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 step descriptions to add text box to PDF in a breeze.

A text box is referred to a text field, a text entry box or an input box, which is usually used to supplement text in PDF documents. Users often need to fill in new content by adding text boxes in various documents, especially in forms.

For those who are strangers about how to add text box to PDF, we will show many workable ways of using or not using Adobe Acrobat step-by-step in this article.

 

How to Add Text Box to PDF Without Adobe Acrobat?

When it comes to working with PDF files, people's first thought is usually Adobe Acrobat, who has gained a good reputation for a long time. This versatile software can tackle almost any PDF problem you might encounter, including adding text box to PDF.

However, its high cost, complicated user interface and large memory capacity always drive away some new users. If you haven’t downloaded Adobe Acrobat on your computer or feel that it is not fitting your needs, the following parts will show you how to add text box to PDF without Adobe Acrobat:

Add Text Box to PDF with the Best PDF Editor You Cannot Miss

As a top alternative to Adobe Acrobat Pro, Cisdem PDFMaster stands out from numerous PDF applications due to its stunning features, simple-to-use interface, cheap price 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 with Cisdem PDFMaster?

1. Download and install Cisdem PDFMaster with Windows or Mac version.
   Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7 Free Download macOS 10.13 or later
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 in PDF freely: Cisdem PDFMaster supports you to edit and replace any text in the PDF, you only need to find the editing tool, double-click the text to modify it freely.
• OCR technology: Not only does Cisdem allow you to edit the original PDF file directly, it also lets you edit the scanned PDF file with advanced OCR features. Let you avoid downloading multiple software for complicated operations.
• Add annotations: In addition to changing the font, color, and size of the text, you can also add underline, comments or notes to specific texts and highlight them.
• E-signature: If you want to sign an PDF document, Cisdem can let you reach a satisfactory business cooperation under the premise of safety. You can also add tick, cross, rubber stamp or date on your forms. 

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

 

Add Text Box to PDF Free with Online Editors

Some users have been in a wait-and-see state due to consideration of security and a series of restrictions on the use of PDF online websites. 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 two online text 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 Google Docs

Different from the way other software adds text box to PDF, Google Docs has an excellent drawing tool to insert text boxes, shapes, images, arrows and lines, you can even use them to create a flow chart. Other than these, it is equipped with a variety of tools to handle PDF issues, such as adding watermark, adding annotations and editing PDF for free.

Cons: The PDF will be auto converted to Word while the original formatting may lose. Besides, the text box inserted in Google Docs will become flat when the file is exported as a PDF.

Below is the easiest tutorial to insert text box to a PDF with Google Docs:

1. Sign in Google Drive account.
2. Click + New > File upload to input your file from the computer or Drive.
3. Right click on the imported PDF and open it with Google Docs.
4. Go to Insert > Drawing > New, a drawing area will appear on the interface.
5. Click the Text box icon, drag and release your mouse to adjust the size of your text box.
   Enter text and customize the added text box by choosing the versatile editing tools.
6. Click Save and close when you finish, then your text box will be inserted in your PDF file.

#3 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 tool, which is compatible with Mac, Windows, iPhone, Andriod and free online. 

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.

 

For Mac Users: Add Text Field to PDF 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.
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.

 

How to Add Text Box to PDF in Adobe Acrobat?

Adobe Acrobat is an almighty and dedicated brand. Whether you want to view, edit, print, sign or share PDF with others, you can find practical tools you want in Adobe. If you have installed Adobe Acrobat Pro or Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer, follow the straightforward tutorials to add your desired text box to your PDF right now.

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

1. Start Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and open a PDF.
2. Head to Tools > Prepare Form, then a new window will be displayed on the program.
3. Click “Add a text filed” 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.

 

Can I add text box to PDF in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge?

The answer is yes and no.

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 multiple 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. 

Steps to add text box to PDF in Microsoft Edge:  

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

 

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 in a breeze.