PDF files are great for creating work documents that need to store high-quality images or archiving important client information, like taxes and addresses. If you’re interested in using this file format, you may be confused about how to create one on your computer, but you already have all the tools you need for the job. Editing a PDF, however, may be difficult if you didn’t create it.

How to Create PDF Files on Desktop

The following steps can be initiated on PC or Mac desktop computers.

Step 1: Create the Document Using Any Program

Use any program you currently have to create a document and save as a PDF. For example, whether you use Word, Notepad, or photo software, you can complete the following steps.

Step 2: Save a document as a PDF (PC)

Select File at the top left of your software or program, and select Print… After choosing this option, select the Microsoft Print PDF Printer and “Print” the document. You can then save the document as a PDF file from the Save as type drop-down menu.

Step 2: Save a document as a PDF (Mac)

On any file, save the document and choose File, then Print. Click the PDF menu near the Cancel and Print buttons to Save the file as a PDF. Now, select the location of your new file.

Step 3: Send File, Upload, or Archive Documents

How to Create a PDF File on Tablets or Smartphones

The following steps can be initiated on Android or iOS compatible tablets or smartphones.

Step 1: Create the Document Using Any Program

Like the above example on desktops, you can create a PDF file using any program available on either device, as long as it has the Print option available in the application.

Step 2: Save a document as a PDF (Android)

In the Android menu, open the Share menu. Locate the Print option (for example, in Google Docs, it’s in Share and Export>Print) and choose Save as PDF (Docs has a yellow PDF button).

Step 2: Save a document as a PDF (iOS)

On iOS phones, tap the Share button. After you do so, an Options panel will pop up at the top. Select the Send As menu and choose Reader PDF to save the file as a PDF.

Step 3: Send File, Upload, or Archive Documents

How to Edit a PDF File

Editing a PDF file can be simple or complex, depending on if you created the document. If you didn’t, you’ll need to use either another software or an online PDF editor to edit PDFs.

Edit a PDF File Online

Users can use a website to edit a PDF online. Just upload the document and let the software do its job. You can now edit text, use electronic signatures, and potentially create more PDF forms.

Editing a PDF File Using Google Docs

You can upload a PDF file to Google Docs to edit PDF files. To change the file format, right-click the file and select “Open-With” to change the format to Docs. Only use Docs if you can’t edit a PDF in another program, or you’ll spend a lot of time formatting your document.

Editing a PDF File Using Microsoft Word

Although the formatting for your PDF document won’t look ideal, Microsoft Word versions 2013 or higher will let you edit PDF files. Simply open a PDF document into Word and start editing.

Editing a PDF File Using Adobe Acrobat

Besides using a PDF editing program online, Adobe Acrobat Pro is the most versatile way to thoroughly edit your PDF document. However, you’ll have to pay a monthly fee to use Adobe’s editing options. To edit a PDF, select File, then open and click Edit PDF on the sidebar.