To edit a PDF on an iPad, open it in the Files app and tap the Markup button (a pen tip in a circle) at the top right. You can then draw or highlight with an Apple Pencil or your finger, tap + to add text boxes, shapes, and your signature, and fill in forms. Tap Done to save. Markup is free and built in, but it can’t change the PDF’s original text. For that, use a PDF editor app like Adobe Acrobat.
Here’s how to mark up, sign, fill in, and reorganize PDFs on iPad, and when you need a separate app.
What you can do with built-in tools
| Task | Built-in (Files, Markup) | Needs another app |
|---|---|---|
| Draw, highlight, add notes | Yes | |
| Add text boxes and signatures | Yes | |
| Fill in form fields | Yes | |
| Rotate, delete, or add pages | Yes | |
| Change existing text or images | Yes (Acrobat, PDF Expert, and others) |
How to mark up a PDF in the Files app
- Open the Files app and tap the PDF.
- Tap the Markup button at the top right.
- Choose a tool in the toolbar: pen, highlighter, pencil, eraser, or lasso.
- Tap + for more: Text, Signature, Shapes, Magnifier, and Add Sticker.
- Tap Done when you finish. Changes are saved to the PDF.
How to sign a PDF on iPad
- Open the PDF in Files and tap Markup.
- Tap + > Add Signature. The first time, sign with your finger or Apple Pencil and tap Done.
- Drag the signature into place and resize it with the corners.
- Tap Done.
How to fill in a PDF form
Open the PDF and tap into a form field to type. For forms without fields, tap Markup > + > Text to add text boxes. On iPadOS 17 and later, AutoFill can suggest your name, address, and other details from your contact card.
How to rotate, delete, or add pages
- Open the PDF in Files and swipe right from the left edge, or tap the sidebar icon, to show page thumbnails.
- Touch and hold a page thumbnail.
- Choose Rotate Left, Rotate Right, Insert Blank Page, Insert from File, or Delete.
When you need a PDF editor app
To change a PDF’s original words, fix typos, or edit images, use an app like Adobe Acrobat Reader (editing needs a paid subscription), PDF Expert, or another PDF editor from the App Store. Some offer free trials.
Frequently asked questions
Can I undo changes in Markup?
Yes. Tap the undo arrow in the toolbar before tapping Done. After that, delete added items by selecting them and tapping Delete.
How do I share an edited PDF?
Tap the Share button and choose Mail, Messages, or another app.
Can I edit a PDF in the Books app?
Yes. Open the PDF in Books and tap the Markup button to annotate it.
Do I need an Apple Pencil?
No. You can use your finger for all Markup tools, though a Pencil is more precise.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.