Interactive PDFs are a powerful way to present information, collect data, and maintain brand consistency across digital documents. However, editing them – especially once they’re built – can be more complex than many people expect.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to approach edits, how to save time, and why some changes are best left to design experts, as well as how to use Adobe Acrobat Reader effectively for mark-ups and amends.
Editing Interactive PDFs the Right Way
Interactive PDFs are not the same as standard documents. They often include:
Form fields
Buttons and links
Conditional logic
Embedded fonts and branding
Accessibility and compliance features
If you have access to the original design file (such as InDesign), edits are typically made there and then re-exported as a PDF. Without this file, changes are limited and can risk breaking the interactivity without proper knowledge of the software.
Best practice:
Use the PDF primarily for review and feedback, not full structural edits.
Flag content changes clearly rather than attempting to rebuild elements within the PDF itself.
This ensures accuracy and protects the integrity of the document.
How to Save Time (and Avoid Rework)
One of the biggest time-savers is clarity upfront.
Here’s how you can help streamline the process:
Consolidate feedback into one clear round of amends
Use consistent wording when requesting changes
Reference page numbers, field names, or screenshots
Avoid duplicate or conflicting comments from multiple reviewers
Using a proper markup process (covered below) reduces back-and-forth and helps the Glow team implement changes quickly and accurately.
What Happens When You Change a PDF?
Why Some Edits Are Best Left to the Design Experts
Even small changes can have a ripple effect.
For example:
Editing text can reflow layouts and break alignment
Changing fonts may affect branding and accessibility
Adjusting form fields can disrupt validation or calculations
Copy-and-paste edits can flatten layers or remove interactivity
What looks like a simple change on screen may require behind-the-scenes adjustments to ensure the PDF still functions correctly across devices and platforms.
This is why we recommend leaving technical edits to design professionals (Glow 😉 )
It protects your document, saves time in the long run, and ensures the final output works exactly as intended.
How to Use Acrobat Reader for Mark-Ups
Open your PDF in Acrobat Reader
Select Tools → Comment
Use:
Add a comment
Adds a general comment without marking specific text.
Replace selected text
Suggests replacement wording by striking through text and adding new text inline.
Insert text
Indicates where new text should be added.
Strikethrough
Marks text for deletion without altering the original content.
Highlight
Highlights selected text to indicate copy changes or emphasis.
Add text comment
Adds a freestanding text box comment on the page.
Attach file
Attaches a supporting file to the PDF as a comment.
Underline
Emphasises text or flags wording for review.
4. Save the PDF and send it back to your design team
This method avoids confusion, protects the document, and dramatically speeds up turnaround times.
In Summary
Interactive PDFs are sophisticated digital assets. Treating them with care – and using the right tools – helps ensure:
Faster revisions
Fewer errors
Consistent branding
Fully functional final documents
If you have any questions or would like help using Adobe Acrobat Reader, just let me know. Here’s a link to the free software.
