Edit PDFs on Any Mobile Device
Need to edit a PDF but you're not at your computer? No problem. Whether you're using an Android phone, iPhone, iPad, or any tablet, BoostPDF gives you professional PDF editing tools right in your mobile browser. No app to download, no complicated setup—just open your browser and start editing.
You can add text, insert signatures, highlight important sections, fill out forms, add images, and export finished PDFs—all from your phone or tablet. It's fast, secure, and works exactly the same way whether you're on Android or iOS.
Choose Your Platform
For the best experience and platform-specific tips, select your device:
Android
Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus & more
Learn about Google Drive integration, S Pen support & more →
iOS
iPhone, iPad & iPad Pro
Learn about Apple Pencil, iCloud Drive & more →
Why Edit PDFs on Mobile?
Mobile PDF editing has transformed how people work with documents. Here's why more people are choosing to edit PDFs on their phones and tablets:
Always With You
Your phone is always in your pocket. Need to sign a contract while you're out? Fill in a form during lunch? You can handle it immediately without waiting to get to a computer.
Touch is Natural
Drawing signatures with your finger feels more authentic than using a mouse. Adding quick annotations with taps is often faster and more intuitive than clicking.
No App Required
Unlike most mobile PDF tools, BoostPDF works directly in your browser. No installation, no storage space wasted, no app updates. Just open your browser and start editing.
Instant Sharing
After editing, share your PDF instantly via email, messaging apps, cloud storage, or any app on your device. Mobile sharing menus make it effortless.
Secure and Private
All PDF processing happens directly in your mobile browser. Your files never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy whether you're on Android or iOS.
What Can You Do?
BoostPDF gives you all the tools you need for mobile PDF editing:
Add Text Anywhere
Tap to add text boxes, fill out forms, add dates, or insert comments. Your mobile keyboard appears automatically with predictive text and autocomplete.
Sign Documents
Draw your signature with your finger or stylus. It's actually easier on mobile than desktop. Save your signature for one-tap insertion next time.
Annotate PDFs
Highlight text, draw arrows, circle important sections, or add freehand notes. Perfect for reviewing documents on the go.
Insert Images
Add photos from your camera roll, take new pictures, or insert saved images. Resize and position them with pinch-to-zoom gestures.
Add Stamps
Quickly add "Approved," "Confidential," or custom stamps. Check boxes, add tick marks, or mark documents as reviewed.
How It Works
Editing PDFs on mobile is simple and works the same way on all devices:
- Open Your Browser Launch Safari (iOS) or Chrome (Android) and navigate to BoostPDF.com. The interface automatically optimizes for your device.
- Select Your PDF Tap the button and select your PDF from any storage location on your device. It opens directly in your browser - all processing happens on your device.
- Edit with Touch Use the touch-optimized toolbar to add text, signatures, drawings, and more. All tools work perfectly with fingers or stylus.
- Export and Share Tap Export when finished and use your device's share menu to send via email, save to cloud storage, or open in another app.
Platform-Specific Guides
Each mobile platform has unique features and capabilities. For detailed instructions, tips, and platform-specific workflows, visit our dedicated guides:
Android PDF Editing Guide
Learn about Google Drive integration, Samsung S Pen support, split-screen multitasking, Chrome optimization, and Android-specific tips.
iOS PDF Editing Guide
Discover Apple Pencil features, iCloud Drive workflows, AirDrop sharing, Safari optimization, and iOS-specific techniques.
Mobile Pro Tip: Use landscape mode (rotate your phone horizontally) for more screen space when editing complex documents. The toolbar automatically adjusts.
iOS vs Android: Any Differences?
Great question. The answer is: not really. BoostPDF works the same way on both iOS and Android because it's web-based. Here's what you should know:
iPhone & iPad (iOS)
- Browser: Use Safari for the best experience (it's optimized for iOS)
- File Access: PDFs open from Files app, iCloud Drive, or third-party apps like Dropbox
- Saving: Edited PDFs save to your Downloads folder in the Files app
- Sharing: Use the iOS Share Sheet to send via Mail, Messages, AirDrop, etc.
- Touch: Supports Apple Pencil on iPad for precise drawing and signatures
Android Phones & Tablets
- Browser: Chrome works perfectly (Samsung Internet and Firefox also work)
- File Access: PDFs open from Google Drive, internal storage, or any file manager app
- Saving: Edited PDFs save to your Downloads folder
- Sharing: Use Android's share menu to send via Gmail, WhatsApp, Drive, etc.
- Touch: Supports stylus input on Samsung Galaxy, Surface Duo, and other stylus-equipped devices
Bottom line: Whether you're Team iPhone or Team Android, you'll get the same powerful editing features with an interface designed for your device.
Common Mobile Editing Scenarios
Let me walk you through some real-world situations where mobile PDF editing saves the day.
📋 "I need to sign a contract while I'm out"
This is probably the most common reason people edit PDFs on mobile. Here's the quickest way:
- Open the PDF from your email attachment or download it first
- Tap the "Signature" tool in the editor
- Choose "Draw" and sign with your finger on the screen
- Drag the signature to the signature line
- Export and email it back
Total time: under 2 minutes. Way faster than printing, signing, scanning, and emailing.
📝 "I need to fill out a form on my phone"
Forms are actually easier on mobile in some ways because the keyboard pops up automatically:
- Open the form PDF in the editor
- Tap the "Text" tool
- Tap each field and type your information
- The keyboard appears for each field automatically
- Add checkmarks by using the stamp tool or drawing
- Export when complete
✅ "I need to review a document and add comments"
Perfect for managers, teachers, or anyone who reviews documents on the go:
- Open the document in the mobile editor
- Use the highlighter tool to mark sections (swipe your finger)
- Tap the comment tool to add sticky notes
- Draw circles or arrows to point out specific items
- Save and send back with your feedback
🖼️ "I want to add a photo to a PDF on my phone"
This is actually easier on mobile than desktop because your photos are right there:
- Open your PDF in the editor
- Tap the "Image" tool
- Choose a photo from your camera roll
- Position and resize it with your fingers
- Export the updated PDF
You can even take a new photo with your camera and insert it immediately.
Battery Tip: PDF editing doesn't drain your battery like video apps do, but if you're working on a large document, consider plugging in your phone to avoid interruptions.
Mobile Editing Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips to make mobile PDF editing even smoother:
📱 Use Two Fingers for Precision
When positioning elements like signatures or text boxes, use one finger to drag and another to fine-tune the position. It gives you much better control than one finger alone.
🔍 Zoom In Before Adding Text
Before adding text to small form fields, zoom in first. It's easier to tap the exact spot and see what you're typing. Zoom out to check the overall look.
💾 Save Your Signature for Reuse
The first time you create a signature on mobile, save it. The editor will remember it so you can insert your signature with just one tap next time.
🔄 Rotate Your Phone for Different Tasks
- Portrait mode: Better for scrolling through multi-page documents
- Landscape mode: Better for detailed editing with more screen space
👆 Use Stylus for Detailed Work (If Available)
If you have an Apple Pencil, Samsung S Pen, or any capacitive stylus, use it for signatures and drawings. You'll get much more precision than with your finger.
Troubleshooting Mobile PDF Editing
Running into issues? Here are the most common problems and quick fixes.
❓ "The PDF won't open on my phone"
Usually this is a browser issue. Try these steps:
- Make sure you're using Safari (iOS) or Chrome (Android)
- Update your browser to the latest version
- Clear your browser cache and try again
- If the file is very large (over 50MB), it might take a minute to load
❓ "The toolbar is too small on my phone"
The toolbar auto-sizes based on your screen. If it's still too small:
- Rotate to landscape mode for larger buttons
- Tap and hold a tool icon to see its label
- Use the zoom feature in your browser settings (accessibility)
❓ "My signature looks messy when I draw with my finger"
Drawing with your finger takes practice. Here's what helps:
- Draw slowly and deliberately
- Use a stylus if you have one
- Try the "Type" option instead and use a signature-style font
- Sign on paper, take a photo, and upload it as an image
❓ "The edited PDF looks different after I download it"
This can happen if you're viewing the PDF in different apps. Some mobile PDF viewers render things slightly differently. Open your edited PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader on mobile to see the true output.
❓ "I can't find my downloaded PDF"
Check these locations:
- iPhone/iPad: Files app → Downloads folder
- Android: Files or Downloads app (or check your browser's downloads)
- Some browsers ask where to save files, so check your chosen location
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit PDFs on my iPhone or Android phone?
Yes! BoostPDF works perfectly on both iPhone (iOS) and Android devices. Simply open your mobile browser (Safari on iPhone or Chrome on Android), visit BoostPDF.com, and start editing. No app download required. All features are available on mobile.
Do I need to download an app to edit PDFs on mobile?
No app download needed. BoostPDF is a web-based editor that works directly in your mobile browser. This means it works on any device without taking up storage space, and you never have to worry about app updates or compatibility issues.
Is editing PDFs on mobile free?
Yes! Basic features like adding text and annotations are free on mobile with our daily usage limit. Premium features like signatures and advanced tools are available with a subscription. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Can I sign PDFs on my phone?
Absolutely! You can add your signature by drawing with your finger directly on the touchscreen, typing your name in a signature font, or uploading a photo of your signature. Drawing signatures with your finger is actually easier and more natural on mobile than using a mouse on desktop.
Will my PDF files stay private on mobile?
Yes. Your PDFs are processed directly in your mobile browser using client-side JavaScript. Files never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy whether you're on iPhone, Android, or tablet. We don't upload, store, or have access to your documents.
Does mobile editing work on tablets like iPad?
Yes! BoostPDF works great on tablets including iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and other Android tablets. The larger screen makes editing even easier, and if you have a stylus like Apple Pencil or S Pen, you can use it for precise drawing and signatures.
Can I edit large PDF files on my phone?
Yes! With free access, you can edit PDFs up to 10MB on mobile. Premium users can work with files up to 100MB on any device. For best performance on mobile devices, if your file approaches the limit, consider using a desktop or splitting the PDF into smaller parts.
What if I start editing on mobile and want to finish on desktop?
You can save your work in progress and pick it up on any device. The "Save" button stores your annotations so you can open the same PDF later on your computer and continue where you left off.
Ready to Edit PDFs on Mobile?
That's everything you need to know about editing PDFs on mobile devices. Whether you're using Android or iOS, you now know that professional PDF editing is possible right from your phone or tablet—no apps, no complicated setup, just your browser.
For platform-specific instructions, tips, and advanced features, check out our dedicated guides:
- Android PDF Editing Guide - Google Drive, S Pen, Chrome tips & more
- iOS PDF Editing Guide - Apple Pencil, iCloud Drive, Safari tips & more
Ready to try it? Tap the upload button at the top of this page, choose a PDF from your device, and see how easy mobile PDF editing can be.