True highlights
A highlight is a standard PDF highlight that keeps the words it covers, so readers list it with other comments and can remove it.
Highlight and annotate a PDF
Highlight words, draw boxes, ellipses, lines and arrows, cover something with whiteout, and add links to a web address or another page. Every PDF reader shows the result. Free, in your browser.
or drop it here
- Runs in your browser
- Free, no account needed
- Works on phones
How it works
How to highlight a PDF
- 01
Choose your PDF. It opens in the editor, in your browser.
- 02
Choose Mark up, then Highlight and drag across the words, or Shapes or Link and drag on the page.
- 03
Pick the colours and line widths, then download the PDF.
Why GenPDF
Highlight PDF with GenPDF: what is different
Shapes and arrows
Rectangles, ellipses, lines and arrows, with the border and fill colours and the line width you choose, solid or see-through.
Links that work
Draw a box over some words and link it to a web address or to a page of the same PDF.
Questions
Highlight PDF: questions and answers
Does whiteout remove the text under it?
No. Whiteout hides what is under it, but the text is still in the file and can be copied. To remove it for good, use Redact.
Will my highlights show in other PDF readers?
Yes. Highlights and links are standard PDF annotations, and shapes are drawn into the page, so every reader shows them.
Can I change the highlight colour?
Yes. Pick a colour before you drag across the words.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. Everything is drawn in your browser. A scanned page is sent as an image only if you agree to have its words read, and deleted as soon as they are read.