How to edit a scanned PDF on iPhone

A scanned PDF is a photograph of a page. There is no text inside it for an editor to change, which is why most apps, including Apple's Markup, can only draw a new text box over the top.

PDF Genius recognises the text on the page first, on your iPhone, so you can tap a word and replace it as if it were a normal PDF.

Step by step

1. Add the document. In the Library tap +. Use Scan Document for paper, Photos to PDF for a photo you've already taken, or Import PDF for a scan someone sent you.
2. Open it and tap Edit Text → Replace.
3. Tap the word or line you want to change. PDF Genius finds the text, its size and its colour.
4. Type the new text. The old text is removed and the background behind it is rebuilt from the surrounding page, including tinted or shaded boxes.
5. Tap Done Editing, then ⋯ → Export & Share.

Edit the real text in scanned and photographed PDFs.

Download on the App Store

Getting the best result

• Sharp, straight scans work best. Scan Document crops and straightens automatically.
• Printed text works far better than handwriting.
• Keep replacements a similar length to the original so the line still fits.
• Made a mistake? ⋯ → Undo Last Edit.