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How to Remove or Invert a PDF Background on iPhone
Question details
The user wants to print a PDF that has a solid black background and light text from an iPhone, but needs to remove or invert the background color first to avoid using excessive printer ink.
- Product
- Acrobat Reader Mobile
- Device & OS
- iPhone
- Scenario
- Trying to print a highly ink-consuming PDF document directly from a mobile device by altering its background colors.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat Reader Mobile on iOS does not support removing or inverting PDF backgrounds, preventing the user from easily preparing the document for ink-efficient printing.
Before attempting to edit the PDF file, check your printer's companion app on your iPhone (such as HP Smart or Epson iPrint), as some modern printers offer built-in settings to invert colors directly during the printing process.
Use a Desktop PDF Editor to Remove the Background
Since mobile PDF readers often lack advanced page editing features, transferring the file to a desktop computer to remove the background is the most reliable method.
Advanced PDF features, like background removal and color conversion, are typically reserved for desktop applications. By removing the background on a computer, you can permanently alter the document and then easily print it or send it back to your iPhone.
Use AirDrop, email, or a cloud storage service like iCloud or WPS Cloud to send the PDF file from your iPhone to your Mac or Windows computer.
Open the transferred PDF file using a capable desktop editor such as WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat.
Navigate to the 'Edit' tab, select the 'Background' tool, and choose the 'Remove Background' option. The solid black background will be deleted, leaving the text intact.
If your text was white or yellow, use the text editing tool to highlight the text and change its color to black or dark gray so it is visible on the new white background.
Save the modified PDF. You can now print it directly from your computer or transfer it back to your iPhone for mobile printing.
Convert Pages to Images and Invert Colors
If you cannot edit the PDF text natively, you can export the PDF pages as images and use a photo editor to invert the colors.
Utilize Printer-Specific Inverted Printing Options
Some advanced printers allow you to invert colors directly from the print dialog, bypassing the need to edit the PDF entirely.
Remove PDF Backgrounds Easily with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a comprehensive suite of PDF editing tools on desktop and mobile. You can seamlessly remove or change PDF backgrounds on your computer to save printer ink, and sync the print-ready files right to your iPhone using WPS Cloud.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and open WPS Office on your desktop computer.
- 2. Open the PDF: Open your dark background PDF file and navigate to the 'Edit' tab at the top of the screen.
- 3. Remove Background: Click on 'Background' and select 'Remove Background' to instantly clear the dark canvas.
- 4. Sync to Mobile: Save the file to WPS Cloud so you can instantly access and print the updated document from your iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I invert PDF colors in Apple's built-in Files or Books app?
No, the native iOS Files app and Apple Books app do not have a built-in feature to invert the colors of a PDF for printing. You must use a third-party editor or desktop software to alter the document's colors.
Does iOS Dark Mode invert PDF colors for printing?
No, turning on Dark Mode on your iPhone only changes the system interface and the background of some supported apps for comfortable viewing. It does not alter the actual PDF file contents or affect how the document is printed.
How do I save printer ink when printing dark PDFs from my phone?
Besides permanently removing the background, you can opt to print in grayscale or 'Draft' mode to reduce ink usage. However, for PDFs with solid black backgrounds, converting the background to white using a desktop PDF editor is the most effective ink-saving method.
Is it possible to change PDF text color on an iPhone?
Yes, but it requires a premium PDF editor app that supports full text editing. Once the text is selectable in the app, you can highlight it and change the font color. This is necessary if you remove a black background and are left with invisible white text.
