Editor Basics
The Papr editor is designed to keep everything on-device. Open a file, make edits, and export a finished PDF without uploading anything to a server. This page explains the main areas of the editor and the most common workflows.
What you will learn
- Where the main tools live and how the layout is organized.
- How to manage pages, annotations, and forms in one workflow.
- How to export or convert your PDF when you are finished.
Editor Layout at a Glance
The editor is split into a few core areas. The top toolbar is where you open files and access editing tools. The page thumbnails panel lets you move or rearrange pages. The main canvas shows the PDF itself. On desktop, the annotation panel sits on the right for quick access to properties and options.
Opening and Organizing Files
Start by opening a PDF from your device or dragging it into the editor. You can add more PDFs later using the Pages menu to merge files into a single document. In the Pages panel you can reorder, rotate, and delete pages, or split a document into smaller sections.
- Drag and drop pages to reorder a document.
- Rotate or delete pages before exporting.
- Merge multiple PDFs into one file using the Pages tools.
Annotations vs Drawing Tools
Annotation tools are for structured markup like highlights, text boxes, and shapes. Drawing tools are for freehand marks, arrows, and custom signatures. Pick a tool first, then click on the page to place it. Undo and redo help you move quickly while editing.
- Highlight, underline, or strike through text to mark revisions.
- Add text annotations for notes or instructions.
- Use shapes and arrows for visual callouts.
Forms, Stamps, and Signatures
Papr can add form fields and signature images to PDFs. Form fields include common options like text inputs, checkboxes, radio groups, and dropdowns. Stamps are useful for labels such as Approved or Draft. For signatures, you can insert an image or draw a mark directly on the page.
Exporting and Converting
Export creates a new PDF with your edits applied. You can export multiple versions as you iterate. If you need other formats, use Convert to generate a Word document or image files.
Common Issues and Quick Fixes
- If a PDF feels slow, split it into smaller sections first.
- For scanned files, run OCR to make text searchable.
- If edits are not saving locally, export the PDF and clear old sessions.
- Use the Pages panel to fix upside-down or rotated pages.
Want a step-by-step walkthrough?
The Guides section includes screenshots and task-based instructions.
Visit Guides