How to Change Fonts and Colors in a PDF File
Question details
The user needs to change specific fonts (such as Lato Light), text colors, and background colors within an existing PDF document.

- Product
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing text styles and background appearances directly within a PDF file.
- Observed behavior
- Directly editing text and colors in a PDF is required, but doing so without proper tools can alter the document's layout and internal structure.
Before making extensive formatting changes, ensure you have the required fonts installed on your system and always create a backup copy of your PDF to prevent accidental layout damage.
Use Direct PDF Editing Tools
Utilize built-in text and form-field editing features in a professional PDF editor to modify fonts and colors directly.
Directly editing a PDF can sometimes be destructive to the file structure. It is highly recommended for minor text modifications where the font is already embedded or installed on your system. For major redesigns, see the exporting method.
Open your document in your PDF editor (such as Adobe Acrobat Pro) and select the 'Edit PDF' tool from the right pane.
Click on the text box you want to modify. A Format panel or floating toolbar will appear showing the current text properties.
In the Format panel, select your desired font (e.g., Lato Light) from the dropdown menu and pick a new text color using the color swatch.

Export to Word for Major Design Changes
For extensive formatting changes, exporting the PDF to an editable format like Microsoft Word is safer than direct PDF editing.
Easily Change Fonts and Colors with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF Editor that allows you to easily modify text, fonts, and background colors without messing up your document's layout. It also offers a seamless PDF to Word converter for major document overhauls.
- 1. Open the PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your computer and open your PDF file.
- 2. Enter Edit Mode: Click on the 'Edit' tab at the top of the interface, then select 'Edit Text' to make the text blocks editable.
- 3. Modify Text and Colors: Highlight the text you want to change. Use the floating toolbar or the right-side properties panel to select a new font and text color.
- 4. Change Background Color: Under the same 'Edit' tab, select 'Background' to easily add or change the background color of your PDF pages.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF font change unexpectedly when I try to edit it?
This happens if the original font used in the PDF is not installed on your computer or is not properly embedded in the file. The PDF editor will automatically substitute the missing font with an available default font on your system.
Can I change the background color of an entire PDF file at once?
Yes, most advanced PDF editors allow you to add or modify background colors globally. In editing mode, look for the 'Background' option (often found under the 'Edit' or 'Page' tools) to apply a solid color or image to all pages.
Is it safe to edit the structure of a PDF directly?
Direct PDF editing is best suited for minor typos or style tweaks. For extensive formatting and layout alterations, it is highly recommended to export the PDF to Word or edit the original source file to prevent corrupting the document structure.
How do I add a new font like Lato Light to my PDF editor?
To use a specific custom font in a PDF editor, you must first download and install the font file (usually .ttf or .otf) onto your operating system. Once installed, restart your PDF editor, and the new font will appear in the text formatting dropdown menus.




