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Many readers have questioned how to edit PDF files on Windows. However, for those using Mac OS X, the process is seamless. Furthermore, if you aim for advanced editing such as managing, merging, splitting, and editing PDF files on Mac at a higher level, you can utilize third-party editing tools, although not everyone is aware of this option.
Effortlessly Manage and Edit PDF Files on Mac
Create PDF Files from Any Application
You can utilize any application that allows printing on Mac to generate PDF files. This includes browsers, word processors, spreadsheet applications, and even image editors. One of the best applications for creating PDF files is saving web pages directly as PDFs within the browser.
To save web pages as PDFs, navigate to File => Print. In the print dialog box, at the bottom-left corner, click on the dropdown menu (downward arrow icon) and select PDF. Then choose Save PDF or another option (such as Open PDF in Preview) to create the PDF file.
Some applications may not display PDFs in the dropdown menu, but you can find PDF options in the Print Settings menu or similar. You can even use applications to convert supported file types to PDF. For example, Preview can open Microsoft Word .docx files; simply go to File => Print => PDF to convert.
Preview can open various file types, including: AI, BMP, DNG, DAE, EPS, FAX, FPX, GIF, HDR, ICNS, ICO, JPEG/2000, OpenEXR, OBJ, CR2, PS, PSD, PICT, PDF, PNG, PNTG, QTIF, RAD, RAW, SGI, TGA, TIFF, XBM, PPT, and STL.
Merge, Split, and Edit PDF Files on Mac
Additionally, you can utilize Preview to merge and organize PDF files. To merge PDF files, simply open 2 or more PDF files in Preview by selecting the PDF files (using command + click), then double-click to open Preview. Next, activate thumbnail view mode under View => Thumbnails, then click and drag to arrange the PDF files into a complete page layout as desired.
To merge 2 PDF files together, just drag the pages of one document into another document, then select Save or press Command + S. You can undo any changes using the Undo tool or by pressing Command + Z.
Any files you want to merge must first be in .PDF format; you can't merge a .DOCX file with a .PDF file. Therefore, you need to convert the .DOCX file to a .PDF file first, then open and merge the files following the steps above.
Splitting PDF Files
In some cases where you need to split PDF files, simply open your document, then activate thumbnail view mode by selecting View =>Thumbnails, choose the pages you want to split into a new document using Command + click.
Note: If you want to split each page into a separate document, you'll need to perform the steps above for each page individually.
Final step, access File =>Print and check Selected Pages in Sidebar. Click on PDF format and save your document, send the PDF file to iCloud or another supported option.
Additionally, you can open the document and drag pages to rearrange if needed.
Annotate, Sign In, and Edit PDF Files
Apple's Preview app also provides handy tools for annotating documents, even signing them. While not all tools are useful with PDF documents, some tools work quite well.
To access this tool, click on the toolbox icon in Preview's main toolbar, or use the shortcut Shift + Command + A.
Below are some useful tools for editing PDF files:
- Sketch Tool is the ideal choice for sketching text documents, drawing arrows, highlighting key points.
- Shapes Tool is also a useful PDF editing tool; it not only allows you to draw arrows but also enables zooming to highlight small text or details.
- Text Tool allows you to add notes and manipulate text.
- Additionally, you can sign a document using the sign tool, enabling you to sign your name on the trackpad, then insert that signature into the document.
Unlock More Features with Premium Software
When it comes to editing PDF documents, Preview on Mac is one of the top choices, however, its PDF editing functionality is still quite basic. If you're planning to invest time in editing PDF files or creating a new PDF from scratch, you should consider using third-party applications.
Adobe Acrobat Pro appears to be the best choice for creating, merging, splitting, and editing PDF files on Mac, as Adobe has been a pioneer in formatting, and Acrobat remains the most powerful PDF editor. However, to use Adobe Acrobat Pro, you will have to spend a considerable amount, if you want to 'rent' Acrobat Pro you will have to pay 13 USD/month or purchase the app as part of the Creative Cloud package for 50 USD/month.
Additionally, you can also consider some higher-priced apps, such as PDFpen for Mac (75 USD or higher). PDFpen for Mac is a powerful tool, including standout features like optical character recognition (OCR), and using the app is quite straightforward.
If budget concerns are an issue and you can live without OCR, PDF Expert (59 USD or less) is another option. PDF Expert integrates image and text editing tools, with annotation and management features similar to Preview.
Although there are many PDF editing tools and apps on the market, these are perhaps the top 3 useful and best tools. Acrobat Pro may be the best choice, but most users consider choosing PDFpen because it offers most features at a reasonable price.
What are your thoughts and ratings on the built-in PDF editing tool on Mac and third-party PDF creation, merging, splitting, and editing tools on Mac? Let Mytour know your opinions in the comments below!
