How to Highlight Text in a PDF

Mark up a PDF like paper — highlight key lines and add notes to draw attention to what matters.

Below we cover exactly how to do it — free, in seconds, and entirely in your browser. Because everything runs on your own device, it works the same on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone, with nothing to install and no account to create.

Why highlighting text in a pdf matters

Getting this right saves time and avoids the usual headaches — files that are too big to send, broken formatting, or documents that look different on someone else’s screen. With Edit PDF the process is quick and repeatable, and your documents stay private because they are never uploaded to a server.

Highlight what matters

Emphasise important passages without hiding the text.

Add notes too

Drop in text notes, arrows and boxes.

Step by step: highlighting text in a pdf

1. Open the tool. Go to the free Edit PDF page.
2. Add your file. Drag and drop it, or tap to browse and choose it from your device.
3. Choose your options. Adjust the settings so the result is exactly what you need.
4. Run & download. It processes instantly in your browser and downloads right away.

Pro tips

• Use different colours for themes.
• Keep highlights light.
• Export to save marks.

Is it safe and private?

Yes. PDFWinner runs entirely in your browser, so your files never leave your device — nothing is uploaded, stored, or seen by us. That makes it safe even for confidential contracts, IDs and financial documents.

Frequently asked questions

Can I highlight text?

Yes.

Add comments?

Yes.

Free?

Yes.

Related free tools

• Merge PDF
• Compress PDF
• PDF to Word
• Sign PDF

Try it now: the free Edit PDF tool — no sign-up, no watermarks, no limits.