Updated October 2026
PDFs are everywhere in business: contracts, quotes, proofs, plans and forms. You rarely need paid software to review them. Most of what you need is free, and probably already on your computer.
Free ways to comment on a PDF
Table of Contents
| Tool | What you can do free | Works on |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Acrobat Reader | Sticky notes, highlights, drawing, fill and sign | Windows, Mac, mobile |
| Microsoft Edge | Highlight, draw, add text and read aloud | Windows, Mac |
| Preview | Highlights, notes, text, shapes and signatures | Mac |
| Google Drive | Comment on PDFs with your team while previewing | Any browser |
| Online PDF tools | Comment, merge, compress and convert, with daily limits | Any browser |
How to add comments in Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Open the PDF in Acrobat Reader.
- Choose Comment (or the speech bubble icon).
- Use sticky notes for questions, highlight for key text and strikethrough for suggested deletions.
- Save the file, and send it back. Your comments travel with the PDF.
Comment as a team
- Upload the PDF to Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive and comment together in one shared copy, instead of emailing versions back and forth.
- Name files clearly, such as "quote-v2-with-comments.pdf".
- Resolve comments once they’re dealt with, so everyone sees what’s left.
Editing the text itself
Changing the actual text of a PDF is harder than commenting. The easiest route is usually to edit the original document (in Word or Google Docs) and save a new PDF. If you don’t have the original, Microsoft Word can open many PDFs for editing, and paid PDF editors can change text directly.
Need to turn a Word document into a PDF? Our free Word to PDF converter runs entirely in your browser, so your file is never uploaded.
Keep sensitive documents private
Many free online PDF tools upload your file to their servers. For contracts, financial records or anything with personal information:
- Use desktop apps (Acrobat Reader, Preview or Edge), which work on your device.
- Read the privacy policy of any online tool before uploading.
- Never upload documents containing Social Security numbers, bank details or medical information to unknown sites.
Keep learning
Related guides
Last reviewed October 24, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.
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