PDF files are one of the most common file formats used in business and personal life. They are versatile, easy to share, and can be viewed on any device. While PDFs are primarily used for text, it is often necessary to add shapes to a PDF to highlight specific parts of the document or add visual interest. In this article, we’ll explore easy ways to draw different shapes in PDFs.
Adding shapes to PDFs can be done in a variety of ways, including using software such as Adobe Acrobat or online tools. Here are some easy methods to add shapes to PDFs.
5 Alternatives to Draw on a PDF without Adobe Acrobat
PDF-XChange Editor: This is a popular PDF editor that allows users to draw different shapes on PDFs. It has a range of markup tools, including shapes, arrows, and text boxes. It’s a great option for users who don’t have Adobe Acrobat or who want a more affordable alternative.
PDFescape: PDFescape is an online tool that allows users to edit PDF files for free. It has a variety of features, including the ability to add shapes to PDFs. Users can draw circles, rectangles, and other shapes directly onto the PDF file. This tool is perfect for users who only need to edit PDFs occasionally.
Nitro PDF Reader: Nitro PDF Reader is a free PDF reader that also allows users to add shapes to PDFs. It has a range of markup tools, including shapes, arrows, and text boxes. Nitro PDF Reader is a great option for users who want a PDF reader with added functionality.
Foxit PhantomPDF: Foxit PhantomPDF is a full-featured PDF editor that allows users to add shapes to PDFs. It has a range of markup tools, including shapes and arrows. Foxit PhantomPDF is a great option for users who need a more robust PDF editor.
Sejda PDF: Sejda PDF is an online PDF editor that allows users to add shapes to PDFs. It offers a range of markup tools. Users can draw different shapes on the PDF file directly. Sejda PDF is perfect for users who only need to edit PDFs occasionally.
How to Add Shapes to PDF Online
Online tools are a popular choice for users who need to add shapes to PDF files. These tools are often free and easy to use, making them accessible to anyone with an internet connection. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular online tools for adding shapes to PDFs.
Lumin: Lumin is an online PDF editor that allows users to add shapes to their PDF files. It offers a range of markup tools, including circles, squares, and lines. Users can choose from a variety of colors and sizes for each shape, making it easy to create customized annotations. Lumin PDF also has a range of other PDF editing features, including the ability to merge PDF files and convert PDFs to other file formats.
Smallpdf: Smallpdf allows users to add various shapes to their PDF files. It includes a range of markup tools, including shapes and arrows. Users can choose from a variety of colors and sizes for each shape. Smallpdf also has a range of other PDF editing features, including the ability to merge, split, and annotate PDF files.
PDFescape: PDFescape is another popular online PDF editor that offers drawing markup tools. Users can draw shapes directly onto the PDF file using different colors and sizes. PDFescape also has a range of other PDF editing features, including the ability to add text boxes, highlight text, and add watermarks.
DocHub: DocHub is an online PDF editor that offers drawing markup tools. Users can draw different shapes directly onto the PDF file and can select different colors and sizes. DocHub also has a range of other PDF editing features, including the ability to add text boxes, highlight text, and add signatures.
PDFzorro: PDFzorro is an online PDF editor that allows users to add shapes to their PDF files. It offers a range of markup tools, including circles, squares, and arrows. PDFzorro also has a range of other PDF editing features, including the ability to merge PDF files and convert PDFs to other file formats.
When using online PDF editors, it’s important to note that many of these tools have limitations when it comes to the size and complexity of the PDF file. For larger and more complex PDF files, it may be necessary to use a desktop PDF editor.
In addition to the tools mentioned above, many PDF editors have built-in drawing markup tools that allow users to add shapes to PDFs. These tools are often located in the “comment” or “markup” section of the PDF editor. Users can choose from a variety of shapes, including circles, rectangles, lines, and more.
It’s important to note that adding shapes to PDFs is not the same as converting a PDF file to a drawing file. While adding shapes to a PDF can make it easier to highlight specific areas or add visual interest, it does not convert the file to a drawing file. To convert a PDF file to a drawing file, specialized software is required.
When adding shapes to PDFs, it’s important to keep in mind some basic drawing principles. For example, the use of contrasting colors can make the shapes stand out and draw attention to specific parts of the document. Additionally, using different shapes and sizes can add visual interest to the PDF file.
In conclusion, adding shapes to PDFs is a simple way to highlight specific areas or add visual interest to the document. Whether you choose to use a desktop PDF editor or an online tool, there are plenty of options available to make the process easy and straightforward. By keeping some basic drawing principles in mind, you can create PDF files that are not only informative but also visually appealing.