Annotate PDFs in Zoho Notebook

Annotate PDFs in Zoho Notebook

Overview

Zoho Notebook allows you to annotate PDF documents without leaving the app. You can highlight text, add comments, insert text, draw on PDFs, add shapes, images, and watermarks, making it easier to review, edit, and organize documents directly within your notes.

PDF annotation is available for PDFs stored as File Cards as well as PDFs embedded inside Text Notes.

How to Annotate a PDF

  1. Open the File Card or Text Note containing the PDF. 
  2. Click the PDF to open it. 
  3. Select Edit(Pencil Icon) from the toolbar. 
  4. Use the available annotation tools to make your changes. 
  5. Click Done, or simply close the viewer. Your changes are saved automatically.



PDF Annotation Tools

Zoho Notebook provides a comprehensive set of PDF annotation and editing tools to help you review, modify, and organize PDF documents. The available tools may vary slightly depending on the platform you're using.

Markup Tools

Use these tools to review and annotate document content.

  • Highlight – Highlight important text for quick reference. 
  • Draw – Freehand draw, underline, circle, or sketch directly on the PDF. 
  • Erase – Remove drawings or contents in the PDF. 
  • Cross & Check Symbols – Quickly mark content with check marks or crosses for reviews, approvals, or evaluations.

Text & Editing Tools

Modify or add information to your PDF.

  • Text Box – Insert text anywhere in the document. 
  • Date Field – Insert the current date wherever required. 
  • Fillable Fields – Add editable fields such as: 
  • Date 
  • Phone Number 
  • Email Address 
  • Currency 
  • Custom Text Fields 

Review & Navigation Tools

Improve document readability and navigation.

  • Shapes – Add rectangles, circles, arrows, lines, and other shapes to emphasize content. 
  • Links – Insert hyperlinks to websites or other resources. 
  • Scale Tool – Measure distances or dimensions within supported PDF documents.

Forms & Signature Tools

Prepare documents for signing or completing forms.

  • Signature Field – Add a placeholder where a signature is required. 
  • Initial Field – Insert fields for initials. 
  • Signer Information Fields – Add fields such as signer name, company, title, and date. 
  • Checkboxes – Add checkboxes for forms and questionnaires.

Media & Identification Tools

Enhance documents with additional visual information.

  • Images – Insert logos, photos, or signatures. 
  • Barcode – Add barcodes to documents where needed. 
  • QR Code – Generate and insert QR codes for quick access to websites or information. 
  • Watermark – Apply text or image watermarks such as DraftApproved, or Confidential.

Note

The PDF annotation tools available may vary depending on your device and operating system. Some advanced editing features are currently supported only on specific platforms. For the best experience and access to the latest annotation capabilities, make sure you're using the latest version of the Zoho Notebook app on your device.

Supported PDFs

You can annotate PDFs that are stored as:

  • File Cards 
  • PDFs embedded within Text Notes 

Things to Know

  • PDF annotations are saved automatically. 
  • You can edit PDFs without downloading them to another application. 
  • Annotation tools may vary slightly depending on your platform and app version. 
  • Both File Cards and embedded PDFs support annotation.

Availability

PDF Annotation is currently supported on the following platforms:

  • Android 
  • iPhone & iPad (iOS/iPadOS) 
  • Web App 
  • Windows 
  • macOS 
  • Linux 

This feature is available with the following Zoho Notebook plans:

  • Notebook Pro 
  • Notebook Pro Plus
  • Notebook Business 

NotesNote: To access the latest PDF annotation features and improvements, ensure that you're using the latest version of the Zoho Notebook app on your device. Keeping your app updated provides the best compatibility and performance across all supported platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I annotate PDFs directly in Zoho Notebook?
Yes. You can open and annotate PDFs directly within Zoho Notebook without using another application.

2. Are my PDF annotations saved automatically?
Yes. Your annotations are saved automatically when you make changes to the PDF.

3. Why are some PDF annotation tools not available on my device?
Some annotation tools are platform-specific and may not be available on every device. Make sure you're using the latest version of Zoho Notebook to access the latest supported features.

4. On which platforms is PDF annotation available?
PDF annotation is available on Android, iPhone and iPad, Web, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

5. Which Notebook plans support PDF annotation?
PDF annotation is available with Notebook Pro, Notebook Pro Plus, and Notebook Business plans.

Need Further Assistance?

If you're experiencing issues while annotating PDFs, contact our support team at support@zohonotebook.com, and we'll be happy to help.


        Create. Review. Publish.

        Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

        Get Started Now


          Access your files securely from anywhere

            Zoho CRM Training Programs

            Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.

            Zoho CRM Training
              Redefine the way you work
              with Zoho Workplace

                Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo

                If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.

                Zoho CRM Training

                  Create, share, and deliver

                  beautiful slides from anywhere.

                  Get Started Now


                    Zoho Sign now offers specialized one-on-one training for both administrators and developers.

                    BOOK A SESSION







                                Quick LinksWorkflow AutomationData Collection
                                Web FormsEnterpriseOnline Data Collection Tool
                                Embeddable FormsBankingBegin Data Collection
                                Interactive FormsWorkplaceData Collection App
                                CRM FormsCustomer ServiceAccessible Forms
                                Digital FormsMarketingForms for Small Business
                                HTML FormsEducationForms for Enterprise
                                Contact FormsE-commerceForms for any business
                                Lead Generation FormsHealthcareForms for Startups
                                Wordpress FormsCustomer onboardingForms for Small Business
                                No Code FormsConstructionRSVP tool for holidays
                                Free FormsTravelFeatures for Order Forms
                                Prefill FormsNon-Profit

                                Intake FormsLegal
                                Mobile App
                                Form DesignerHR
                                Mobile Forms
                                Card FormsFoodOffline Forms
                                Assign FormsPhotographyMobile Forms Features
                                Translate FormsReal EstateKiosk in Mobile Forms
                                Electronic Forms
                                Drag & drop form builder

                                Notification Emails for FormsAlternativesSecurity & Compliance
                                Holiday FormsGoogle Forms alternative GDPR
                                Form to PDFJotform alternativeHIPAA Forms
                                Email FormsFormstack alternativeEncrypted Forms

                                Wufoo alternativeSecure Forms

                                TypeformWCAG

                                  Zoho FSM Video Tutorials


                                        All-in-one knowledge management and training platform for your employees and customers.

                                                  Create. Review. Publish.

                                                  Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

                                                  Get Started Now




                                                                    You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.




                                                                        Manage your brands on social media


                                                                          • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                                          • Digest


                                                                          • Functions


                                                                          • Meetups


                                                                          • Kbase


                                                                          • Resources


                                                                          • Glossary


                                                                          • Desk Marketplace


                                                                          • MVP Corner


                                                                          • Word of the Day


                                                                          • Ask the Experts


                                                                            Zoho Sheet Resources

                                                                             

                                                                                Zoho Forms Resources


                                                                                  Secure your business
                                                                                  communication with Zoho Mail


                                                                                  Mail on the move with
                                                                                  Zoho Mail mobile application

                                                                                    Stay on top of your schedule
                                                                                    at all times


                                                                                    Carry your calendar with you
                                                                                    Anytime, anywhere




                                                                                          Zoho Sign Resources

                                                                                            Sign, Paperless!

                                                                                            Sign and send business documents on the go!

                                                                                            Get Started Now




                                                                                                    Zoho TeamInbox Resources





                                                                                                              Zoho DataPrep Demo

                                                                                                              Get a personalized demo or POC

                                                                                                              REGISTER NOW


                                                                                                                Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                                                Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                                                Get Started Now








                                                                                                                                    • Related Articles

                                                                                                                                    • Zoho Notebook Pro Plan

                                                                                                                                      Overview Notebook Pro is the premium subscription plan for Zoho Notebook designed for users who need advanced note-taking capabilities, enhanced storage, customization options, and productivity-focused features. Whether you're managing personal ...
                                                                                                                                    • Zoho Notebook for Business

                                                                                                                                      Overview Zoho Notebook for Business is a purpose-built productivity platform that combines powerful note-taking, team collaboration, project management, and third-party integrations into one unified workspace. It is engineered for teams that need ...
                                                                                                                                    • Welcome to Zoho Notebook

                                                                                                                                      Overview Welcome to Zoho Notebook! Whether you're taking personal notes, managing work, planning projects, or migrating from another note-taking app, this guide will help you get started. If you're new to Notebook, we recommend following the sections ...
                                                                                                                                    • Zoho Notebook for Linux

                                                                                                                                      Overview Zoho Notebook for Linux delivers a fast, flexible, and distraction-free note-taking experience built specifically for Linux users. Whether you're using Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Arch, or other Linux distributions, Zoho Notebook provides a ...
                                                                                                                                    • Zoho Notebook Pro Plus Plan

                                                                                                                                      Overview Notebook Pro Plus is a premium subscription plan that combines the benefits of Notebook Pro and Notebook AI into a single subscription. It is designed for users who want advanced note-taking capabilities along with AI-powered assistance for ...
                                                                                                                                      Wherever you are is as good as
                                                                                                                                      your workplace

                                                                                                                                        Resources

                                                                                                                                        Videos

                                                                                                                                        Watch comprehensive videos on features and other important topics that will help you master Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                                        eBooks

                                                                                                                                        Download free eBooks and access a range of topics to get deeper insight on successfully using Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                                        Webinars

                                                                                                                                        Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho CRM basics, from customization to sales force automation and more.



                                                                                                                                        CRM Tips

                                                                                                                                        Make the most of Zoho CRM with these useful tips.



                                                                                                                                          Zoho Show Resources