What’s the Best Way to Annotate a PDF on Windows?

There isn't a single "best" way for everyone. The “best” method for annotating PDF files on Windows actually depends on your specific requirements.

✅ If you want to start immediately, the built-in Microsoft Edge browser is an excellent free option.

✅ When balancing powerful features with affordability, a professional third-party PDF annotator like SwifDoo PDF is a great option.

✅ For professional-grade collaboration requirements, the industry-standard Adobe Acrobat offers the most comprehensive set of tools, albeit at a relatively higher price point.

Next, let's explore each method in detail to help you determine which one best fits your workflow.

Way 1. How to Annotate a PDF on Windows in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the default browser on Windows 10 and 11. Like Google Chrome, it has a built-in PDF reader and annotator. For users who require basic annotation tools but prefer not to download software, this is undoubtedly an excellent choice.

In Microsoft Edge, you can highlight text, add text notes, and use a pen tool to draw on a PDF. Of course, it allows you to remove any drawings you've made using the eraser.

Here is how to annotate PDF on Windows in Microsoft Edge:

1. Right-click on the PDF. Choose Open with and select Microsoft Edge.

2. After opening the PDF file, a toolbar will appear at the top of the screen. If the toolbar disappears, move your cursor to the top of the screen.

3. Now, you can select the tool and annotate the PDF. For example, click the Highlight button, select a color, and then highlight the text or any other area.

4. Finally, click the Save icon in the top-right corner of the toolbar to save the changes. Alternatively, you can select 'Save as' to create a new copy.

Pros

• Completely free
• No installation required
• Easy to use with a simple interface

Cons

• Lacks advanced tools like adding shapes, stamps, or hyperlinks

Way 2. How to Annotate a PDF on Windows with SwifDoo PDF

For users who find Microsoft Edge's features too basic, SwifDoo PDF is a better choice. It is a lightweight yet powerful PDF editor designed specifically for Windows. Although this tool is feature-rich, its interface is extremely simple and requires no learning curve.

SwifDoo PDF provides over 10 annotation tools to meet your needs.

• Advanced Highlighting: Highlight text, areas, or even add squiggly underlines.
• Shapes and Lines: Add arrows, rectangles, circles, and lines to draw attention to specific parts.
• Sticky Notes: Add comments that do not interfere with the main document's body text.
• Stamps: Insert predefined or custom stamps, such as “Approved,” “Confidential,” or “Draft.”
• Attachments: Attach other files (such as spreadsheets or another PDF file) directly to the document.

Sounds good, right? Click the button below to get the SwifDoo PDF and give it a try!

Steps to annotate a PDF using SwifDoo PDF:

1. Launch SwifDoo PDF and open the document you want to annotate.

2. Click the Annotate tab in the main menu ribbon, and you will see all annotation tools.

3. Select a tool and start. To highlight PDF, please go to Highlight or Area Highlight and drag on the document to apply it.

4. When satisfied, click the Save icon to preserve your work.

SwifDoo PDF lets you manage all annotations in one place. If needed, please click the Annotate icon from the left-side bar. Then, you can reply, delete, or hide PDF annotations.  

SwifDoo PDF is a comprehensive PDF tool that goes beyond simple annotation. It can also help you to edit, convert, merge, and compress PDFs. If you frequently need to work with PDFs, it will definitely be a powerful tool!

Pros

• Various annotation and editing tools
• User-friendly interface
• Affordable

Cons

• Requires installation
• It has a free trial but requires a subscription for full functionality

Way 3. How to Annotate a PDF on Windows via Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is the original PDF creation tool. As such, it is the industry gold standard. For users requiring the most powerful and comprehensive suite of professional document management tools, Acrobat Pro DC is the ultimate choice.

With its PDF markup tool, users can highlight text, draw shapes, lines, and callouts, add sticky notes, and add text comments. Adobe is extremely convenient for collaboration, as it allows multiple users to comment on the same document and track all modifications.

See how to use Adobe Acrobat to annotate a PDF:

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat.

2. Choose from the toolbar to highlight text, add a sticky note, or use the pencil tool.

3. Finally, go to File > Save or Save As to save your annotated PDF.

Pros

• Powerful features
• Industry standard for professional use
• Perfect for team-based projects and reviews

Cons

• High-cost subscription model
• New users may feel overwhelmed
• It can be slower on older computers

Conclusion

That’s all about how to annotate a PDF on Windows 10/11. With the right tools, annotating PDFs is easier than ever. You can consider the current situation to choose the best one.

• Microsoft Edge is a good option for quick and simple annotations.
• SwifDoo PDF caters to users who seek a comprehensive toolset without breaking the bank.
• Adobe Acrobat is designed for professionals who require advanced features and collaboration capabilities.

Still can't make a choice? Why not give it a try yourself?