Annotations are added as editable objects over a page and saved only after the result is previewed. The situations below show what this workflow is designed for so you can choose the tool before uploading a document.
Mark questions and important areas before discussing a document.
Add short explanations, highlights and graphical pointers to a finished page.
How it works
Annotate PDF online
The “Annotate PDF online” workflow consists of 3 consecutive stages. Review the settings and expected output at each stage because processing creates a new copy instead of overwriting the source.
01Upload file
Upload the source PDF here.
02Choose settings
Choose the settings and review the expected result before processing.
03Get the result
Download a separate result without changing the source file.
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What you can do
The capabilities below describe what is included in the workflow and the resulting file. Use them to confirm whether this tool completes the task or whether another processing stage will be needed.
Text notes
Highlights
Shapes and marks
Visual preview
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Limits and important details
Limits keep the result predictable by describing supported files, processing boundaries and PDF properties that may require manual review. Read them before starting, especially for complex documents.
A separate output is created; the source PDF remains unchanged
PDFs are not stored in a permanent document library
An inactive guest session expires after 15 minutes
The hard session limit is 2 hours
01
Before you start
Keep the source file until the result has been reviewed
Check whether the PDF is password-protected or digitally signed
Identify the pages and objects that are expected to change
Use a non-sensitive test copy for an unfamiliar workflow
02
Result checklist
Open the downloaded copy in a second PDF viewer
Review every changed page at normal and enlarged zoom
Check text search, links, forms and visual quality where relevant
Confirm that confidential data and metadata meet the intended use
Example
Prepare a document for discussion
The “Prepare a document for discussion” scenario follows a source file through to a separate result. It shows which action is performed and what should be checked after download.
Input
A synthetic contract draft prepared for internal discussion.
Action
Highlight a key line, add a text note and point an arrow at the relevant area.
Result
A separate PDF containing visual marks without changing the source file.
Privacy
Temporary processing in Germany, EU
The file is processed only inside a temporary guest session. Access closes when the session ends, and source and result files follow the service deletion lifecycle.
No permanent document library
No external AI, OCR or PDF providers
15-minute inactivity timeout
2-hour hard session limit
FAQ
Questions and answers
These answers apply specifically to “Annotate PDF online” and extend the main instructions. They cover settings, expected output and the cases that most often need clarification before processing.
Which annotations can I add?
The editor supports text notes, highlights and common shape annotations.
How are annotations saved?
Annotations are exported into a separate PDF result after preview and preflight.
Can I change an annotation after adding it?
Yes. Every added object can be selected, moved, resized or removed before export.
Help center
Common errors and next steps
When processing cannot continue, the service shows a reason code and a safe next step. Resolve the stated issue and upload again or choose another mode; the source document remains unchanged.
FILE_TOO_LARGE
The source file is larger than the current upload limit.
Choose a PDF of up to 50 MB and upload it again.PDF_PASSWORD_REQUIRED
The PDF is encrypted and cannot be processed without a known password.
Enter the document password in the password prompt, or choose another file.
Practical guides provide context that does not fit into a short procedure: how to choose a mode, understand processing consequences and handle the document safely.