Interface in English.
Smallpdf
A simple plugin with basic editing, converter, ability to mix, merge and split documents, delete and rotate pages. Integrates with the cloud and Gmail, allowing you to quickly upload files for processing.
A trial period (with wider functionality) is available when registering an account, after which you will have to sign up for a paid subscription.
Xodo
A fast and reliable plugin that can be set as your default PDF viewer. Allows you to select and underline text, add lines and shapes, draw, fill out forms, and add signatures.
Interface in English.
PDF editor online
The plugin is based on LibreOffice Draw Desktop Linux. Allows you not only to view, but also to create, edit, and annotate. Among the main functions, it is worth highlighting the ability to change and delete text, images and various elements (curves, lines, etc.). There are also options for processing graphic objects.
The interface is in English, but the navigation is intuitive.
It often happens that a person carelessly handles household items, for example, an iron or a stove. The consequences can be different, and the most unpleasant of them are burns.
What products should be used in case of burns and what should be included in them?
In modern conditions, there are many means for treating burns. But scientists advise when choosing means to focus on their content. In particular, an effective remedy should include:
- Silver.
- Chitosan.
- Calendula extract.
It is necessary to characterize each of them. Moreover, the content of the first two substances is necessary.
Silver
Back in 1800, Western scientists proved that silver destroys pathogenic bacteria. With the development of pharmaceuticals, antibiotics appeared, which are much cheaper to produce, and they forgot about silver. Only after 30 years of using antibiotics, when bacteria had become immune to them, did they begin to use colloidal silver again. And as it turned out, it was not in vain. The silver content has the following effect:
- Reconstruction of collagen and other components of the intercellular matrix. In other words, the skin is filled with all the necessary substances.
- Acceleration of post-traumatic recovery of the skin and mucous membranes, promoting rapid and scar-free healing.
- Has a detoxifying, antibacterial and analgesic effect.
- Normalizes the functioning of the skin, mucous membranes and adjacent tissues. Protects the skin by forming a thin gas-permeable film.
Chitosan
Chitosan is an amino sugar that has the following three important properties:
- Removing harmful substances from the body.
- Stimulation of skin cell regeneration processes.
- Reducing blood cholesterol levels.
It is used:
- In cosmetology for face and body care in order to normalize the functioning of the skin and adjacent tissues; post-peeling care, acne prevention, to narrow enlarged pores.
- As a first aid remedy for violation of the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes: for cuts, abrasions, burns (thermal, chemical and solar), frostbite; bruises, sprains, insect bites, etc.
- As a preventive and auxiliary agent for the main therapy for inflammatory processes on the skin and mucous membranes: for acne, herpetic eruptions, gingivitis and stomatitis, ENT diseases, in eye practice, as well as for diaper rash, bedsores, allergies.
For cosmetic care, apply a small amount of gel to the surface of the skin of the face, neck and décolleté along massage lines. If necessary, apply additional cream. Apply 1-2 times a day. Apply chitosan gel to damaged surfaces in a layer of 1-3 mm. The area where the integrity of the skin is damaged should always be covered with a protective film of gel until complete healing. If necessary, apply an additional new layer.
Calendula extract
The plant has strong bactericidal properties against some pathogens, especially staphylococci and streptococci. Tinctures and ointments are prepared from calendula. Preparations from flower baskets are used externally to treat burns, long-term non-healing wounds and fistulas, and for rinsing the mouth and throat for stomatitis and sore throat. Calendula is recommended for heart diseases accompanied by rhythm disturbances, diseases of the liver and biliary tract, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, hypertension, and during menopause.
Thus, the content of these three substances in a cosmetic cream creates strong conditions for skin regeneration after a burn. At the moment, there are many drugs of this type, for example, ArgoVasna, Helacinc, Ultra Hitozan Gel.
Sources:
- argovasna.ru - properties of silver;
- vmiretrav.ru - use of calendula;
- argo-health.ru - properties of chitosan.
Programs
There are no fully functional free applications on the market that can not only view a document and manipulate pages, but also change its content. Free editors are in fact shareware, that is, their functionality is greatly reduced, and advanced features are available only with a paid subscription.
Paid
Below are the TOP programs that are great for solving any problem.
Movavi PDF Editor
An effective and multifunctional tool with easy navigation. Allows you not only to add, edit and format text with pictures, but also to put an electronic signature, combine several files into one or split it into parts, extract pictures, convert from JPG, PNG, BMP.
Test period – 7 days.
License cost:
- For 1 year – 1,990 rubles.
- Lifetime for 1 PC – RUB 2,490.
- Lifetime for 3 PCs – RUB 6,990.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac.
Soda PDF
It is distinguished by speed and a large number of functions, but the interface is not the simplest. In addition to inserting elements and editing, it allows you to sign documents, crop and rotate pages, compress, merge into one file and split into several parts.
Test period – 14 days.
Monthly license cost:
- Standard – 8 euros (if paid annually – 6.75 euros).
- Pro – 13 euros (if paid annually – 11 euros).
- Business – 20 euros (if paid annually – 16.75 euros).
Compatibility: Windows, Mac.
Master PDF Editor
It is a full-fledged tool that offers users (in addition to editing, commenting and using an electronic signature) the following options: move and rotate pages, cover up or highlight the necessary phrases, add pictures and print.
There is no trial period, but there is a demo version (without restrictions, only watermarks are applied).
The cost of the license is 2,990 rubles.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux.
PDF Architect
Lightweight and easy to use application for creating, editing and converting to and from various formats. It is possible to open and view documents in several tabs. Interesting options include: deleting selected sheets, virtual printer, snapshots of certain parts of the page.
A distinctive feature is the purchase of various functions separately.
Annual license cost:
- Standard – $49
- Professional – $69
- Pro + OCR – $89
Compatibility: Windows.
Free
The basic functions are performed, but you should not expect anything exorbitant from such programs.
PDF Sam Basic
A very simple application that combines several functions: combining several files into one or dividing them into pages, rotating individual sheets, extracting specific pages
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux.
LibreOffice Draw
Analogue of Microsoft Word. It opens and edits, but with one difference: when opened, the file is converted for editing, and after modification it must be exported back to PDF.
The program changes and deletes text, images, adds links, etc., and allows you to protect the edited file (prohibit copying of content or set a password).
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux.
Infix
Helps you quickly edit content and add new elements. The program also crops and rotates pages, combines files into one or splits them into several parts, and extracts pages in TIFF, JPEG, PNG.
The only negative is that software crashes often occur.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux.
How to Edit PDF Files for Free
PDF24 Creator will help you edit a PDF document for free.
There are many paid programs for working with PDF, but this is not our choice. We've rounded up the best free alternatives.
- For example, the PDF 24 Creator allows you to both create and edit PDF files, add text and notes to them. It will also help you extract all the images or text from a PDF document and merge multiple files into one.
- Another PDF is XChange Editor , the successor to PDF Change Viewer. The program differs from its predecessor in its new design, which makes it more modern and logical. It gives you a variety of tools for editing and marking text in PDF documents, and stamps and a comment feature let you add your own notes to the file.
