If you work with PDF files frequently, you must have encountered the question – How to make non editable PDF editable?
Sometimes, you download a PDF document from Google, but it is a read-only file, meaning you can’t edit it. Now the question is, what do you do in such a situation? Well, there are a few ways to turn a read-only PDF into an editable PDF.
While the process may be tricky, it is often necessary. For instance, you may need to make corrections or update information. In such situations, knowing how to edit a read-only PDF can help you save a lot of time and hassle. To learn how to go about it, you should read through the guide given below.
How To Make Non-Editable PDF Editable?
There are several ways to make a non-editable PDF file editable. All you have to do is select the appropriate method for your situation. We have elaborated on the methods in the section below.
Method 1: Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a convenient tool when it comes to editing documents. Plus, it is readily available for both mobile and Windows users. Mac users need a Microsoft 365 subscription to access it. Before we start, the steps to edit read-only PDFs in Microsoft Word on a computer are the same for Mac and Windows.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Launch Microsoft Word and go to the File tab in the toolbar. From there, choose the read-only PDF file you wish to edit.
- When you select a PDF, a pop-up window will appear, prompting you to convert the PDF into a Word document. This will automatically change the PDF from read-only to an editable format (.docx).
- The conversion process may take some time, depending on the file size. Once complete, click the Enable Editing button below the Microsoft Word menu bar.
- You can now edit the document using all the features available in Microsoft Word. After you are done, save the File as a PDF to complete the process.
If you want to edit a non-editable PDF in Microsoft Word on your mobile device, follow these steps:
- Launch the MS Word mobile app, tap the Open option in the bottom-right corner, and select the read-only PDF you want to edit.
- Opening the PDF in the mobile version of MS Word will automatically convert the File into a Word document (.docx).
Note: The converted document may look slightly different from the original PDF.
- Before making any edits, save a copy of the newly converted Word document. Tap the menu at the top and choose Save a Copy to store the File on your device or in the cloud.
- Once saved, tap the Edit button at the bottom of the screen to begin editing the document.
Method 2: macOS Default Editor
If you are wondering how to make non editable PDF editable using macOS Default Editor, we have detailed the steps in the lines below.
- Locate the PDF on your desktop and open it. Before editing the file, you must unlock it using the correct password.
- Once unlocked, go to the Tools menu and hover over Annotate to access the editing features. You can perform tasks like adding or redacting text, masking images, adding a digital signature, inserting shapes and text boxes, and highlighting, striking, or underlining text.
- Edits made in the Preview app are saved automatically. To save manually, click File, and then select Save. This will ensure that your changes are stored.
Method 3: Google Docs
If you don’t have Microsoft Word, you can use Google Docs to edit read-only PDFs. It is an efficient and free alternative to Microsoft Word. When using this method, you can choose Gmail or Google Drive to start the process.
Here’s how it works:
- If you use Google Drive, click + New and upload your PDF file to begin. If you open a PDF from Gmail, skip this step.
- Preview the PDF in Gmail or Google Drive, then click Open with Google Docs.
- Google Docs will convert the PDF into an editable Word document (.docx).
- Once the File opens in Google Docs, you can make edits like removing or adding images, modifying text and content, or using various formatting tools.
- After completing your edits, download the File as a .pdf to preserve the formatting.
Method 4: Adobe Acrobat Pro
Adobe Acrobat Pro is a powerful PDF editing tool that helps you make advanced changes to read-only PDFs without restrictions. At a minimal monthly subscription, it offers features like editing images and text, customizing fonts, rearranging pages, and combining multiple PDFs. If you want to know how to make a PDF editable using Adobe Acrobat Pro, follow the steps below.
- Launch Adobe Acrobat and select Edit a PDF from the dashboard.
- Click Select a File to upload your read-only PDF.
- If the PDF is password-locked, you must remove the Security to enable editing. To do this, go to All Tools and choose Protect a PDF.
- Select Remove Security, enter the password, and click OK.
- Once the File is editable, click the Edit button from the top menu. You can now modify images, text, and other content as needed.
- After completing your edits, click the Save icon at the top right to save the updated PDF.
Method 5: iTop PDF (PDF Editor)
Working with a read-only PDF can be frustrating since it blocks modifications and complicates editing tasks. In this case, you can use a PDF editor to make a non-editable PDF file editable. One of the best options is iTop PDF, a free and reliable solution to convert a read-only PDF into an editable format. If you need help using this tool, follow the instructions provided below.
- First, download and install iTop PDF on your computer.
- Launch the application and sign up for a free account to unlock its features.
- In the app’s left panel, select the Open PDF option.
- Choose the read-only PDF file you want to edit and upload it.
- Go to the Protect tab and click Decrypt.
- Enter the password for the PDF to unlock it. This will allow you to make edits.
- Navigate to the Edit tab and use the available tools to modify your PDF.
- Add images, text, links, watermarks, and more as needed.
- You can also split, rearrange, or delete pages before saving.
- Once you finish the changes, export the modified PDF to your desktop.
Method 6: Sejda (Online Tool)
Sejda is a web-based PDF editor that offers a variety of tools for managing PDF files. This online platform lets you view, create, or edit PDF forms without downloading any software.
Here’s how:
- Visit the Sejda PDF editor online.
- Click on the Edit a PDF document.
- Select Upload a PDF file and select the PDF you want to edit.
- If your PDF is password-protected, enter the password when prompted and click Continue.
- Once the upload window appears, locate the File on your device.
- Click Open to upload it to the Sejda platform.
- After the file uploads, various editing tools will appear on the screen.
- Use features like Links, Text, Images, Forms, and Signatures to modify the PDF as needed.
Final Words
By now, you should know how to make non editable PDF editable. You can use any methods outlined in this post to edit a read-only PDF file. It is recommended you choose a process that is most convenient for you. All you need to do is follow the steps explained, and you will be ready.
FAQs
How do you convert a non-editable PDF to an editable PDF?
You can use Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Adobe Acrobat Pro to convert a non-editable PDF into an editable format.
How do I edit a PDF that is not editable?
To edit a non-editable PDF, you must first convert the PDF and then unlock it using the correct password. After that, you can use PDF editors to make the edits needed.
How to make a PDF fillable but not editable?
To create a fillable but non-editable PDF, you can use Adobe Acrobat Pro.
How do I convert a locked PDF to an editable one?
To convert a locked PDF to an editable, you can use Adobe Acrobat Pro.
How do I turn a PDF into an editable form?
To turn a PDF into editable form, open the File with Adobe Acrobat Pro, select Prepare Form, and add form fields, dropdowns, or checkboxes as needed. After you are done, save the File, which will now be an editable form.
How do I unlock an editable PDF?
To unlock an editable PDF, you can use Adobe Acrobat Pro if the File is password-protected. For non-password restrictions, check the document properties and adjust the permissions if you have administrative access.
