Annotating PDFs

We get a lot of questions about manipulating and annotating PDf or Adobe files. Portable Document Files or PDFs are a common file format but are not as easily manipulated as Word or Docs. Many teachers have found that while you can convert a PDF to a DOC file, it will contain errors that will need to be addressed before it can be used.

So what is the best way for teachers and Students to annotate PDF files?

Adobe Reader is free and available through the Symantec portal and will allow users to open, view, print, and annotate PDF files. Adobe Reader will allow users to add text, shapes, highlight, comment, and mark on PDF files. Teachers can also create official signatures that include timestamps. Adobe Acrobat is the paid version of Reader and allows users greater editing tools, but requires a license. For additional information on annotating in Adobe Reader, click here.

*If a teacher is required by the district to sign a PDF, it must be done in Adobe reader and the instructions can be found here.

For an in-depth look at the tools and functions of Adobe Reader, check out this Hoonuit Course.

Another option for annotating PDFs is Kami

Kami allows teachers and students to highlight, add shapes, add text, print, and save PDF files. Teachers can annotate and share through Google Classroom or Drive, or students can annotate themselves. While Kami lacks some of the editing functions of Acrobat, there is a paid version of KAMI that has additional tools that are noted with the padlock on the menu screen.

KAMI is available as a chrome extension or as a website that links to Google Drive and Google Classroom. Once Kami is added as an extension, it will be an option to open a PDF file under the “open with” drop down.

Kami’s controls are mostly self-explanatory and bring users many annotating features in a free and easy to use format.

Need help with Kami? This link will take users to the Kami Youtube channel for step by step instructions.

*There are several online options that will allow PDF editing/annotating or file conversion, but many lack the function and convenience of Adobe/Kami or are loaded with ads. It is not recommended that teachers use website or downloadable PDF editing options due to malware risks.