How to Edit PDFs Using Microsoft Edge’s Built-In PDF Editor

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, PDF documents have become an essential format for sharing information, whether in business, education, or personal communication. The ubiquity of PDF files often necessitates the need for editing these documents. While many assume that only specialized software can handle PDF editing, the advent of modern web browsers has changed this perception entirely. Among these browsers, Microsoft Edge stands out with its built-in PDF editor, offering users a convenient and efficient way to view and edit PDF files. This article will guide you through every aspect of editing PDFs using Microsoft Edge’s powerful built-in features.

Understanding PDF Files

Before delving into the specifics of editing PDFs, it’s helpful to understand what a PDF file is. A Portable Document Format (PDF) file is a versatile file type that maintains the document’s formatting across various devices and platforms. Whether you are reading a PDF on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer, what you see is what the creator intended. This format encompasses everything from text to images, vectors, and more.

The permanence and stability of PDFs make them ideal for final forms of documents such as reports, resumes, contracts, and forms. However, there are times when editing or annotating these documents becomes necessary, and that’s where the editing capabilities of Microsoft Edge come into play.

Microsoft Edge: More Than Just a Browser

While most users may consider Microsoft Edge primarily as a web browsing tool, many might not be aware of its robust PDF capabilities. Microsoft Edge includes a suite of PDF editing features that are not only user-friendly but also powerful enough to handle various editing needs. This makes Edge a convenient choice for users who want to make quick edits without the need to install additional software.

Accessing Microsoft Edge’s PDF Editor

Accessing Microsoft Edge’s built-in PDF editor is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Open Microsoft Edge: Ensure you have the latest version of Edge installed on your device. If not, update it through Windows Update or the Microsoft website.
Open Your PDF File: Either drag and drop your PDF file into the Edge browser window or right-click the file, select ‘Open with,’ and choose Microsoft Edge from the list. The PDF will open directly in the browser.
Explore the Toolbar: Once the PDF is open, explore the toolbar at the top. You’ll find various options that allow you to edit, annotate, and navigate through your document.

Editing Text Within PDFs

While Microsoft Edge offers limited text editing capabilities compared to dedicated PDF software, you can annotate and add comments to a PDF effectively:

Highlighting Text: To highlight text within your PDF, select the text you want to highlight by clicking and dragging your cursor over it. Once highlighted, a small toolbar will appear; click on the ‘Highlight’ option.
Strikethrough and Underline: Similarly, to apply strikethrough or underline effects, select the text and choose the respective options from the same toolbar.
Adding Comments: If you want to make notes without altering the main text, you can easily add comments. Right-click on the document where you want to add a comment and select ‘Add comment.’ A text box will appear for you to type your remark.
Using the Drawing Tool: For more creative edits, use the drawing tool. Click on the pencil icon from the toolbar and select your desired pen color and thickness. You can then draw directly on the PDF, making it easy for visual notes.

Annotating PDFs

Annotation tools make Microsoft Edge stand out as a PDF editor. Here are several options for annotating your PDF files:

Highlighting Important Information: This is perfect for marking essential passages in documents. Use a variety of highlight colors to differentiate between types of information or importance levels.
Sticky Notes: Utilize sticky notes for longer comments. Click on the ‘Add note’ icon in the toolbar, and it will attach a note at the location you specify. You can move it around anywhere on the page.
Text Box: If you need to add information or make edits adjacent to existing text, use the text box feature. This allows you to insert text anywhere in the PDF that you desire.
Shapes and Lines: Use shapes to emphasize your points. Arrows can point toward critical areas, and rectangles can enclose information to draw attention.

Organizing PDF Files

Microsoft Edge also supports some file organization options, though they may not be as robust as other dedicated PDF management tools. Here’s how you can organize your PDF documents:

Rearranging Pages: If you need to rearrange the order of pages within your PDF, first ensure that the PDF isn’t a scanned image or a read-only file. Navigate to the desired page, right-click on it, and choose ‘Extract’ or ‘Add pages’ to create a new file with just those pages. This method can facilitate reorganization in your workflow.
Deleting Pages: To delete a page, you will need to extract the pages you want to keep in a new PDF file and omit those you want to remove during the process.
Merging Files: While Edge does not natively allow merging PDFs, you can open multiple Edge windows and arrange them side by side to facilitate copying and pasting content between documents.

Saving and Exporting Edits

Once you’ve made your edits, it’s crucial to save them correctly:

Save Your Changes: After you finish editing, click on the save icon at the top right of the window. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + S to save your changes quickly. If prompted, you can choose to overwrite the existing file or save it as a new file.
Exporting as a Different Format: While Edge primarily handles PDF formats, certain edits may allow you to use the ‘Print’ feature to export your edited PDF as an image file (JPEG or PNG). Click on the three-dot menu in the upper right corner, select ‘Print,’ and choose your desired format under ‘Destination.’

Navigating Large PDF Files

Long PDFs can be cumbersome to navigate. Microsoft Edge provides several tools to help you manage large documents:

Table of Contents: If your PDF has a built-in table of contents, you can access it on the left side of your screen. Click on the section you wish to navigate to quickly.
Search Functionality: Use the search bar (Ctrl + F) to find specific text within the document quickly. This feature helps you locate particular sections without scrolling endlessly.
Thumbnail View: You can also toggle thumbnail views by using the side panel. This feature allows you to jump between pages visually, making it easier to find the sections you want to read or edit.

Security Features in Edge PDF Editor

One of the essential aspects of editing sensitive documents is security. Microsoft Edge employs various security measures to protect your data:

Protected Mode: When you open a PDF file in Edge, it operates in a ‘protected’ environment, reducing the risk of malware. Always ensure that your browser settings prioritize security.
Password Protection: While Edge doesn’t support adding password protection directly within PDF editing, you can save your edited documents securely and access them later through your password-protected Windows account or cloud service.
Built-in Microsoft Defender: The integration of Microsoft Defender with Edge helps scan the files you access for potential threats, ensuring a safer browsing experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a straightforward application like Microsoft Edge, users may encounter common issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

PDF Not Opening: If a PDF doesn’t open in Edge, ensure that your browser is updated, and the file is not corrupted. Try opening it in another browser or software if it remains unresponsive.
Lack of Features: Some advanced PDF editing features may be missing in Edge compared to dedicated tools. If you find you need more comprehensive features, consider using Edge in tandem with a specialized PDF editor for those tasks.
Installation of Adobe Reader or Other Software: Although Microsoft Edge is capable of handling most PDF editing tasks, having other software can be helpful for more complex requirements. Ensure you don’t have conflicting PDF applications that may interfere with Edge’s performance.

Conclusion

Editing PDFs using Microsoft Edge’s built-in PDF editor provides an accessible solution for casual users and those in professional settings alike. It’s user-friendly, robust enough for most tasks, and integrates seamlessly into the everyday workflow of modern computer use. Whether you need to annotate documents, add comments, highlight text, or simply navigate through lengthy PDFs, Edge’s capabilities cater to your needs.

As organizations increasingly prioritize digital formats for document sharing and storage, mastering the art of PDF editing can be invaluable. With the changes in Microsoft Edge continuously evolving, users can look forward to even more enhanced functionalities in future updates. Embrace the power of Microsoft Edge and take control of your PDF editing tasks today!