7 Ways to Add Text Box to PDF with/Without Adobe Acrobat

Introduction: Whether you are an Adobe user or not, this article will provide you with detailed steps to add text box to PDF in a breeze.

Text box, alternatively called a text field, is an object that enables users to enter text input. It has a rectangular border of any size that distinguishes itself from other parts in a file.

Some text boxes allow users to type single-line text inside it by any PDF viewers. It is typically used in fillable forms to help collect user data. On the other hand, some text boxes only serve the purpose of displaying text. It enables you to add multi-line text to a PDF, which can be helpful for adding comments or supplementing information.

Considering two mentioned cases, we have tested a number of tools to add text box to PDF. Whichever text box you want, you can find a way in the following parts. Better still, most solutions are totally free.

Cisdem PDFMaster

Add Text Box to PDF? Pick the Best PDF Editor!

• Add text box to PDF to supplement information or data.
• Add fillable text field, check box, list box, radio button and more to build a form.
• Add new text, images, links, comments to PDF easily.
• Edit the existing content (text/images) in PDF like a Word.
• Fill in your text box anywhere and anytime.
• Various PDF tools to convert/create PDF, add signature, encrypt/decrypt PDF, manage PDF pages, reduce file size and combine files.

Free Download macOS 11 or later Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7
 Earlier than macOS 11, click here

Adobe's Best Alternative to Add Text Box to PDF

Though Adobe Acrobat is powerful enough, its high cost, complicated user interface and large memory capacity always drive away some new users.

Well, a top alternative to Adobe Acrobat Pro, Cisdem PDFMaster stands out from numerous PDF applications, thanks to its plentiful features, simple-to-use interface, and light weight. You can enjoy the same efficiency for a fraction of the cost of Adobe Acrobat.

As for adding text box to PDF, you can do this job successfully in this software using two different approaches.

How to add text field to PDF without Adobe Acrobat?

1. Download and install Cisdem PDFMaster with Windows or Mac version.
   Free Download macOS 11 or later Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7
    Earlier than macOS 11, click here
2. Launch the program and upload your PDF by clicking Open Files.
3. Go to Form > Text Field. Move and click your mouse to create a new box on the page arbitrarily.
4. You can drag the corner of the text box to resize it. On the right panel, change its color and customize the font you will type in the text box.
5. When you’re done adding text fields to PDF, click Save icon on the top left to apply the changes. The inserted text boxes can be filled in any PDF viewer.

How to add text to PDF in this software?

If your PDF is not a form and don’t need interactive fields, Cisdem PDFMaster is capable of adding new text to PDF directly.

1. Import your PDF file into the program and navigate to the page where you’d like to add text.
2. Choose Edit PDF tab from the toolbar and click Add Text in the secondary menu.
3. Click and drag a rectangle on the page to create a text box.
4. Expand the side menu, there are many options to tailor the font color, size, style and more.
5. When you save the edited PDF, the added text remains non editable on PDF viewers.

Cisdem PDFMaster also provides you with the following key features:

• Replace text and images in PDF freely. Multiple options are available to customize the font and image.
• Add annotations to PDF. It allows users to highlight, underline and strike through the text, as well as adding shapes, comments, notes, stamps, etc.
• Make scanned PDF editable. It can convert native and image-based PDF to various editable file formats, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Text, CSV, etc. The OCR feature can recognize over 50 languages.
• Streamline business workflow. It lets sign your electronic name, add a digital signature, insert text or image watermarks, and redact confidential information in PDF. All of these bring great efficiency to your workflow.

Also, you can watch the tutorial video to add text box to PDF now.

Add Text Field to PDF Free in Mac Preview

Thanks to Preview, it is cost-saving and useful for Mac users to add text field to PDF. Although Preview is not a professional PDF editor, it covers many basic markup tools that enable users to complete simple tasks on PDF files. There are versatile editing tools you can find in Tools > Annotate. Let’s look at how to add text box to PDF free in Mac Preview.

Cons: The added text box will appear in the middle of the page, you need to adjust its position manually. Furthermore, you can’t create a vertical text to PDF or change the orientation of the text box in Preview.

Method 1:

1. Open a PDF with Preview.

   
2. Go to Tools > Annotate > Text, then type your text on the box and move the text box to your desired location.
3. Adjust the color, font, size and alignment of the text, or add background color by selecting the tools in the toolbar.
4. Go to File > Save if you’re done.

Method 2:

1. Click the Show Markup Toolbar on the top, (an icon like a pen tip).
2. Click the Text Tool button, a text box will display on the interface.

Method 3:

Press the shortcut “Control + Command +T” on the keyboard to add a text field.

Add Text Box to PDF Free Online

Some users have been on the sidelines with PDF online tools due to security concerns and a series of restrictions on PDF tasks. However, some users may prefer free online editors to offline software if they don’t want to pay for the subscription fee or don’t have enough storage to download various desktop software on a computer. We post 3 online PDF processors to insert a text box for those who are interested.

#1. DocHub

DocHub is a browser-based PDF platform, and also available as an app on mobile devices. It connects to popular web applications so you can edit, sign, organize, create and share PDF documents from your favorite apps. You are allowed to add text box to PDF with its aid effortlessly.

Cons: It requires a sign-up and is limited to 3 operations per month for free.

Steps to Add Text Box to PDF Online Free

1. Go to the website: https://www.dochub.com/.
2. Click Get started for free and log into DocHub with an account.
3. Drag your PDF file into the drop zone, click Create Document after the file is uploaded successfully.
4. Hit the Manage Fields icon to show the fillable fields on the left.
5. Select Text Field and put the field rectangle on the page as you want. You can change its appearance as per your preference.
6. (Optional) Click on the Text icon, drag a box to add text in it directly.
7. Download the edited PDF on your computer.

#2.DocFly

If all you need is a quick and time-saving tool without downloading and paying, you will be satisfied with DocFly. DocFly is a multi-platform PDF editor, also available on the web. It provides three main features: editor, form creator, and page organizer. By utilizing the form creator feature, you’re able to add text field and other fillable form fields easily.

Cons: The free version only supports 3 downloads per month.

How to Add Text Box to PDF Online for Free?

1. Upload a PDF from your computer, Dropbox or Google Drive.
2. Open the drop-down menu on the right of the file and select Edit. This step will launch the editing tool.
3. Click the Text Field button and drag anywhere with the cursor to add a new text box.
4. Then enter text in the new text field and change the text style as you like.
5. Click Save to download your free PDF file.

#3. Microsoft Edge

Popular browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge do perform excellent as a PDF viewer, but it doesn’t offer advanced features such as editing current text and creating fillable text box.

Microsoft Edge can do much more than Google Chrome. It provides several markup tools to highlight text, draw on PDF and even add new text to PDF. If you just want to add new text to your PDF, then this browser is a good choice.

Cons: It allows to add text quickly, but it won’t show a border after typing the text.

How to add text box to PDF in Microsoft Edge?

1. Drag your PDF into the new tab of Microsoft Edge.
2. Choose Add text icon to put the text box on the page.
3. Type your text in the field, you can change the font color, size and text spacing in the floating menu bar.

How to Add Text Box to PDF in Adobe Acrobat?

Adobe Acrobat is an almighty and dedicated brand in PDF field. Whether you want to view, edit, print, sign or share PDF with others, you can find practical tools you need in it. It includes two versions, free Adobe Acrobat Reader and paid Adobe Acrobat Pro. You can use the comment tool to add a text comment with a border in Adobe reader. But to perform the advanced features such as adding fillable text box to PDF, editing the existing text, you have to pay for Adobe’s Pro plan.

#1. Add Text Box to PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro

1. Start Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and open a PDF.
2. Head to Tools > Prepare Form, then a new page will be displayed on the program.
3. Click “Add a Text filed” icon in the toolbar and drag the mouse where you want to place the text box.
4. When a text box appears on the interface, you can enter any text in it.

#2. Add Text Box to PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

1. Run Adobe Acrobat Reader DC on your PC and open a PDF with it.
2. Then choose the Comment tool on the right pane.
3. Choose “Add text box” in the toolbar and drag a text box in your PDF. Then a floating panel with text and text box settings will appear on the interface.
4. When you finish settings, click Close and save your adjusted PDF.

Summary

How to add text box to PDF is not a problem, especially with the right text processors. Among the online editors presented in this article, we prefer DocHub. If you regularly tackle PDF issues, professional PDF software is essential and beneficial. It is worth trying Cisdem PDFMaster if you haven’t downloaded an all-round desktop PDF program. It is cost-effective and time-saving, allowing you to solve any PDF problems handily.