How to Edit PDF Documents in Google Drive-Quick Guide?

Looking for an easy way to edit PDFs? There are are number of ways to do that. You can use dedicated online and offline apps to edit PDFs. You can also use Google Drive to edit PDFs. You have to open the file in Google Docs before editing. People use this method to fix simple text or add a few comments.

Let’s explore how to edit PDF documents in Google Drive. We will show you both ways to edit on desktop and mobile.

Part 1. Can You Edit a PDF in Google Drive?

Yes, you can. But you cannot edit the files inside Google Drive itself. You have to use Google Docs to do the work. This method is free, simple, and fast. If you need small changes, then this method is enough.

But if your file has many images or detailed layouts, you may face issues. What kind of issues? This may break the format of the doc. That is why many people use a professional editor when they need better results.

When you edit PDF in Google Docs, you only get the basic features:

• Typing
• Formatting text
• Inserting comments.

You cannot fully protect the layout or manage interactive forms. For complex PDF needs requiring perfect formatting control, a dedicated PDF editor is the definitive solution. One example is Tenorshare PDNob, which delivers precisely this advanced functionality.

Part 2. How to Edit PDF Documents in Google Drive (Step-by-Step)

Here is how you can use the Google Docs PDF editor step by step.

• Upload the PDF: First, go to Google Drive. Now, click “+ New” and then “File upload”. Pick the PDF from your computer and upload it.

  

• Open with Google Docs: Now, right-click the file and choose Open with > Google Docs. This is the key step for how to open a PDF in Google Docs.

  

• Edit the Text: Your PDF will convert into a Google Docs file. You can now edit anywhere by clicking anywhere. Change fonts, resize text, or add new words.

  

• Save the file: Go to File > Download. Pick PDF or another format. Now you have your edited document.

This is the free method many people use when they ask, can you edit a PDF in Google Docs.

How to Annotate a PDF in Google Drive

You can also add notes. To annotate PDF in Google Drive:

• Open the file in Google Docs.
• Highlight the text you want, then click the comment icon.
• Type your note.

This works well for group projects or feedback.

How to Type on a PDF in Google Drive

If you wonder how to type on a PDF Google Drive, the answer is simple. After converting the PDF, click anywhere in the text and type.

This feature is useful for filling in missing words or adding short notes.

Related topic:

How to Edit PDF on Mac: Simple Steps for Beginners

Part 3. How to Edit PDFs Using Google Drive Alternatives Without Losing Formatting

You can use Google Docs works well for basic edits. But as we mentioned before, it cannot keep everything the same. Many users ask if they can preserve the layout. PDF to Google Docs may break the whole formatting of the file. If you need a perfect result, you have to use a professional tool like Tenorshare PDNob.

It allows AI annotations, OCR and offers more than 100 editing options. It is easy to use and affordable. Unlike Google Docs, it lets you edit text, images, and backgrounds directly in the file. No conversion is needed.

Features of PDNob PDF Editor

• Edit text and images directly.
• Convert PDFs to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, RTF, TXT, PNG, EPUB, JPEG, BMP,
• Add watermarks, backgrounds, or hyperlinks.
• Use OCR to edit scanned files (16+ languages).
• Sign documents digitally.
• Apply passwords and security settings

Steps to Edit a PDF in PDNob

• Open the PDNob PDF Editor,then click on“Open PDF” button to import any PDF file you’ve downloaded.

• Click the “Edit” button on the top toolbar, then select the text you want to modify. A text box will appear, allowing you to change the text, font, style, size, and color.

• To add new text, click “Add Text” under the “Edit” section and place it where needed.
• To insert images, click the “Add Image” button and choose the image file to add.

• Once you have made all the necessary edits, click on the "Save" button in the top left corner.

Part 4. How to Edit PDFs in Google Drive on Mobile?

Editing on your phone is also possible. Many people ask about how to edit PDF documents in Google Drive on Android or iOS. The steps are easy.

• Open the Drive App: Install Google Drive on your phone and log in.

  

• Upload the File: Tap + New, then choose Upload. Pick your PDF.

  

• Select the File: Tap the three dots next to the uploaded PDF.

  

• Open with Google Docs: Choose Open with > Google Docs.

• Edit the Text: Once it loads, tap inside the document and start typing.

  

• Save and Share: After editing, tap the menu in the top corner. Select Download or Send file.

This method is useful when you need fast and simple edits. However, just like on a desktop, formatting may not stay the same.

Part 5. FAQs of How to Edit PDF Documents in Google Drive

How to edit PDF documents in Google Drive for free?

The process is quite simple. All you need to do is upload the PDF file, open it in Google Docs, make changes, and save.

Can I fill out PDF forms in Google Drive?

Not fully. You can type text, but interactive forms do not always work in Google Drive.

Can I draw on a PDF in Chrome?

Yes, but you will need to install the extension. Google Docs itself does not support drawing.

Is Google Docs enough for professional work?

No. It is fine for simple edits. For more control, use a dedicated editor. For example, Tenorshare PDNob PDF Editor.

Is it safe to upload PDFs to Google Drive?

Yes, your files are stored securely. But for sensitive data, some prefer offline editors.

Conclusion

So, does Google Drive offer a free editor? Yes, but only through Google Docs. This answers the common question of how to edit PDF documents in Google Drive. It can handle small changes, comments, and basic edits. But the main issue remains: formatting changes.

For professional work, Tenorshare PDNob is a better choice. It lets you edit directly, add advanced features, and protect your files.

downloads :

PDNob PDF Editor Software- Smarter, Faster, Easier

rated on Trustpilot >

• Instantly read, summarize, and extract insights from PDF
• Convert PDF to 30+ formats like Word, Excel, and images
• Edit text, images, watermarks, links, and backgrounds for PDF
• 99% OCR precision for making scanned PDFs editable and searchable

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