# Annotate PDF: Arthize vs Smallpdf

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/vs/smallpdf/annotate-pdf_

To annotate a PDF, Arthize offers a free, private annotate pdf with no watermark — a focused alternative to Smallpdf. 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.

## Arthize's annotate pdf vs Smallpdf

Smallpdf is a popular freemium web-based PDF toolkit. Smallpdf offers a clean set of web tools on a freemium model with usage limits on the free tier.

**Arthize's approach:** 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.

- Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job — never sold or used to train models.
- The free plan never adds a watermark to your output.
- Transparent pricing: free forever, Pro from $6/mo or $48/yr, and a one-time $149 lifetime option.
- A one-time lifetime option instead of only monthly billing.

## How to annotate a PDF with Arthize

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 with Arthize

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

### Is Arthize a good Smallpdf alternative to annotate a PDF?

Yes. 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. Arthize does it free with no watermark and deletes the file after the job. Smallpdf is a well-designed option, especially for occasional one-off conversions.

### 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.