Editing a PDF in Google Drive is a breeze! All you need to do is open the PDF with Google Docs, make your edits, and then save or download the edited file. In just a few clicks, you can update text, add images, and modify the layout to your liking.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Edit PDF in Google Drive
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, it’s important to understand that Google Drive, in combination with Google Docs, provides an easy and accessible way to edit PDF documents. By following these steps, you’ll be able to make the necessary changes to your PDF without the need for any additional software.
Step 1: Open your PDF in Google Drive
Simply right-click on the PDF file and select “Open with” then “Google Docs”.
When you open a PDF with Google Docs, Google Drive will automatically convert the PDF into a Google Docs file. This process may take a few seconds to a minute, depending on the size and complexity of the PDF.
Step 2: Edit your PDF
Once the file is open in Google Docs, you can edit the text, add images, and adjust the layout as if you were working in a standard document.
Editing your PDF is as straightforward as editing a regular Google Docs file. You can change the font style, size, and color, insert tables, links, and images, and even add or delete text.
Step 3: Save or download your edited PDF
After you’ve made your changes, go to “File” then “Download” and choose “PDF Document (.pdf)” to save the edited version to your computer.
If you wish to keep the edited version in Google Drive, simply choose “File” then “Save” or use the shortcut ‘Ctrl + S’ (Cmd + S on Mac) to save the changes. Remember, the edited file will be in Google Docs format. If you need it in PDF format, you’ll have to download it as mentioned above.
After completing these steps, you will have an edited version of your PDF that you can save to your device or keep in Google Drive for future use.
Tips: How to Edit PDF in Google Drive
- Always make a copy of the original PDF before editing, in case you need to revert to the original version.
- If the PDF has a lot of images or complex formatting, the conversion to Google Docs may not be perfect, and some manual adjustments may be needed.
- For extensive editing, consider using a dedicated PDF editor as Google Docs may have limitations in preserving the original formatting.
- Keep in mind that the fonts available in Google Docs may differ from those in the original PDF, which could alter the document’s appearance.
- If you’re working with sensitive or confidential information, ensure that your Google Drive security settings are appropriately configured to prevent unauthorized access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit a scanned PDF in Google Drive?
Yes, you can edit a scanned PDF in Google Drive, but first, it needs to be converted into editable text using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, which Google Docs can perform during the conversion process.
Is it possible to edit PDFs in Google Drive on mobile?
Yes, you can edit PDFs in Google Drive on mobile by using the Google Docs app. However, the editing capabilities might be more limited compared to the desktop version.
Will the formatting of my PDF change when I edit it in Google Drive?
The formatting may change slightly due to the conversion from PDF to Google Docs. You may need to adjust the formatting after the conversion.
Can I edit a password-protected PDF in Google Drive?
No, you cannot edit a password-protected PDF directly in Google Drive. You’ll need to remove the password protection using a third-party tool before editing.
How do I share my edited PDF with others?
After editing and converting your document back to PDF, you can share it directly from Google Drive by right-clicking on the file, selecting “Share,” and then adding the email addresses of the recipients.
Summary
- Open your PDF with Google Docs in Google Drive.
- Make your edits in Google Docs.
- Save or download the edited document as a PDF.
Conclusion
Editing a PDF in Google Drive is not only convenient but also a huge time-saver. With the ability to quickly access and modify your documents from anywhere, Google Drive has revolutionized how we handle PDFs. Whether you’re updating a resume, tweaking a contract, or just adding some notes to a presentation, the process is straightforward and user-friendly. Plus, with the added benefit of cloud storage, your documents are always accessible and secure. So next time you need to make a quick edit to a PDF, remember that Google Drive has got you covered.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.
He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.
You can read his bio here.