How to Edit and Annotate PDFs in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge includes a built-in PDF reader that lets you add text, highlights, drawings, and more without installing any extra software. This guide shows you how to open a PDF in Edge, use the annotation tools, save your changes, and fix common issues.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows or Mac computer with Microsoft Edge installed (the current version is fine).
• A PDF file you want to edit or annotate.
• No additional software or extensions are required.

Step-by-Step

1. Open the PDF in Edge. Double-click the PDF file—if Edge is your default PDF viewer, it will open automatically. If not, right-click the file, choose Open with, and select Microsoft Edge. You can also launch Edge, press Ctrl+O (Windows) or Cmd+O (Mac), and browse to the file.
2. Find the annotation toolbar. Once the PDF is open, you’ll see a small toolbar at the top right. On a PC, it’s near the address bar; on a Mac, it’s in the top-right corner of the window. The toolbar includes buttons for adding text, highlights, drawings, and more.
3. Add a text comment. Click the Add text button (looks like a “T� or a note icon). Then click anywhere on the page where you want the text to appear. A text box will be created—type your comment. You can move the box by dragging it, and resize it by dragging the corners.
4. Highlight text. Click the Highlight button (usually a marker icon). Your cursor will change to a highlighter. Click and drag over the text you want to highlight. Release the mouse to apply the highlight. To change the color, click the small arrow next to the highlight button and choose a color.
5. Draw on the page. Click the Draw button (a pen or pencil icon). You can choose a pen color and thickness from the options that appear. Then draw freehand with your mouse or touchscreen. To erase a drawing, use the eraser tool (or press Ctrl+Z / Cmd+Z to undo).
6. Add a note (sticky note). Some versions of Edge include a Add note button that places a small note icon on the page. Click it, then click where you want the note. A small window opens where you can type a longer comment. The note icon remains, and you can click it later to read or edit the note.
7. Use the eraser. If you make a mistake with the highlighter or pen, click the Eraser tool and then click on the annotation you want to remove. You can also right-click an annotation and select Delete.
8. Save your work. After you finish annotating, press Ctrl+S (Windows) or Cmd+S (Mac) to save the file. Edge will save your annotations directly into the PDF file. You can also click the Save icon in the toolbar (a floppy disk icon).
9. Print or share the annotated PDF. To print, press Ctrl+P / Cmd+P and choose your printer. To share, use the Share button in Edge’s toolbar or simply send the saved file via email or cloud storage.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to save. If you close the PDF without saving, your annotations are lost. Always press Ctrl+S / Cmd+S before closing the tab.
• Using the wrong tool for the job. The highlight tool only works on selectable text. If the PDF is a scanned image, you can’t highlight the text—you’ll need to use the draw tool to mark it.
• Text boxes overlapping. When adding text, make sure the text box doesn’t cover existing content. Drag it to an empty area or resize it.
• Not checking the toolbar. The annotation toolbar might be hidden if the window is too small. Look for a “…� (more) button to expand it.

Tips

• Use the Zoom feature (Ctrl+plus / Cmd+plus) to get a closer view when adding precise annotations.
• You can change the color of the highlighter or pen before you start drawing—click the small arrow next to the tool button.
• If you want to remove all annotations at once, you can’t do it in one click in Edge. You’ll need to delete each one manually, or use a dedicated PDF editor for bulk removal.
• Edge’s PDF reader works offline—no internet connection is needed for annotation.
• For forms, Edge lets you fill in text fields directly. Just click on a field and type.

Troubleshooting

• Annotation toolbar is missing. If you don’t see the toolbar, make sure you’re viewing the PDF in Edge’s built-in viewer (not in a different app). Try reopening the file with Edge. Also, check that the window isn’t in full-screen mode—press F11 to exit.
• Annotations don’t save. This can happen if the PDF is read-only or if you don’t have write permission to the folder. Save a copy to your desktop first, then try again.
• Text is not selectable for highlighting. If the PDF is a scanned document, the text is actually an image. You’ll need to use the draw tool or convert it to a text-based PDF with OCR software.
• Edge crashes when opening a large PDF. Try closing other tabs, or open the file in a new window. If the file is very large, consider splitting it.
• Can’t find the saved annotations. Make sure you saved the file. If you used “Save As� to a new location, check there. Also, verify that the file extension is still .pdf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I edit the original text in a PDF with Edge?
A: No. Edge only lets you add annotations (text boxes, highlights, drawings). It cannot change the existing text. For that, you need a full PDF editor.

Q: Do my annotations appear when someone else opens the PDF?
A: Yes, if you save the file, the annotations are embedded in the PDF and will show in most PDF readers.

Q: Can I remove annotations I made?
A: Yes. Use the eraser tool or right-click the annotation and select Delete. You can also press Ctrl+Z / Cmd+Z to undo the last action.

Q: Does Edge’s PDF reader work on mobile?
A: Yes, the Edge mobile app has a similar PDF viewer with annotation tools, though the interface differs slightly.

Q: Can I fill out PDF forms in Edge?
A: Yes, Edge supports interactive form fields—you can type into text boxes, select checkboxes, and choose from drop-down menus.

Q: Is there a limit to how many annotations I can add?
A: No practical limit, but very large numbers may slow down the file. It’s best to keep annotations concise.

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