Probably this is what brings you on this page:
- You have a PDF file;
- There must be added some text to the file;
- You're looking for a way to do it.
At SignHouse, we have the most relevant and yet the simplest way for you to add text to PDF documents.
By the end of this page, you'll leave with a new PDF document that has your writing on it. Let's now waste any more time and get to it!
How to write on a PDF without Adobe Acrobat
To add text boxes on PDF documents, you need to follow three simple steps: upload your PDF to SignHouse, click anywhere to add the text box, and then start writing:
- Upload a PDF;
- Select the text box function;
- Click anywhere & Start typing.
While this is the short way to answer your question, let's go to the step-by-step tutorial with images guiding you how to write on top of a PDF for free.
1. Upload your PDF
First things first, you have to let our system know which document you want to add your writing on.

You can either drag and drop your PDF document to SignHouse, or you can click to start browsing your computer.
When you've found the document, preview it, and then go to the editor by clicking a single button.
2. Add a text box
Now that you're in the editor, you can see a menu on the left side of the screen.
You're going to notice the text box function, highlighted in blue in the image below. Click on it to generate as many text boxes as needed.
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If you look in the top-right corner of the document above, you can notice how we've added a simple text box, as well as what it looks like.
3. Write & Save
Now, feel free to write whatever you need to write on the document.
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After writing on the PDF, you can click the button in the top-right corner to sign and download the file.
If you wish to just download the file without signing it, fear not, that's also an option.
What happens to my PDF?
After uploading your document, our system generates a 1:1 copy of the document, only now it is edited with your writing on it.
We are 100% protecting your privacy, and so, here's what happens:
- A few hours after uploading the PDF, we'll delete the document;
- And we'll keep the duplicated document with your writing on it in the system, where you get to choose what happens to it: re-edit, duplicate, share, private-share, delete.
You've got full control of your documents, and you're the only one who has the power to make changes to your PDF files.
FAQs
How can I handwrite on a PDF?
You can handwrite on a PDF by uploading it to SignHouse, adding text boxes, and then write using a handwritten-alike font. It's free!
How do I manually write on a PDF?
Here's what you need to do manually write on a PDF:
- Upload the file to SignHouse;
- Manually add text boxes;
- Write wherever on the PDF & Save it.
Can I write on a PDF without Adobe?
Yes, there are many quick & free alternatives to writing on PDF documents without Adobe Acrobat. For instance, you can use SignHouse and get the job done in 10 seconds.
How can I write on top of a PDF for free?
To write on top of a PDF document without having to pay, do the following:
- Upload your file to SignHouse;
- Click anywhere to add a text box;
- Write & Save the edited PDF.
How do I type on a PDF?
To properly type on a PDF (for free), you should use a software like SignHouse to:
- Upload the PDF document;
- Click anywhere & Start typing;
- Save the edited PDF.
At SignHouse, we can help you type on a PDF against no charge. It's also quick!