Easily edit PDF files on Linux using Xodo PDF Studio, a powerful desktop PDF editor. This guide covers everything you need to know from editing text, merging and splitting files to permanent redaction and securing documents.

Editing PDF documents on Linux has traditionally been a hassle. Most open-source editing software offer limited functionality, like viewing and maybe some basic annotations. But they fall short when it comes to full PDF editing features, like text modification, form filling, or redaction.

If you're a Linux user who needs advanced PDF editing software, Xodo PDF Studio is a reliable solution. It’s a full-featured PDF editor that works across major Linux distributions and supports everything from text editing to professional-grade security.

This comprehensive guide will show you step-by-step how to edit PDF on Linux.

How to edit a PDF on Linux using Xodo PDF Studio

Follow these steps to edit a PDF securely on Linux using Xodo PDF Studio:

1. Download Xodo PDF Studio for your Linux device.
2. Install the app using your distribution's package manager or manually.
3. Launch Xodo PDF Studio from your applications menu.
4. Go to File > Open or drag and drop your PDF into the interface.

The PDF will load in the main workspace, ready for editing.

Xodo PDF Studio offers a wide range of PDF editing features. Here’s what you can do (just click the link to skip ahead to the section you need):

1) Edit Text

• 1.1 Modify
• 1.2 Remove
• 1.3 Add

2) Manage Pages

• 2.1 Merge
• 2.2 Split
• 2.3 Rearrange
• 2.4 Rotate

3) Add Annotations

• 3.1 Add or remove watermarks

4) Fill and Sign Forms

• 4.1 Fill
• 4.2 Sign

5) Add Security to Files

• 5.1 Add passwords
• 5.2 Permanently redact sensitive data

1) Update and edit text

As a PDF editor, Xodo PDF Studio makes working with PDF text on Linux straightforward.

1.1) Modify existing PDF text

With your file opened in Xodo PDF Studio, follow these steps to change text on the page:

1. Go to the Document tab > Edit PDF Content > Text.
2. Click and drag a text box field around the text you wish to edit.
3. Double-click the selected area to open the "Text Object - Properties" dialog box.
4. In the "Text:" field, update the text as needed.
5. Click on OK, then save your PDF.

You can change the font, format, and alignment directly within the PDF.

1.2) Remove text in PDF files

To remove text from your PDF page, follow the below steps:

1. Go to the Document tab > Edit PDF Content > Text.
2. Click and drag a text box field around the text you wish to delete, and double-click on it.
3. In the "Text Object - Properties" dialog box, go the "Text:" field at the bottom and delete the text you wish to remove.
4. Click on OK.
5. Save your PDF.

1.3) Add new text to PDFs

To add new text to your PDF page:

1. Go to the Document tab > Add Text.
2. Click and drag a text box field on the page where you want to add text.
3. Double-click on the text box field and type your text.
4. Use the floating toolbar to customize font, size, and color.
5. Press Esc to exit the text tool, then save your PDF.

2) Manage Pages (merge, split, rearrange, rotate)

Xodo PDF Studio offers software tools to merge, split, and rearrange pages with ease.

2.1) Merge multiple PDF pages

To combine multiple PDFs or selected pages into a single document:

1. Go to the Pages tab > Insert.
2. Choose how you wish to merge your pages: Insert single pages from a different PDF, append a single document, append multiple documents, or insert pages by scanning them in.
3. Select the source file(s), page range, and insertion point.
4. Once the pages are added, save your PDF.

This functionality is particularly useful for compiling reports, combining forms, or consolidating research materials instantly and on the spot. With Xodo, you can take your work with you and combine PDF files on other devices from wherever you are.

2.2) Split PDF pages

Xodo PDF Studio can split PDF files in a variety of ways. To split PDFs, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Pages tab > Split > Custom Split...
2. In the "Split Document" dialog box, choose your split method depending on your needs.
3. Select your Destination Folder and a File Name Pattern.
4. Click on Apply.

To extract pages from a PDF to a new file:

1. Go to the Pages tab > Extract.
2. Specify the subset and pages you wish to extract.
3. Click on OK. The new PDF file with your extracted pages will open in new tab.
4. Save your new PDF.

2.3) Rearrange PDF pages

After splitting, rearranging the order of pages is as simple as dragging them within the interface, ensuring that your documents are perfectly organized.

Here is the quickest way to rearrange pages within the same PDF:

1. Open the Pages side panel on the left-hand side.
2. Click and drag the page thumbnail of the page you wish to move and move it to where you want it in the document.
3. Save your PDF.

Pro Tip: You can also replace pages from other PDFs. Use the Replace button on the Pages toolbar, select the source file, pages to replace and insert, and click on OK.

2.4) Rotate PDF pages

To rotate PDF pages, go to the Pages tab > Rotate. In the dialog box, specify the pages you wish to rotate and the rotation direction. Click on OK and then save your PDF.

3) Add annotations to PDFs

Annotations are essential for reviewing, collaborating, and adding context to documents. Xodo PDF Studio includes a full set of markup tools.

Go to the Comment tab. From there, select the annotation tool you wish to use:

• Markups: Highlight, underline, strikethrough, and freehand.
• Shapes: Insert rectangles, circles, arrows.
• Draw: Freehand markup.
• Stamps: Add or create custom stamps.
• Measure: Add measurement indicators.
• Callout, Text Box, or Sticky Note: Add comments or explanations.

Once done, simply save your PDF.

3.1) Add or Remove Watermarks

Watermarks are an easy way to add a professional touch to your documents or protect them from unauthorized use.

Xodo PDF Studio makes it easy to add watermarks:

1. Go to the Pages tab > Watermark > Add.
2. Customizing the text, font, appearance, transparency, and position of your watermark.
3. Click on Apply.
4. Save your PDF.

To remove a watermark from your PDF, go to the Pages tab > Watermark > Remove. Xodo PDF Studio will clear all watermarks from the document.

Note: This only works if the watermarks were added to the document using standard PDF watermarking. If not, you'll need to use the Content Editing feature to manually remove them.

4) Fill and sign PDF documents

Xodo PDF Studio makes it easy to fill out and sign PDF forms, whether you're working with interactive fields or static documents.

4.1) Fill PDF forms

When opening a PDF with fillable fields, Xodo PDF Studio will prompt you to detect them. Click Yes to highlight all fillable areas in light blue. convert pdf

To fill in a form field, click on it. Xodo PDF Studio will detect the field type (text, checkbox, dropdown) and present you with the appropriate tool to fill the form. Enter your information and save the file.

Pro Tip: If you open a static PDF form (non-fillable), you can make them into a fillable form. Go to the Forms tab and click on the form field you want to add. Place any new text fields on the page. Once done, save your PDF. Switch the Home tab and, in edit mode, you can start filling out the form.

4.2) Sign documents

Fast Sign (Typed, handwritten, image signature)

To quickly add a signature:

1. Go to the Secure tab > Create New.
2. In the "Fast Sign" dialog, either draw, type or upload an image signature.
3. Enter a name for for your signature stamp. Click on OK.
4. Click on the page to place your signature.
5. Save your PDF.

Digital Signature (Certificate-Based)

For secure, certificate-based signing:

1. Go to the Secure tab > Digitally Sign.
2. Click on OK and drag to select the signature area.
3. In the "Sign Document" dialog box, select your Digital ID, Certificate Issuer, Timestamp Server.
4. In the "Appearance" section, select Create New. In the "New Signature Appearance" dialog, customize how and which details will appear with your digital signature. Click on Save.
5. Choose your Signature Type options and fill in the Signature Information fields.
6. Click on Sign and save your PDF.

Once a digital signature is applied and saved, the PDF becomes locked, preventing further edits and preserving its integrity.

Advanced Signing with Xodo Sign

For more robust signing workflows, consider using the integrated Xodo Sign option that gives you access to:

• Secure e-signing from anywhere
• Reusable templates
• In-person signing
• Detailed audit trails
• Advanced document preparation tools

With a Xodo Sign account you can quickly start a secure e-signing workflow from anywhere. Learn more on the Xodo Sign website.

5) Add security to PDF files (passwords and redaction)

Xodo PDF Studio offers advanced tools for securing PDF files, including features for password protection, redaction, and file permissions.

5.1) Add password protection

To add a password to your PDF:

1. Go to the Secure tab > Document Security.
2. In the dialog, click on Edit to add a user password required to open and view the PDF. Choose an encryption level: RC4, 128-bit AES, 256-bit AES, or 256-bit AES with PDF MAC. Enter and confirm your password.
3. To control editing, data extraction and printing, set a permissions password. You can allow or disallow people to print, extract text and graphics, fill forms and sign, and modify the file.
4. Click on OK and confirm in the next dialog.
5. Save your PDF.

For more on PDFs and password protection, see our other guides:

• How to Protect a PDF from Editing Without Password
• How to Open a PDF File with Password Protection

5.2) Redact sensitive information

To securely redact a PDF:

1. Go to Document tab and click on Redact.
2. Review each page and select the data you wish to redact. This should include details such as names, addresses, social security numbers, or account numbers.
3. Confirm that each marked section is correct.
4. Click Apply All Redactions to complete the removal.
5. Save the new file under a different name.

Redacted content is completely removed and cannot be recovered.

To supplement redaction and password protection, Xodo PDF Studio provides additional ways to secure your content with the ability to sanitize a PDF document and even edit your PDF metadata.

The Xodo PDF Studio Advantage

Xodo PDF Studio offers a wide range of advantages for Linux users:

• Linux Compatibility: Native support for major Linux distributions.
• Cost-Effective Pricing: Significantly less expensive than Adobe Acrobat subscriptions.
• Comprehensive Feature Set: All essential PDF editing tools in one application.
• Local Processing: Documents stay on your machine for enhanced security.
• Enterprise Scalability: Flexible licensing options for growing organizations.

Xodo PDF Studio provides powerful PDF tools that let you create, edit, and convert PDFs, and is flexible enough to scale from individual use to the enterprise level, perfect for growing organizations. Xodo offers a comprehensive Adobe Acrobat alternative at an affordable cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download Xodo PDF Studio for free?

Yes, Xodo PDF Studio offers a free trial that allows you to test all features before purchasing, letting you evaluate the PDF editing software on your actual documents and workflows.

Can I download Xodo PDF Studio for free on Linux?

Yes, you can download the free version of Xodo PDF Studio on Linux as a trial demo to check out all its features before buying.

Which Linux distributions does Xodo PDF Studio support?

Xodo PDF Studio supports major Linux distributions including:

• Ubuntu
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux
• SUSE Linux Enterprise
• Debian
• Fedora

It’s available for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems, making it compatible with most Linux environments, including the latest versions.

Can I install & activate Xodo PDF Studio through command line?

Yes. Xodo PDF Studio supports command-line installation and activation, which is ideal for IT teams and system administrators managing multiple machines. This feature streamlines deployment in enterprise environments.

You'll find detailed instructions in the Xodo support documentation.

Is there a good PDF editor for Linux?

Yes. Xodo PDF Studio is one of the most complete PDF editors available for Linux. It supports full editing capabilities: text modification, page management, form filling, annotations, redaction, and digital signing — without needing to convert files or rely on browser-based tools. It’s compatible with major Linux distributions and offers a free trial.

Can I edit a PDF file in Ubuntu?

You can edit PDF files in Ubuntu using Xodo PDF Studio. Once installed, you can open any PDF and use all the tools to modify text, rearrange pages, add annotations, fill forms, and apply security settings. The software runs smoothly on Ubuntu and supports both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.

How do I write on a PDF in Linux?

To write on a PDF in Linux using Xodo PDF Studio:

1. Open your PDF file.
2. Go to Document > Add Text.
3. Click and drag to place a text box on the page.
4. Type your content and customize the font, size, and color.
5. Save your PDF.

You can also use annotation tools like Free Text, Sticky Notes, or Callouts to add comments or markup.

Can Xodo PDF Studio convert a PDF to Word on Linux?

Yes. Xodo PDF Studio includes built-in tools that allow you to export PDF files to Microsoft Word (.docx) format. This feature works on Linux systems and is useful for editing content in Word or repurposing documents. Conversion accuracy depends on the complexity of the original PDF, but Xodo handles most layouts well.

Seamless PDF editing with Xodo on Linux

Linux users no longer have to compromise between limited features and high costs when it comes to PDF editing.

Whether you're an individual professional or managing documents at scale, Xodo PDF Studio gives you all the tools to handle complex PDF workflows efficiently and securely on any Linux setup.

Download Xodo PDF Studio today and discover how easy it is to edit, annotate, and manage PDF documents on Linux.