How to Add Comments in Adobe Acrobat: Your Revision Guide
When reviewing your formatted book proof, the most efficient way to communicate your requested revisions is by adding comments directly to the PDF file. This ensures clarity and precision, helping us implement your changes quickly and accurately.
Using PDF commenting tools streamlines the revision process, making it easier for both you and our team.
Watch Our Quick Guide Video
Why Comment on a PDF?
- Clarity: You can point directly to the exact text or element you want to change.
- Precision: Avoids ambiguity that can arise from written lists of changes, especially with page numbers that might shift.
- Efficiency: Speeds up the revision process, as our designers can quickly locate and understand your feedback.
- Record Keeping: Creates a clear record of all requested changes within the document itself.
Using Our Adobe Acrobat Online Link
We will provide you with a unique Adobe Acrobat online link to your formatted PDF proof. This allows you to add comments directly in your web browser, **without needing to download or install any software.**
Open Your PDF via the Provided Link
Simply click on the Adobe Acrobat online link we send you. Your formatted PDF proof will open directly in your web browser, ready for comments.
Adobe Acrobat online interface.
Access Commenting Tools
Once the PDF is open, look for the commenting tools. These are typically found on the right-hand side panel, often labeled "Comments" (represented by a speech bubble icon), or within a toolbar at the top of the document. Click on the "Comments" panel to expand it and reveal the various annotation tools.
Common tools include:
- Highlight Text: Look for a highlighter icon (). Click and drag over the text you want to highlight.
- Add a Sticky Note: Find the sticky note icon (). Click anywhere on the page to place a note.
- Insert Text Correction: Look for text-related icons, such as a 'T' with a caret or an arrow, or a tool specifically for "Replace text" or "Insert text."
- Strikethrough Text: Find the strikethrough icon () and drag over text to mark it for deletion.
Selecting text to highlight and add a comment.
Type Your Comments Clearly
After selecting a tool (e.g., highlighting text), a comment box will appear. Type your requested change clearly and specifically. For example:
- "Change 'recieve' to 'receive'."
- "Increase space after this paragraph."
- "Move image up slightly to align with heading."
A comment appearing in the right-hand comments panel.
Insert or Replace Text
If you need to insert new text or replace existing text, look for the "Add comments" or "Replace selected text" / "Insert text" options in the toolbar.
- Insert Text: Click the "Insert text" icon (often a 'T' with a caret or arrow). Click where you want to add text, and a comment box will appear for you to type the new content.
- Replace Text: Select the text you want to replace. A pop-up menu will appear, or you can find a "Replace selected text" tool in the toolbar. Type the correct text in the comment box.
Using the 'Insert text' tool for additions.
Edit or Delete Existing Comments
To modify or remove a comment you've already made, simply click on the comment icon or the highlighted text on the PDF. The comment panel on the right will open. Hover over your comment in the panel, and you'll typically see options like "Edit" or "Delete." Click the relevant option to make changes.
Editing or deleting a comment from the comments panel.*
Comments Auto-Save – Inform Us When Done!
When using our Adobe Acrobat online link, your comments are **automatically saved** as you make them. There's no need to manually click a "save" button. Once you have finished adding all your revisions, please simply inform us via email or our preferred communication method. We will then access the updated PDF directly to begin implementing your changes.
Other PDF Readers with Commenting Features:
While we recommend our online link for the easiest experience, many other PDF readers also offer commenting functionalities, though the exact steps might vary:
- Preview (Mac): Built-in PDF viewer on macOS has robust annotation tools.
- Foxit Reader (Free): A popular alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader with commenting features.
- Google Chrome (Browser): While basic, Chrome's built-in PDF viewer allows for some highlighting and text notes.
Frequently Asked Questions About PDF Comments
Common questions about using PDF tools for your book revisions.
While you can, it is highly discouraged for efficiency and accuracy. Listing changes in a separate document often leads to misunderstandings, especially with precise formatting adjustments or if page numbers shift. Commenting directly on the PDF using our online link is the clearest and fastest way to ensure your revisions are implemented correctly.
No, you do not! We provide an online link to your PDF proof that allows you to add comments directly in your web browser. This means you don't need to download or install any software. Simply open the link, make your comments, and they will be auto-saved.
Yes, when using the online link we provide, your comments are typically auto-saved as you make them. There is no manual "save" button required. Once you are completely done adding all your comments, please inform us so we can proceed with your revisions.
You can usually close and re-open the online link to confirm that all your comments are visible. You should see the highlights, sticky notes, or other annotations exactly where you placed them. If not, try refreshing the page or ensuring your internet connection is stable.
While you *can* technically mark content edits this way, our formatting revisions policy specifies that significant content changes are handled differently. Minor content edits (typos, missing words) are subject to a small fee per edit. For major content revisions, it's often more efficient to provide a revised Word document or use the InDesign source files yourself. Please refer to our Book Formatting Revision Policy for full details.