Free PDF annotator

Frequently asked questions

• Is Lumin’s PDF annotation free to use?

  Lots of our tools are free. You can read PDFs, draw on them, comment on them, add text, signatures and images; all the basics are covered.
  
  Our paid plans expand your toolkit: you can edit PDF text, redact information, create fillable fields and much more. Discover our plans to learn which one is the right fit for you.

• How do I annotate a PDF in Google Drive?

  Google Drive doesn’t include built-in PDF annotation tools, but Lumin integrates directly with your Drive. Select any PDF, select Open with > Lumin PDF, and you’ll have the full annotation toolbar at your fingertips. Your changes save automatically back to Drive with all markups preserved.

• How do I annotate PDFs on mobile devices?

  On iPhone, iPad, or Android, open your PDF in the Lumin mobile app and tap the annotation icon. The touch-friendly interface lets you highlight, draw, or add comments using your finger or stylus. Pinch to zoom for precision, and all changes sync across your devices.

• Can I annotate a PDF while offline?

  Yes! While Lumin is designed for the cloud, we know sometimes work happens from the ground. Just switch on “offline mode” and continue editing your document. When you next connect to the internet, your edits will be saved. Learn more here.

• Can I add text comments to specific parts of a PDF?

  Yes. Use the comment tool to attach notes to text, images, or entire sections. Click where you want to place a comment, type your note, and it appears as a speech bubble icon. You can reply, resolve, or build threaded discussions directly on the document.

• How do I highlight text in different colors?

  Select the text you want to highlight and choose from multiple color options in the Annotate toolbar. Use yellow for key points, pink for questions, or green for approvals. You can even set up your own color-coding system. 
  
  All highlights are searchable and exported with your document.

• Can multiple people annotate the same PDF?

  Absolutely. Share your PDF with teammates, and everyone can annotate at the same time. Annotations are color-coded and tagged by the user, so you always know who added what.
  
  It’s ideal for document reviews, collaborative editing, or collecting feedback from different stakeholders.

• How do I draw or sketch on a PDF?

  Use the freehand drawing tool to sketch diagrams, circle important details, or add arrows. You can adjust pen thickness and color to match your needs. It’s perfect for architectural markups, quick visual notes, or even signing documents.

• Can I save and export PDFs with annotations?

  Yes. When you save, all annotations remain embedded in the PDF. You can download the full annotated version or export a summary of just the annotations. Recipients can view your markups in any PDF reader, ensuring your feedback always stays with the document.

• Can I remove or edit annotations after adding them?

  Yes. Annotations are fully editable. Click or tap any markup to modify text, change colors, adjust positioning, or delete it altogether. The annotation history also tracks changes, which is especially useful for revision-heavy workflows.

• Is it free to annotate PDFs?

  Yes. Lumin offers free PDF annotation tools that work right in your browser. Create a free account to access the full suite, including collaboration features, custom stamps, and reusable templates. No downloads required. Just upload your file and start annotating.