alphaPDF · Free PDF tool
Annotate PDFs in Chrome, for free.
Mark up a report, review a draft or add a visual signature without leaving your PDF workspace. alphaPDF Free includes annotation tools for highlights, comments and drawings. Your document contents and annotation work stay on your device rather than being uploaded to alphaPDF’s servers.
How to mark up and save a PDF
- Install alphaPDF, add your PDF and open it in the workspace.
- Choose the annotation tools and select the kind of mark you need, such as a highlight, comment or drawing.
- Review the pages and adjust your marks before saving.
- Save an annotated copy, then reopen the exported result to check that the marks you want to share are present.
A draft and an exported document are different
Annotation drafts help you continue work in the local workspace. A recipient needs the exported PDF, rather than your local draft. Before merging or transforming an annotated document, create an annotated copy and use that copy as the source. Keeping your original gives you a clean starting point for later revisions.
Visual signatures and secure redaction
A visual signature adds a visible mark to a page. It is not a certificate-based digital signature or a managed e-signature service. Drawing a rectangle over text is also not a secure way to redact it. If a document contains sensitive information, use a dedicated redaction workflow and carefully review the resulting file.
Free PDF annotation on your device
Reading, search, annotation and common page tools are included in alphaPDF Free. Advanced tools such as OCR and editable Word export require Pro. The extension is built for desktop Google Chrome; processing time and capacity depend on your computer and the document.
Frequently asked questions
Can I annotate without an alphaPDF account?
Yes. The free document and annotation tools do not require an alphaPDF account.
Are a visual signature and a digital signature the same?
No. A visual signature is a visible mark. alphaPDF does not claim certificate signing or a managed signing service.
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