How to Edit a PDF on Mac (Built-In, Free)

On a Mac, you can edit PDFs with the built-in Preview app — no downloads needed. Open the PDF in Preview, click the markup toolbar (pencil icon), then add text, signatures, highlights, and shapes. To rearrange pages, use the thumbnail sidebar. For changing existing body text, use Google Docs instead. Not on a Mac? See the general how to edit a PDF guide.

Method 1: Preview (annotate, sign, mark up)

1. Double-click the PDF to open it in Preview.
2. Click the markup icon (pencil in a circle) in the toolbar.
3. Use the tools:
   • T — add a text box anywhere
   • Signature — click the signature icon → Create Signature (draw or use your trackpad)
   • Highlight/Underline — mark up text
   • Shapes — add boxes, arrows, and circles

Method 2: Rearrange, delete, or merge pages

1. In Preview, click View → Thumbnails.
2. Drag thumbnails to reorder pages.
3. Select a thumbnail and press Delete to remove a page.
4. Drag a PDF file’s icon into the sidebar to merge it with the current document.

Method 3: Edit actual body text (Google Docs)

Preview can’t edit existing body text. For that:

1. Upload the PDF to Google Drive → Open with → Google Docs.
2. Edit the text, then File → Download → PDF Document.

FAQ

Can I edit PDFs on Mac for free?

Yes. Preview is built into macOS and handles text boxes, signatures, highlighting, and page rearrangement at no cost.

Can I edit existing text in a PDF on Mac?

Not with Preview — it only overlays new text. Use Google Docs (free) or Word to edit the actual body text.

How do I sign a PDF on Mac?

Open it in Preview → markup toolbar → Signature → create and place your signature.

How do I merge PDFs on Mac?

Open one PDF in Preview, show thumbnails, then drag other PDF files into the sidebar and Export as PDF. For a method that works on Windows too, see how to merge PDF files.