How to Edit a PDF File on Mac (Free, Built-In)

On a Mac, you can edit a PDF file for free with the built-in Preview app — no downloads needed. Open the PDF in Preview, click the markup toolbar (pencil icon), then add text, signatures, highlights, and shapes. To rearrange pages, use the thumbnail sidebar. For changing existing body text, use Google Docs instead.

What Preview can and can’t do

Method 1: Preview (annotate, sign, mark up)

1. Double-click the PDF to open it in Preview.
2. Click the markup icon (pencil in a circle) in the toolbar.
3. Use the tools:
   • T — add a text box anywhere
   • Signature — click the signature icon → Create Signature (draw or use your trackpad)
   • Highlight/Underline — mark up text
   • Shapes — add boxes, arrows, and circles

Method 2: Rearrange, delete, or merge pages

1. In Preview, click View → Thumbnails.
2. Drag thumbnails to reorder pages.
3. Select a thumbnail and press Delete to remove a page.
4. Drag a PDF file’s icon into the sidebar to merge it with the current document.

Method 3: Edit actual body text (Google Docs)

Preview can’t edit existing body text. For that:

1. Upload the PDF to Google Drive → Open with → Google Docs.
2. Edit the text, then File → Download → PDF Document.

Not on a Mac? See the general how to edit a PDF guide.

Method 4: Combine with a free online editor

For tasks Preview doesn’t cover (like changing text on a page), the free Sejda works in the browser and adds text/images with no watermark.

Other free PDF editors for Mac

Preview covers most jobs, but these are free if you need more:

Filling forms in Preview

If the PDF has fillable fields, Preview lets you click and type into them directly — no markup mode needed. See how to create a fillable PDF if the form isn’t fillable yet.

Common problems and fixes

FAQ

How do I edit a PDF file on Mac?

Double-click the PDF to open it in Preview, click the markup icon, then use the text, signature, and shape tools. To change existing body text, open it in Google Docs.

How do I edit a PDF on Mac for free?

Preview is free and built into macOS, and Google Docs is free for editing real text — you don’t need Adobe Acrobat or any paid app.

Can I edit PDFs on Mac for free?

Yes. Preview is built into macOS and handles text boxes, signatures, highlighting, and page rearrangement at no cost.

Can I edit existing text in a PDF on Mac?

Not with Preview — it only overlays new text. Use Google Docs (free) or Word to edit the actual body text.

How do I sign a PDF on Mac?

Open it in Preview → markup toolbar → Signature → create and place your signature. For more, see how to sign a PDF.

How do I merge PDFs on Mac?

Open one PDF in Preview, show thumbnails, then drag other PDF files into the sidebar and Export as PDF. For a method that works on Windows too, see how to merge PDF files.

How do I add a text box in Preview?

Click the markup icon, click the T tool, then click on the page and type. Drag to position.

Can Preview fill out PDF forms?

Yes — if the form has fillable fields, click them and type. If it’s not fillable, you’ll need to add text manually or use a form builder.