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• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Convert the file using Google Drive
• Method 2 of 2: Using a PDF editing app in Google Drive

Do you have a PDF file with text you want to edit? You can't edit the file itself, but you can use Google Drive to extract the text from the PDF file and copy it to a regular document. You can then edit that document and save it in the file format you prefer. You can also use apps in Google Drive that allow you to add text, drawings, and comments to a PDF document.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Convert the file using Google Drive

1. Log into Google Drive. You can upload your PDF files to your Google Drive account so that you can convert (convert) the files into editable text. This does not always go well; some pdf files are persistent. Either way, you don't edit the original PDF file this way. Instead, Google Drive creates a separate Google Docs file containing the text copied from the PDF file.
   • You have to do this on the Google Drive website. You cannot convert files in this way in the Google Drive app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Upload the PDF file to Google Drive. You can do this in several ways via the Google Drive website:
   • Click and drag the PDF file to the browser screen to upload it directly to Drive.
   • In Google Drive, click "New" and then "Upload files". You can then find and upload the PDF file.
3. Right-click on the file you uploaded. Once the file is uploaded, right-click on it in the Drive screen.
4. Select "Open with" → "Google Docs". A new tab will then open and Google Docs will start converting the file. This may take a while, especially if it is a large PDF file.
5. Edit your new Google Docs file. Your new Google Docs file will open with all the text Drive was able to extract from the PDF file. Some characters may be displayed incorrectly, especially if the font in the PDF file is difficult to read.
   • In many cases, Drive is unable to convert the PDF to editable text. You will then receive the message "Cannot convert document".

Method 2 of 2: Using a PDF editing app in Google Drive

1. Click on "My Drive" at the top of the Google Drive screen. You can use an app that allows you to add content to your PDF file and remove pages. You can't delete text in your PDF file, but you can add text, drawings, and comments.
2. Select "More" → "Link more apps". You will then see all the apps that you can use in Google Drive.
3. Search for "pdf editor". You will now see a list of apps that allow you to edit PDF files.
4. Find an app that does what you want. Go through the results and find an app that can do the edits you need. None of these apps can edit the text already in the PDF file, but you can add content with it.
5. Click "Link" to install the app.
6. Confirm that you want to link the app to your account (if prompted). Some apps request access to your Google+ profile. You will then be asked to confirm your consent.
7. Open the PDF file in your new app. You can open the file by double-clicking it in Google Drive. If you have multiple apps linked to open documents, instead of double-clicking, you can right-click on the file. Then choose "Open with" and select your new app.
8. Edit the file. The tools you can use to edit your file can be found at the top of your document. Depending on which app you have chosen, these include options to add text fields, add drawings or import images. You cannot edit existing text.