How to Highlight a PDF: The Best Tools and Tips

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to highlight PDFs, the best tools available, and smart tips to get the most out of your annotations.

Check out our other blogs about how to annotate your PDFs to get more out of the tools detailed below.

Megon Venter

B2B SaaS Content Writer

Megon is a B2B SaaS Content Writer with 7 years of experience in content strategy and execution. Her expertise lies in the creation of document management tutorials and product comparisons.

Top Tools for Highlighting a PDF

Our team has researched the top tools for highlighting a PDF and compiled the table below to help you compare their key features:

Our Recommendation

We recommend PDF Reader Pro for those who need to use annotation tools daily, such as students, professionals or small business owners.

For those who need a once-off solution, ComPDF Web Demo is the best solution because it requires no downloading and allows for highlighting and other annotation features.

How to Highlight a PDF - Detailed Steps

Based on our recommendations above, we have compiled a guide to both PDF Reader Pro and ComPDF Web Demo’s highlighter tools. 

Using PDF Reader Pro

Step 1: Download PDF Reader Pro

Get a free 7-day trial for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android below:

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Step 2: Open Your PDF

Click “Open File” or drag and drop the PDF into the Home interface.

Step 3: Click “Tools” on the Main Menu

Choose the highlighter icon to get started. 

Click and drag over the text you want to highlight.

Using ComPDF Web Demo

Step 1: Click the Three Dots on the Top Right

Choose “Open File” to add your own PDF.

Step 2: Click “Annotations” on the Main Menu

This will give you a new set of tools to choose from.

Step 3: Click the Highlighter Icon

Click and drag across text to highlight.

Using Microsoft Edge

Step 1: Open the PDF in Microsoft Edge

Right-click the PDF file and choose to open it with Microsoft Edge.

Step 2: Select the Text You Want to Highlight

Click and drag your mouse over the text to select it.

Step 3: Click the Highlighter Icon

Choose your desired highlight color.

Using Mac Preview

Step 1: Open Your Document Library

Press the spacebar with your document selected.

Step 2: Click the Markup Icon

Choose the highlighter tool and drag a block over the text you want to highlight.

Step 3: Click “File” on the Main Menu

Choose “Save” from the options listed.

Using the iPhone Notes App

Step 1: Find Your PDF on Your iPhone

Click the “Share” button on the top right.

Step 2: Choose to Share to the Notes App

Save the PDF to a new note (this is the default setting).

Step 3: Open Your Notes App and Choose the Pencil Icon

Select the highlighter and use your Apple pencil or finger to highlight text on the PDF.

Top Tips for Highlighting PDFs

Here are some things to remember when highlighting your PDFs and some tips that may help you be more organised:

Use a Color Code

Assign colors for different types of information, for example:

• Yellow: Key facts or arguments
• Blue: Definitions or concepts
• Green: Action items or tasks
• Pink: Quotes or references
  
  

Do Not Overdo It

Too many highlights can reduce clarity. Focus only on the most essential text.

Add Notes

Most PDF tools allow you to add comments to your highlights. Use them to summarize why a section is important or to pose a question for later review.

Extract Your Highlights

Tools like PDF Reader Pro allow you to export your highlights as plain text—great for study guides or meeting notes.

With the right PDF editing tool, you can annotate more efficiently, stay organized, and get more out of every document. 

Check in weekly to see more helpful guides on the latest software.