Apple Files may not have received a redesign or a slew of new features like the FaceTime app and Safari with tab groups in iOS 15, but the default file manager has gained a noteworthy addition: a built-in PDF editor. Most iPhone and iPad users will find this to be a welcome addition. A native PDF editor that is already included in Apple’s file manager programme can be quite helpful in allowing you to edit PDF files effectively, regardless of whether you are a 9-to-5 professional, student, or just an average joe. I’ll demonstrate how to edit PDF files on an iPhone with iOS 15 if you haven’t yet unlocked this brand-new PDF editor and want to learn more about how it functions.
How to Use Built-In PDF Editor on iPhone and iPad
It’s interesting that Apple has kept the existence of the internal PDF editor a secret. So, I suppose a lot of people would be interested in learning how to use it for editing files. For a seamless editing experience, the Cupertino company has incorporated the PDF editor within the Files app. The editing programmes all function rather well. As a result, you can now edit PDF files without using third-party PDF editors. Let’s get started with the simple steps right away!
How to Edit PDF on iPhone and iPad with the Files App
Let’s first look at how to add pages, remove pages, and perform some of the most basic edits to PDFs on your iPhone.
- To get started, launch the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Go to the folder where you stored the PDF file and open it there.
3. To display the thumbnail page view on your iPhone, swipe from the left edge of the screen to the right. Keep in mind that on the iPad, the thumbnail page view appears by default.
4. Next, either touch and hold a page or tap it twice to open the edit menu. You currently have a variety of options to pick from:
- Rotate Left: It lets you rotate the selected page to the left.
- Rotate Right: It allows you to rotate the selected page to the right.
- Insert Blank Page: It allows you to insert a blank page.
- Insert from File: It lets you insert an image into the PDF.
- Scan Pages: It allows you to scan the selected page.
- Delete: It allows you to delete pages.
How to Copy/Highlight Text in PDFs in Apple Files App on iPhone and iPad
Despite not having a full-featured text editor, the built-in PDF editor allows you to copy and highlight text.
- Launch the Files app and then open the PDF file.
2. At this point, tap and hold a word to display the text selector. After that, drag the text selector’s handle to choose the text. To copy the text you’ve chosen, select it and then touch the Copy option in the pop-up window.
3. Tap on the tiny arrow on the pop-up window’s far right if you wish to highlight the selected text. Afterward, selectHighlight.
4. At this point, you can tap on the colour circles to select a colour from a variety of choices. You can hit the remark icon to add a sticky note. Next, type your comment and select Done to finish.
How to Annotate PDF File in Apple Files App on iPhone and iPad
You are able to annotate your PDF files to your heart’s content with the powerful Markup tools at your disposal. You can add text, highlight text, or even enlarge specific areas, for example. Additionally, your PDF file can have a digital signature added to it.
- Launch the Files app on your iOS device-> open the folder and then navigate to the PDF file you wish to annotate.
2. Next, click or tap the tiny “Markup” symbol in the top right corner of the screen.
3. After that, a few Markup tools ought to appear, including a pixel eraser and a choice to alter the grid and colour palette at the bottom. Tap the + button in the bottom right corner of the screen to go to the magnifier and signature choices.
How to Add Tags to Your PDF File in Apple Files App on iPhone and iPad
You may locate specific files with the utmost ease using tags. Use tags, then, if you want to keep your PDF files all organised and simple to find.
- Head over to the Files app on your iPhone or iPad -> folder -> PDF file.
2. Currently, make sure the PDF file is open. Next, select Add Tags in the sharing sheet by tapping the Share button.
3. Finally, decide on the tag’s chosen colour.
How to Search for Text in PDF in Apple Files App on iOS and iPadOS
Additionally, you can add a new tag based on your requirements.
- To get going, launch the Files app on your device -> folder -> PDF file.
You can locate a specific word or text in a PDF file fast if you have a sophisticated search tool at your disposal.
Make sure the PDF file is open now. In the upper right corner of the screen, click the tiny search button.
How to Translate PDF Text in Apple Files App on iOS and iPadOS
3. After that, type the search term. The searched term will be highlighted immediately, along with the number of matches. Additionally, you can scroll across the highlighted text on the PDF file by using the up/down arrows.
- Open the Files app on your iPhone or iPad and then go to the folder where you have saved the PDF file. And then open the PDF file.
You can translate PDF content in the Apple Files app thanks to integration with the Apple Translate app.
2. Choose the text you wish to translate now. (To activate the text selector tool, tap and hold a word. Drag the text selector tool to choose the desired text after that.) Then select Translate from the pop-up menu.
How to Lock Your PDF Files in Apple Files App on iPhone and iPad
Voila! Your selected language’s translation of the content will appear instantly. Keep in mind that you can also alter the language of the translation. Select your favourite language by tapping on Change Language.
- On your iPhone or iPad, navigate to the Files app -> folder -> PDF file.
You can also password-protect your PDF files to prevent unauthorised access.
2. Click the Share option after opening the PDF file. Next, select Lock PDF from the sharing sheet.
How to Fill Out a PDF on iPhone
3. Then, input the password, and last, confirm.
- In the Files app, open the fillable PDF form.
- Here, you can simply tap on text fields to enter text as shown below.
- What s more, if there are checkboxes in the PDF, or other interactive elements, iOS 15 will let you easily fill/edit those as well.
You may frequently encounter PDF forms that you must electronically complete. Previously, you would have had to use a third-party software or AirDrop the PDF to a Mac and complete the form there. Now, you can complete the form right on your iPhone. Here’s how to complete a PDF form on an iPhone.
Best Alternative PDF Editors for iPhone and iPad
One of the most helpful updates to the Files app in iOS 15 is the ability to fill out PDF forms on an iPhone. I have already used this feature numerous times.
1. Wondershare PDFElement
As I mentioned earlier, Apple’s integrated PDF editor is made to handle simple PDF editing. There are three options you should consider if you require a more capable or feature-rich PDF editor for your iOS device.
By keeping complexity to a minimum, PDFElement is able to provide a very effective PDF editing experience. Therefore, PDFElement might be worth a try if you’re looking for a fully featured PDF editor that doesn’t have a steep learning curve. On your iPhone and iPad, you can easily create PDF files as well as edit, annotate, and protect them. Additionally, it allows precise annotation tools like the Apple Pencil so you may annotate your documents.
Wondershare The file types that PDFElement supports include Excel, Word, PowerPoint, images, audio, and more. As a result, you may manage different file types without running into compatibility problems. You can easily import files from cloud services like iCloud Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive thanks to the connectivity with many of these providers. Although PDFElement is free, you must upgrade to the premium edition, which starts at $5/month, in order to access all the professional PDF editing capabilities.
2. Adobe Acrobat Reader PDF Maker
(Free, $4.99/month) Install
There is no doubt that you won’t be missing out on this powerful option since Adobe Acrobat has long been a renowned PDF editor. You may edit and manage your PDF files with the necessary efficiency using the extensive selection of professional PDF editing tools provided by Acrobat Reader. Multiple PDF files can be combined into a single PDF file, which can then be exported to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
You may also compress PDF files with Acrobat Reader to make them smaller. The ability to compress files without losing quality will be very useful for distributing many PDF files. You can also password-protect your PDFs to stop anyone from accidentally bumping into your docs. Notably, Acrobat is connected with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive to enable excellent PDF viewing, management, and sharing. Please be aware that the free version of this PDF editor has many restrictions. In order to access all of the advanced editing features, you must upgrade to the premium version (which starts at $9.99/month).
3. PDF Expert
(Free, $9.99/month) Install
The best PDF editor for the iPhone and iPad, according to Readdle, is PDF Expert. I must state that after using PDF expert on my iOS device, it has all the necessary features to be a very skilled PDF editor. Despite having a tonne of features, it provides a fairly straightforward experience. Pro-level annotation is arguably PDF professionals’ best feature. To annotate, highlight, and draw with more accuracy, it easily integrates with Apple Pencil.
Notably, PDF Expert allows you to fill out any PDF form with interactive fields like radio buttons, checkboxes, etc. It also works with static PDF forms made in Adobe Acrobat. Additionally, you can use sketching tools and sticky notes to annotate the content. In order to provide you the flexibility you need to manage your files, PDF Expert also supports a number of cloud storage services, including OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud Drive, Dropbox, and Box.
Edit PDF Files on iPhone and iPad Like a Pro
(Free, $6.99/month) Install
The end! In the Apple Files app on your iPhone or iPad, that is how you edit PDF files. Despite lacking the sophisticated editing features that third-party PDF editors provide, Apple’s built-in PDF editor is more than capable of performing basic PDF editing. Make the most of it to easily edit PDFs on your iOS device now that you understand how it functions. Of course, third-party applications like PDFElement, PDF Expert, and Adobe Acrobat are always available to assist you if you require all the robust editing features.