# Annotate PDF for developers

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/for/developers/annotate-pdf_

Arthize lets software developers annotate a PDF in a private workspace — free, with no watermark. Annotating a PDF adds highlights, comments, shapes and notes on top of the page, so you can mark up a document without changing its text.

## Why developers annotate a PDF

A developer converts a Markdown spec to a clean PDF for a stakeholder, extracts text from a vendor PDF to parse it, and archives the release notes as PDF/A.

**Built for technical docs.** Whether it's technical docs, specs, README files, Arthize's annotate pdf keeps the work inside your private workspace. Internal specs and unreleased docs are confidential; a private workspace keeps them off public converters.

## What matters when you annotate a PDF

Annotations sit on top of the page and don't change the underlying text.

You can highlight, comment, draw and add notes.

Annotated files are ideal for review and feedback.

## How to annotate a PDF

1. **Open the editor** — Sign in and open the PDF editor.
2. **Add your PDF** — Upload the document to mark up.
3. **Add annotations** — Highlight text, add comments, draw shapes or leave notes.
4. **Download** — Save the annotated PDF.

## FAQ

### How do developers annotate a PDF for free?

Annotating a PDF adds highlights, comments, shapes and notes on top of the page, so you can mark up a document without changing its text. On Arthize it's free with no watermark, and the file is deleted after the job — which is why software developers can use it for technical docs without a confidentiality risk.

### Is it private to annotate a PDF sensitive technical docs?

Yes. Internal specs and unreleased docs are confidential; a private workspace keeps them off public converters. Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job.

### How do I annotate a PDF?

Annotating a PDF adds highlights, comments, shapes and notes on top of the page, so you can mark up a document without changing its text. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### Can I highlight and comment on a PDF?

Annotating a PDF adds highlights, comments, shapes and notes on top of the page, so you can mark up a document without changing its text. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.