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How to Draw, Annotate, Save, and Print a PDF on Surface Pro or iPad
Question details
The user needs to know how to use a stylus to digitally ink a PDF file with colored lines and shapes, save the changes, and print the annotated document.
- Product
- PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- Surface Pro / iPad Pro
- Scenario
- Reviewing a PDF document on a tablet and using a digital pen to add handwritten notes, drawings, and shapes before sending it to a color printer.
- Observed behavior
- The user is looking for a complete workflow to draw on a PDF, permanently embed the stylus annotations, and output the customized document via a printer.
Ensure your stylus (such as the Apple Pencil or Surface Pen) is paired and fully charged, and verify that your tablet is connected to an active color printer.
Use a PDF Editor's Commenting and Drawing Tools
Utilize built-in commenting tools in standard PDF apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader to mark up your PDF and print the final result.
Most modern PDF reader applications on tablets are optimized for stylus input. By accessing the commenting or annotation tabs, you can easily access digital pens, highlighters, and shape tools.
Launch your preferred PDF application and open the document you wish to annotate.
Navigate to the 'Comment' or 'Annotate' menu and select the 'Pencil' or 'Pen' tool to activate stylus drawing.
Use your stylus to draw colored lines, arrows, or circles directly onto the document. You can usually tap the pen icon again to change ink colors and thickness.
Tap 'File' > 'Save', or tap the checkmark/save icon to embed your annotations permanently into the PDF file.
Tap 'File' > 'Print', choose your color printer from the network list, ensure 'Print Markups' is enabled in the print settings, and confirm to print.
Annotate and Print PDFs effortlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office features a robust built-in PDF editor with excellent support for both the Surface Pen and Apple Pencil. You can smoothly draw, add shapes, save your ink, and print colored annotations all within one lightweight application.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your iPad or Surface Pro and open the PDF file you need to review.
- 2. Access the Annotation Tools: Tap on the 'Annotate' or 'Comment' tab at the top of the screen and select the 'Pen' tool.
- 3. Markup with your Stylus: Draw your lines, arrows, and circles. Customize the color and stroke weight via the pen settings menu.
- 4. Save your Annotations: Tap the 'Save' icon located in the top toolbar to embed the drawings into your PDF file.
- 5. Print the Document: Go to 'File' > 'Print', select your color printer, and proceed to print the fully annotated document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my PDF drawings not showing up when I print?
This usually occurs if the print settings are configured to print 'Document Only'. Before printing, check your printer settings dialogue box and ensure 'Document and Markups' or 'Print Annotations' is selected.
Can I change the color and thickness of my drawing lines?
Yes. In most PDF editors, tapping the pen tool icon a second time or opening the tool properties menu will allow you to adjust the ink color, opacity, and stroke thickness.
Do I need an active internet connection to draw on a PDF?
No, you do not need an internet connection to draw, annotate, and save PDF documents locally on your tablet. However, a network connection (like Wi-Fi) is required to send the document to a wireless printer.
