How to edit a PDF on Mac (free and easy options)

Editing a PDF on a Mac can be surprisingly frustrating. macOS Preview handles the basics, but when you need to change text, fill in forms, or convert a file into Word, things get complicated fast.

The good news is you don’t need to install expensive software or rely on limited tools. Whether you’re filling out forms, editing contracts, or unlocking a document, here’s how to edit a PDF on your Mac, starting with the easiest, free option.

The easiest way: Edit a PDF on Mac for free using Lumin

If you’re looking for a full-featured, online solution, Lumin is the simplest way to edit PDFs directly from your browser. It works smoothly on Safari, Chrome, and other major browsers for macOS.

Why it’s a great choice for Mac users

• Free to use
• Edit existing text and other elements in a PDF without converting
• Add annotations, comments, or signatures
• Offers secure encryption to ensure your data is protected
• Works entirely online
• Also provides mobile and desktop apps

How to edit a PDF with Lumin:

1. Go to our online PDF editor.
2. Upload your PDF (drag and drop or import from Google Drive)
3. Use the toolbar to edit text, highlight or comments, add form fields or signatures, and more.
4. Save or export your edited file.

Use Preview (for basic markup only)

macOS Preview is built-in and works well for quick annotations, but it has its limitations. Basically, you can’t actually edit PDF elements — you can basically just add elements on top in the form of annotations.

What you can do with Preview:

• Open and view PDFs
• Add text boxes and shapes
• Highlight or underline text

What you can’t do:

• Edit existing text
• Create fillable form fields
• Unlock or convert protected files

How to use Preview:

1. Open your PDF with Preview (right-click → Open with → Preview)
2. Click the “Show Markup Toolbar” button
3. Use the tools to add text, shapes, or a signature

Can I edit a PDF without Adobe on Mac?

Yes, you can absolutely edit PDFs on a Mac without Adobe. Many users find alternatives like Lumin faster, easier, and more intuitive than paying for Adobe Acrobat.

For that, many people use online tools or dedicated Mac apps that offer full PDF editing functionality. These options let you edit text directly, fill out or create forms, and collaborate on documents, all without needing to install or subscribe to Adobe products. Whether you prefer working in a browser or using a downloadable app, there are reliable alternatives that handle everything from contract edits to form completion.

macOS also comes with its own built-in tool, Preview, which allows you to do basic things like highlight, annotate, and add basic text boxes. It works well for quick edits but doesn’t support more advanced tasks, such as changing existing text or creating interactive form fields.

Adobe might still be widely recognized, but if you’re working on a Mac, there are plenty of ways to get the job done without paying for an Adobe subscription.

Troubleshooting: Why can’t I edit my PDF on Mac?

The most common reason you can’t edit a PDF on your Mac is that Preview doesn’t actually support full editing. While it’s fine for adding annotations or signing a document, Preview can’t modify existing text, remove content, or turn a static PDF into a fillable form. If you’re trying to do more than just mark up the file, you’ll quickly run into limitations.

Beyond that, there are a few other reasons you might be stuck:

• The PDF is scanned or image-based: If your PDF is a scanned document or an image saved as a PDF, it won’t contain selectable text. You’ll need to use a PDF OCR tool to convert it into an editable format.
• The file is locked or password-protected: Some PDFs are restricted by the creator to prevent editing. This is common with contracts, invoices, or official forms. You’ll either need the password to unlock it or use a tool that can work with protected files (depending on the level of restriction). Stuck? Try our unlock PDF tool.
• The file permissions are limited: Even if a PDF isn’t password-protected, it might have editing restrictions enabled. These prevent you from modifying the content unless you remove the security settings — something Preview can’t do.

If you’re running into these kinds of issues, uploading your file to a dedicated PDF editor is usually the fastest way to see what’s going on.

Start editing your PDF on Mac today

Skip the downloads and confusing workarounds. Lumin lets you upload, edit, and save your PDF in minutes — all from your browser.

Also check out our guides on how to sign a PDF on a Mac and how to make a PDF editable.