How to Add Text Boxes to PDFs in Helperbird

Learn how to use Helperbird's add text boxes to pdfs in helperbird. Complete guide for improving web accessibility and reading support.

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What are PDF Annotations?

PDF Annotations let you add text boxes directly onto PDF documents. You can write notes, add comments, or fill in forms. The annotations become part of the PDF and can be saved and shared.


Who is This For?

This feature is helpful for:

  • Students who want to add notes to study materials
  • Anyone who needs to fill out PDF forms
  • People who want to add comments to documents for review
  • Researchers who need to annotate academic papers
  • Anyone who wants to mark up PDF documents

Step 1: Open a PDF in Helperbird

When you view any PDF in your browser, look for the green button that says "Open PDF in Helperbird - Click to Open" at the bottom of the page.

Click this button.

The PDF will open in Helperbird's PDF Reader with a clean interface and navigation tools at the top.


Step 2: Enable Annotation Mode

In the toolbar at the top of the PDF Reader, click the Add Textbox button (the document icon with a plus sign) in the toolbar at the top.

A text box will be added to the current page. You can drag it to any position and resize it.


Step 3: Add Text Boxes

Click the Add Textbox button again to add more text boxes. Each new text box is slightly offset from the previous one.

Type your text inside the box. The text box will expand as you type.

You can also type text in the Notepad (click the Notepad button in the toolbar to open it) and then click Add text to PDF to insert your notepad content as a text box on the current page.


Step 4: Download Your Annotated PDF

When you are finished adding your annotations, click the Download PDF button (download icon with arrow) in the toolbar at the top.

An Options menu will appear with three choices:

  • Download Note – Save just your annotations as a separate file
  • Download PDF – Download the original PDF without any annotations
  • Download PDF with Annotations – Download the PDF with all your text boxes included

Click Download PDF with Annotations.

A green notification will confirm "PDF downloaded with annotations". Your browser will download the annotated PDF with all your text boxes permanently embedded.

Tip: Your annotations are saved as part of the PDF, so anyone who opens the file in any PDF reader will see your text boxes. This makes it perfect for adding comments, notes, or feedback to documents. You can also use the Drawing Tools to add freehand drawings, shapes, and arrows alongside your text boxes.



Video Tutorial


Need Additional Help?

If you have any questions or run into any issues, please contact the Helperbird support team. You can reach us at Helperbird support. We are happy to help you get the most out of Helperbird.

What People Are Saying

Join over 1,000,000 people who use Helperbird every day.

Helperbird offers a wide range of customization in one easy to navigate spot. Computers and dyslexia don't always mesh, the features like ruler makes reading text heavy web pages easier. Tech support is amazingly responsive should you need any help.

Fiona Wren

Fiona Wren

Helperbird user

Huge fan of the zoom feature. It trumps the native zoom in your browser since the zoom level you set actually stays with you no matter what page you go to, which is very helpful and meshes well with the other features the app offers.

Taylor Kirkpatrick

Taylor Kirkpatrick

Helperbird user

They were super fast with response time when helping me meet a deadline and very kind when corresponding. If the app is anything like their customer service then I am happy with my purchase!

DD BA

DD BA

Helperbird user

Amazing in eliminating embarrassing mistakes. Am one happy kid here!

Brian Borland

Brian Borland

Helperbird user

This is a great little extension, lightweight and non intrusive. With dyslexia its reading that's an issue, not the underlying intelligence. An aid such as this one, can help deliver the world to some who may not otherwise have received it. Great Work.

Colm Murphy

Colm Murphy

Helperbird user

This works and it makes everything so much easier to read! Thank you so much and i will keep posted if i do run into any issues!

Jay O'Bell

Jay O'Bell

Helperbird user

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