# How to change text in a PDF

> Fix a typo, name, date or amount in a PDF: white out the old text and type over it, or convert to Word for longer edits. Free, step by step.


A wrong date, a misspelt name or an old address in a PDF — here's how to fix it in a couple of minutes without special software.



## Method 1: White-out and retype (best for a few words)


- Open White out PDF and add your file.

- Drag a white box over the words you want to change. Make it a little bigger than the text.

- Switch to Text, click on the white box and type the new words.

- Match the look: choose Sans for most modern documents, Serif for letters and legal text, and set a similar size (10–12 is normal body text).

- Click Save PDF.



## Method 2: Convert to Word (best for whole sentences or paragraphs)


- Use PDF to Word to get an editable .docx.

- Edit the text in Word, Google Docs or WPS Office.

- Save or download it as PDF again.

This works best for PDFs made from Word or other software. Complex layouts may need tidying after conversion.



## Which method should I use?

ChangeBest method

One word, a date, a numberWhite-out and retype

A signature line or nameWhite-out and retype, then Sign PDF

Several sentences or a paragraphConvert to Word

A scanned documentWhite-out and retype (scans have no editable text)



## A note on honesty
Correct your own documents freely. Changing official documents issued by someone else — certificates, payslips, bank statements — to show something untrue can be illegal.