How to Type Symbols & Text on a PDF | Free & Fast Methods

Right-click any PDF file on your computer and select Open with → Microsoft Edge (or Google Chrome):

1. Click the Add Text tool (the T icon in the top toolbar).
2. Click anywhere on the PDF page where you need to fill in text, checkmarks, or numbers.
3. Type your response. You can change font size, text color, and character spacing freely.
4. To insert checkmarks (✓) or degree symbols (°), simply copy them from our site and press Ctrl + V.
5. Click the Save button (floppy disk icon) to save your changes.

Double-click the PDF to open it in Preview on macOS:

1. Click the Markup Toolbar button (looks like a pen tip inside a circle).
2. Click the Text box tool (a square with a T).
3. Drag the box over the fillable field and type your text.
4. Use standard Mac shortcuts like Option + Shift + 8 for degree (°) or Cmd + Ctrl + Space for checkmarks and special symbols.

In the free desktop version of Adobe Acrobat Reader:

• Open the PDF and select Fill & Sign from the right sidebar.
• Click anywhere on a line to type regular text.
• Acrobat Reader displays a quick toolbar with one-click Checkmarks (✓), Cross Marks (✗), and Dots (•) designed specifically for form boxes.

iPhone / iPad: Open the PDF in the Files app → tap the Markup icon (pencil tip) → tap the + button → select Text.

Android: Open the PDF in Google Drive or Adobe Acrobat mobile app → tap the Edit / Fill button → tap the form field to summon the keyboard.