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Use OneDrive to view and print PDFs, or to add quick markups in its mobile apps. Choose Adobe Acrobat when you need to change existing PDF text or images, reorganize pages, redact information, process scans, or handle more involved PDF workflows. The key distinction is whether you need to mark up a document or change what it contains.
What counts as editing a PDF?
Annotating adds something on top of a PDF: a note, highlight, signature, or handwritten mark. Editing changes the document itself, such as rewriting a paragraph, replacing an image, removing sensitive text, or rearranging pages. A signature or note overlay does not, by itself, rewrite the PDF’s original contents.
This difference explains why a PDF can be stored in OneDrive and still require another tool to change its contents. OneDrive is the file location and viewer; its browser PDF reader is not a full PDF editor.
What can you do with a PDF in OneDrive?
In a web browser: view, print, and comment
Microsoft says, “You can view and print the PDF in the reader, but you can’t edit its contents.” To change the contents, Microsoft points users toward converting the PDF into an editable format such as .docx, including through desktop Word. See Microsoft’s PDF reader guidance.
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You can also comment on non-Office files in OneDrive on the web, including PDFs through the viewer’s Details pane. Comments are collaboration, not edits to the PDF’s underlying text or layout; see Microsoft’s OneDrive comment instructions.
On iPhone, iPad, and Android: add markups
OneDrive’s mobile apps provide markup tools. Microsoft documents notes, inserted text, freehand pen, highlighting, and signature insertion for iOS. Its Android instructions describe pen and highlighter, notes, text, and an expanded menu for signature, date, or image. These tools are useful for reviewing a document or adding a visible signature, but they do not provide the same job as rewriting existing PDF paragraphs or removing content.
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When the PDF came from Word or Office
If you still have the original Word or other Office file, Microsoft advises editing that source document and exporting or saving it as a PDF again. This is often the cleanest way to make substantial content changes without trying to reconstruct the layout from a PDF.
What does Acrobat add?
Adobe Acrobat offers PDF tools beyond OneDrive’s browser reader, but the available features depend on the plan, platform, and current terms. Adobe’s plan comparison lists text and image editing, page organization, forms, signing, and collaboration among its capabilities. More advanced tools, including redaction and converting scans into editable PDFs, are assigned to higher-tier offerings. PDF version comparison is also plan-dependent. Check Adobe’s current Acrobat plan comparison for the exact feature and plan available in your market.
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Adobe describes Acrobat as available across desktop, web, and mobile, though specific tools differ by platform. Acrobat online workflows also support OneDrive integration, so using Acrobat does not necessarily mean moving files out of OneDrive.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose by task
| Task | OneDrive | Adobe Acrobat |
|---|---|---|
| View and print | Browser PDF reader supports viewing and printing. | Acrobat Reader is free for viewing, printing, and sharing. |
| Add notes or visual markup | Mobile apps document notes, text, pen, highlighting, and related controls. Browser reader tools differ from mobile markup. | Markup and review tools are available; confirm the plan and platform for the tools you need. |
| Edit existing PDF text or images | Browser reader cannot edit contents. Convert to an editable format or edit the source Office document. | Text and image editing is listed in Acrobat plans; availability varies by plan. |
| Organize or combine pages | Not established for the browser reader and mobile markup features described here. | Page organization and combine functions are listed with plan-dependent availability. |
| Compare PDF versions | Copilot in OneDrive has a separate feature to compare up to 5 selected files where available; this does not make the PDF reader an editor. See Microsoft’s Copilot comparison guidance. | PDF comparison is listed as a plan-dependent Acrobat feature. |
| Redact information or convert scans | These capabilities are not established for the reader and markup tools described here. | Adobe lists redaction and scanned-document conversion among advanced plan features. |
| More involved forms and signatures | Mobile apps support signature placement and related markups. | Acrobat offers broader forms and signing workflows, subject to plan and platform. |
How much does Acrobat cost?
On Adobe’s US pricing page accessed October 3, 2026, Acrobat Standard was listed at US$14.99 per month and Acrobat Pro at US$19.99 per month for annual plans billed monthly. These are US listing prices, not universal or permanent rates; Adobe displays different billing selections and cancellation terms. Check the pricing page for your region before choosing a plan.
Quick Recap
Practical recommendation
- Stay with OneDrive if you mainly view or print PDFs, comment in the web viewer, or make quick annotations in the mobile app.
- Use Acrobat when the task requires editing existing text or images, organizing pages, redacting, turning scans into editable PDFs, comparing versions, or using more involved form and signature tools. Confirm that your plan includes the feature.
- Return to the source file when the PDF was exported from Word or another Office app and that original document is available.
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