PDF Annotator - User Guide

Overview

The PDF Annotator is a powerful browser-based tool that allows you to add annotations, signatures, text, images, and drawings to PDF documents. All processing happens in your browser - no files are uploaded to any server, ensuring complete privacy.

Key Features

📝 Text Annotations

Add custom text anywhere on your PDF
Drag and drop from saved text library
Edit existing text by double-clicking
Pre-filled date stamp for quick document dating

✍️ Drawing & Signatures

Free-hand drawing with pen tool
Create and save multiple signatures
Reuse signatures across pages
Smooth, responsive drawing experience

🖼️ Images

Insert images from your device
Resize and position images freely
Support for common image formats (JPG, PNG, etc.)

📄 Multi-Page Support

Work with PDFs of any length
Annotations are page-specific
Easy page navigation
All pages preserved in final download

How to Use

Getting Started

Upload PDF: Click the "Upload PDF" button and select your document
Select Tool: Choose from Select, Draw, Text, or Image tools
Add Annotations: Click or draw on the PDF canvas
Download: Save your annotated PDF when finished

Tools Explained

🖱️ Select Tool (Default)

Purpose: Move, resize, and delete annotations
Usage:
- Click any annotation to select it
- Drag to move the selected item
- Use corner handles to resize images/signatures
- Press Delete or Backspace to remove selected items
Tip: Always switch back to Select mode after adding annotations

✏️ Draw Tool

Purpose: Free-hand drawing and sketching
Usage:
- Click and drag to draw
- Each stroke becomes a separate drawing
- Switch to Select tool to delete unwanted drawings
Best For: Highlighting, circling, arrows, freeform notes

📝 Text Tool

Purpose: Add typed text annotations
Usage:
- Click where you want to add text
- Type your text in the prompt
- Move and delete text in Select mode
Best For: Comments, notes, labels, explanations

🖼️ Image Tool

Purpose: Insert images into your PDF
Usage:
- Click "Add Image" button
- Select image from your device
- Image appears at default position
- Switch to Select tool to move/resize
Best For: Logos, stamps, photos, diagrams

Saved Text Library

Pre-save frequently used text for quick access:

Type your text in the "Add new text" field
Click "Add" button
Your text appears in the library
Drag and drop saved texts onto the PDF
Delete from library using the trash icon

Pre-loaded texts:

Current date stamp (automatically updated)
"Reviewed" label

Signature Management

Create reusable signature library:

Click "Sign" button in Saved Signatures section
Draw your signature on the white canvas
Click "Save to Library" (auto-named as Signature 1, 2, etc.)
Drag and drop signatures onto any page
Resize signatures in Select mode

Tips:

Create multiple signature variations
Use consistent signatures across documents
Signatures work across all pages

Multi-Page Navigation

Navigate through your PDF:

Page indicator: Shows current page (e.g., "Page 1 of 5")
Previous button: Go to previous page
Next button: Go to next page
Annotations are saved per-page automatically

Editing Annotations

Move: Select tool → click item → drag to new position
Resize: Select tool → click image/signature → drag corner handles
Edit Text: Double-click text annotation → modify in prompt
Delete: Select item → press Delete or Backspace key

Common Use Cases

1. Contract Signing

Scenario: Sign a contract or agreement

Upload the contract PDF
Navigate to signature page
Use Saved Signatures or draw new signature
Add date stamp using saved text
Add "Reviewed" label if needed
Download signed document

2. Document Review

Scenario: Mark up documents for feedback

Use Draw tool to circle important sections
Add Text annotations with comments
Highlight areas needing attention
Add arrows pointing to specific items
Download annotated version

3. Form Filling

Scenario: Complete PDF forms

Add Text tool to fill in fields
Use saved texts for repeated information
Add signature where required
Add date stamps
Download completed form

4. Invoice/Receipt Marking

Scenario: Mark invoices as paid or approved

Add "Reviewed" or custom text stamps
Include date of review
Add signature for approval
Attach images (e.g., payment confirmation)
Download marked document

5. Real Estate Documents

Scenario: Initial and sign multiple pages

Create signature library with full signature and initials
Navigate through all pages
Drag signature/initials to required spots
Add dates where needed
Download complete signed document

6. Educational Materials

Scenario: Annotate textbooks or assignments

Draw diagrams and arrows
Add explanatory text notes
Highlight key concepts with drawing tool
Insert reference images
Save annotated materials

7. Legal Document Preparation

Scenario: Prepare documents for submission

Add firm stamps/logos via Image tool
Include attorney signatures
Mark documents as "Filed" or "Draft"
Add date stamps
Download final version

Keyboard Shortcuts

Key	Action
Delete	Delete selected annotation
Backspace	Delete selected annotation

Tips & Best Practices

✅ Do's

Always use Select tool after adding annotations to move them
Save signatures to library for reuse across pages
Create saved texts for frequently used phrases
Review all pages before downloading to ensure completeness
Test signatures on blank page first to get them right

❌ Don'ts

Don't forget to download - your work is not saved automatically
Don't close browser without downloading your annotated PDF
Don't resize text - delete and recreate with different size if needed
Don't overlap too many annotations - keep it readable

Privacy & Security

✅ 100% Client-Side: All processing happens in your browser
✅ No Upload: Your PDFs never leave your device
✅ No Storage: Nothing is saved to any server
✅ Private: Only you see your documents
✅ Secure: No data transmission over the internet

Troubleshooting

PDF Not Loading

Check file size: Very large PDFs may take time to load
Verify format: Ensure file is a valid PDF
Try smaller PDF: Test with a simple document first

Can't Select Annotation

Switch to Select tool: Make sure pointer tool is active
Check current page: Annotations only appear on their specific page
Click precisely: Click directly on the annotation

Drawing Not Smooth

Check browser: Works best on modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
Clear cache: Sometimes helps with performance
Close other tabs: Free up system resources

Signature Not Saving

Draw something: Canvas must have content to save
Wait for save: Click "Save to Library" button after drawing
Check library: Saved signatures appear in the list above

Browser Compatibility

Fully Supported:

✅ Chrome (v90+)
✅ Firefox (v88+)
✅ Safari (v14+)
✅ Edge (v90+)

Mobile Browsers:

⚠️ Limited support - desktop experience recommended

Technical Details

File Format: PDF (Portable Document Format)
Image Support: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP
Processing: Client-side JavaScript using pdf-lib and pdfjs-dist
Storage: Browser memory only (no persistence)
Max File Size: Limited by browser memory (typically 50-100MB)

Need More Help?

If you encounter issues or have suggestions:

Check browser console for error messages
Ensure you're using a modern browser
Try with a simpler PDF first
Verify your PDF is not corrupted or password-protected

Last Updated: November 26, 2025
Version: 2.0