Google Chrome has a secret PDF tool that everyone should use — here’s how it works

How To
By published

I just discovered Chrome’s hidden PDF editor (and it’s better than you think)

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You may not be aware that Chrome has a built-in PDF viewer, but it’s worth getting familiar with. It provides a simple way to view PDF files and also lets you annotate them. This means you can highlight specific sections of a document and, with a steady hand, even add a signature.

The annotation feature was introduced in version 145, so before you begin, make sure Chrome is fully updated. This will also ensure you have the latest security fixes and improvements. If you want to go further and access more advanced tools, you may also want to explore the best PDF editors.

1. Grab and drag a PDF

First of all, you need to identify a PDF that you would like to view and annotate so browse the files on your computer. When you’ve found the PDF, simply drag it into Chrome. The web browser will open it in a new tab.

2. Select the Draw icon

Chrome’s PDF viewer has its own taskbar. Click the Draw icon which looks like a scribble and you will open a range of options in a sidebar to the right of the browser window.

3. Select a tool

You can now choose a tool from the top of the sidebar. You have access to a pen, a highlighter and an eraser.

4. Use the pen or highlighter

Select the pen or select the highlighter and you can choose the pen or highlighter size and pick a color.

You are then ready to move the cursor to the PDF and use a mouse or trackpad to start drawing.

5. Use the eraser

If you select the eraser button, you can remove annotations. You can also click the undo and redo buttons if you make a mistake.

6. Save the PDF

Once you’ve annotated the PDF, you can select the Download icon and choose to save the PDF with or without your changes.

You can also click the Google Drive icon to save the PDF to your Google Drive account.

Google

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David Crookes
David Crookes
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David Crookes is a freelance writer, reporter, editor and author. He has written for technology and gaming magazines including Retro Gamer, Web User, Micro Mart, MagPi, Android, iCreate, Total PC Gaming, T3 and Macworld. He has also covered crime, history, politics, education, health, sport, film, music and more, and been a producer for BBC Radio 5 Live.

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