In today’s world, most of our text documents, agreements, and even resumes are created and shared in PDF format. This format is very secure and easy to use, but sometimes we may need to edit those PDFs as per our requirements. Unfortunately, editing PDFs is a little bit tricky, and it becomes even more difficult when it comes to mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones. Android tablets are great for work and as a multimedia center, but the default PDF Reader on Android tablets doesn’t allow users to edit PDFs. In this blog post, we will discuss how to edit PDFs on an Android tablet by using different methods.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Edit PDFs on Android Tablets
It’s important to understand why you may need to edit PDFs on your Android tablet. Here are some reasons:
You may want to:
- Edit a PDF form you have saved on your Android tablet
- Add or remove some pages from a PDF document
- Add or remove annotations in a PDF, such as arrows, lines, or text boxes
- Edit the content of a PDF, such as the text, images, or layout
- Add comments to a PDF file
Method 1: Edit PDFs using Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free PDF Reader available for Android tablets. You can also use this app to edit PDFs by following the steps mentioned below:
Method 1: Using Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader from the Google Play Store
- Launch the app and open the PDF file you wish to edit
- Tap on the "Edit" icon in the toolbar. If you can’t see the Edit icon, it means that your PDF is not editable
- Select the content or text you want to edit in the PDF file
- You’ll see a menu with various editing options, including Copy, Cut, Delete, or Paste. Choose your desired action
- Once you’re done editing, you can save the changes by tapping on the "Save" icon in the toolbar
Pros:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader is a popular and secure app for PDF editing
- You can easily edit text, images, and annotations in your PDF file
- The app is free to install and use
Cons:
- The app requires an internet connection to access additional features
- The free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader comes with ads
- The app may slow down, crash or stop working on some older tablets with limited specs
- Advanced editing tools like OCR and form creation are only available in the paid version
Method 2: Edit PDFs using Xodo PDF Reader and Editor
Xodo PDF Reader and Editor is another popular app for editing PDFs on Android tablets. This app is free and offers a lot of features to edit and annotate PDF files.
Method 2: Using Xodo PDF Reader and Editor
- Download and install Xodo PDF Reader and Editor from the Google Play Store
- Launch the app and open the PDF file you want to edit
- To edit text, tap on the "Edit Content" button in the toolbar and select the text you want to change
- To add or remove pages, tap on the "Add" or "Delete" icon in the toolbar
- To add or remove annotations, tap on the "Annotation" icon in the toolbar
- Choose the annotation you want to add, such as text box, arrow, or line, and draw it on the page
- Once you’ve finished editing, you can save the changes and export the PDF document by tapping on the "Export" button in the toolbar
Pros:
- Xodo PDF Reader and Editor is a reliable and feature-rich app
- You can easily edit text, images, and annotations in your PDF file
- The app is free to install and use
- It provides cloud integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for easy document sharing and collaboration
Cons:
- The app may freeze, crash, or hang on some older Android tablets
- Some editing tools, such as OCR and form creation, are missing
- The app may show ads or provide in-app purchases
Method 3: Convert PDFs to Word and Edit on Android Tablet
If you can’t find proper PDF editing tools on your Android tablet or don’t want to pay for premium features, you can try converting your PDF files to Word documents and then edit them.
Method 3: Converting PDFs to Word and Editing on Android Tablet
- Download and install a PDF to Word Converter app, such as WPS PDF to Word Converter from the Google Play Store
- Launch the app and import the PDF file you wish to convert
- Choose "Convert to Word" and select the destination folder for the word document
- Once the conversion is complete, open the Word document using the Microsoft Word app on your Android tablet
- Edit the content of the Word document as per your requirements
- Save the changes and export the document back to PDF format using any online or offline converter
Pros:
- Microsoft Word is a versatile and widely used app for document editing
- You can easily edit the text and layout of the Word document according to your needs
- The app is free to download and install on all Android tablets
Cons:
- Converting PDFs to Word documents can result in formatting errors and loss of quality
- The process of converting, editing, and converting back to PDF can be time-consuming and tedious
- Some advanced features of PDFs, such as annotations, forms, or security, may not be available in Word documents
What to Do If You Can’t Edit PDFs on Android Tablets
Sometimes, you may face issues editing PDFs on your Android tablet despite trying different apps and methods. Here are some fixes and solutions to common problems:
What to Do If You Can’t Edit PDFs on Android Tablets
- Check if the PDF file is password-protected or encrypted. If so, you may need to enter the password or obtain the decryption key to unlock and edit the PDF
- Ensure that you have the latest version of the PDF app installed on your Android tablet. Outdated apps may lack important features or bug fixes
- Check the settings of your PDF app and enable the edit mode. Some apps may require users to purchase premium features or unlock the edit mode via in-app purchases
- If you’re unable to edit the PDF on your Android tablet, try editing it on a desktop or laptop using a PDF editor software, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro, Nitro PDF, or Foxit PhantomPDF
Bonus Tip
If you frequently need to edit PDFs on your Android tablet, consider investing in a stylus or digital pen. This accessory can greatly enhance your text-editing and annotation experience, allowing you to draw, write, and highlight precisely on your PDF file.
5 FAQs
Q1. Can you edit PDFs for free on an Android tablet?
A: Yes, you can edit PDFs for free on an Android tablet using apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader, Forms W9, or Xodo PDF Reader and Editor.
Q2. Can you edit PDFs on any Android tablet?
A: Yes, you can edit PDFs on any Android tablet, provided it has sufficient storage, processing power, and RAM to run the PDF editing app smoothly.
Q3. How do you convert a PDF to Word on an Android tablet?
A: You can convert a PDF to Word on an Android tablet by using a PDF to Word Converter app, such as WPS PDF to Word Converter, and then editing the resulting Word document in the Microsoft Word app.
Q4. Why can’t I edit my PDF on my Android tablet?
A: You may not be able to edit your PDF on your Android tablet due to several reasons, such as password protection, app settings, or lack of editing tools. Refer to the "What to Do If You Can’t Edit PDFs on Android Tablets" section of this post for solutions.
Q5. Can I undo the changes I made to a PDF on an Android tablet?
A: Yes, you can undo the changes you made to a PDF on an Android tablet by tapping on the "Undo" icon in the toolbar or pressing "Ctrl+Z" on the keyboard if you’re using an external keyboard.
Final Thoughts
Editing PDFs on an Android tablet can be a bit tricky, but with the right apps, methods, and tips, anyone can do it. Adobe Acrobat Reader, Xodo PDF Reader and Editor, and PDF to Word Converter are some of the best options available for editing PDFs on an Android tablet. Follow the instructions mentioned in this post, and don’t forget to use a stylus or digital pen to enhance your editing experience. Good luck and happy editing!