PeekPlainFeatures / Edit PDF text
Edit text in a PDF on Mac
Fix a typo or update a date in an existing PDF. Preview can only add new text on top.
Pro
How to, in three steps
- Open the PDF and turn on Edit Text from ⌘K.
- Click the text you want to change and type. PeekPlain matches the font where it can.
- Save. The saved file is reopened and checked, and your original is kept as a backup.
Pro. Editing existing PDF text is a Pro feature. Adding a new text box, highlights, shapes and notes are free. PDFs are not word-processor files, so complex layouts and embedded fonts can limit what is editable.
Works offline. Your files never leave your Mac.
Edits are made on your Mac, in the file you opened. Nothing is uploaded. PeekPlain sends no files and no usage data anywhere; see the privacy page.
PeekPlain is in free beta and some features are still arriving. The changelog lists what has shipped.
Questions
Can I edit any PDF?
Mostly PDFs with real text. Scanned pages are pictures, so run OCR first. Heavily designed layouts may not reflow the way a word processor would.
Will the font match?
PeekPlain uses the same font when it is embedded and usable, and tells you when it has to substitute one.
Can I add text without editing the original?
Yes. A new text box is free and does not touch the existing text.
Is my original safe?
PeekPlain saves a copy, reopens it to check it, keeps a backup of the original and only then swaps it in.