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How to Edit My PDF Resume for Free in 2024

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July 28, 2022
Last Updated
March 14, 2024
3 min read
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Job hunting is stressful as it is, trying to edit your resume shouldn’t add to your stress.

Most employers and recruiters prefer to receive resumes in PDF Format. And it makes sense. PDFs can be viewed on almost any device, they preserve information clearly, and keep things clean and simple. 

If you don’t submit your resume as a PDF, you may be missing out on opportunities before you even get your foot in the door.

But making small edits to a resume after it’s been turned into a PDF can often be a headache. You’ll quickly find that even simple tasks like your email address, information, or even the date is hard to do on PDF. 

Fortunately, there are tools and methods that can help you quickly edit your resume. So you can focus on landing your new dream job! We’ve gathered the best ways to edit your PDF resume in a snap.

Pick the method that works best for you! 

What to Know Before You Start 

  • It’s best to make your edits before turning or saving it as a PDF. 
  • If you need to edit a resume in PDF format you’ll have to either convert it back to a Word document to make your edits, or use a PDF editor.
  • You can use Word or Google Docs to convert your resume back into a Word document for free, then you can download it back to PDF. But these methods are prone to formatting and spacing issues. Especially if you have graphics, images or special fonts in your resume. 

How to Edit My Resume with a PDF Editor (PDF Pro) 

The most reliable way to edit your resume if it’s a PDF is by using a PDF editor. That way you can directly edit your resume without needing to convert it to a different format. 

If you don’t have a PDF editor, you can download PDF Pro for free right now to edit your resume! 

Our recommended PDF editor is PDF Pro: Our all-in-one PDF editor, converter, creator, and OCR tool. 

1. Open the resume in PDF Pro. 

2. Click the Edit tab. 

Edit tab highlighted in PDF Pro.

3. Click on the tools you need, we're using Edit text.

Edit text button highlighted in PDF Pro.

4. Perform your edits.

5. Save your new PDF; press [ctrl] + [s] on your keyboard.  

How to Edit a Resume in Adobe 

You’ll need a subscription to the premium version of Adobe Acrobat DC. 

A bit overkill for just resume editing, but helpful if you already have it.

  1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat DC
  2. Click the Edit PDF button. 
  3. Select the tool(s) you need. 
  4. Perform your edits. 
  5. Save your new PDF. 

How to Edit a Resume in Word (Free… Kind of) 

If you already have access to Microsoft Word, then you can use to edit your resume PDF for free. However, some drawbacks exist, such as spacing and formatting issues. This method works best for resumes without many images or special designs. 

1. Launch Microsoft Word. 

2. Press Open, then Browse.

Word with the Browse button highlighted.

3. Find and Open your resume. 

Word Open dialog box with a resume selected and the Open button highlighted.

4. Press the OK

Microsoft Word converting to PDF dialog box with the OK button highlighted.

5. Perform your edits. 

6. Click File

Microsoft Word File menu button highlighted with a yellow box.

7. Click Export

Microsoft Word Export button highlighted with a yellow box around it.

8. Press Create PDF/XPS.

Word Create PDF/XPS button highlighted.

9. Publish

Publish as PDF or XPS dialog box in Word with the Publish button highlighted.

But you can use this to convert your resume into an editable Word document, then export the file as a PDF. 

How to Edit a Resume in Google Docs (Free) 

Google’s answer to Microsoft Word is completely free, and can be used in a pinch. It has many of the same features (and drawbacks) as the Word method, but is completely free. 

1. Upload your resume to Google Drive; in the top left: New > File upload, or drag-and-drop resume into Google Drive.

File upload button highlighted in Google Drive.

2. Open the resume in Google Docs. (Click the PDF document > Open with Google Docs).

Open with Google Docs button.

3. Perform your edits. 

4. Press File.

File menu button highlighted in Google Docs.

5. Download > PDF Document (.pdf)

Download as PDF Document option highlighted from Google Doc's File menu dropdown.

Edit Your PDF Resume Today!

We've shown you the best and easiest ways to edit your PDF resume so you're ready to impress and get that interview! We've shown both paid and free ways to edit your resume.

For a quick and free fix, you can use Word or Google Docs to edit a PDF resume! Keep in mind that these work best for resumes without many images, since spacing and formatting issues can happen.

For the most reliable and easy way to edit a resume in PDF form is by using a PDF editor! A PDF editor can accurately and reliable convert and edit PDF documents, so your resume will look exactly as you need it.

When it comes to anything PDF related, we recommend PDF Pro: our all-in-one PDF editor, converter, creator, OCR tool, and more!

What else PDF Pro can do for you:

Download PDF Pro for free for 15 days or Buy Now!

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Digital Marketing SpecialistArron Staradub
Arron is a Digital Marketer at PDF Pro, where he writes helpful and engaging articles for those that that use PDFs in their daily life. He has a knack for explaining concepts in an easily understandable way. He also loves reading and drinking too much coffee.

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