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General discussion

Software to mark up pdf files?

by kmsandrbs Sep 24, 2009 2:41PM PDT

So, starting a PhD program, and most of the readings are articles provided elctronically in pdf format. They are protected.

Rather than printing and marking up, I'd like to be able to read and make notes on my laptop. The reading is no problem, but I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion on how I could mark-up the file without too much work (making a bunch of jpegs of screens for each file, for example, would be a lot of work) or too much expense?

Discussion is locked

8 Posts
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Ask them to leave the doc open for commenting.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 24, 2009 9:53PM PDT
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Re: Software to mark up pdf files?
by Tufenuf Sep 24, 2009 11:44PM PDT
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PDF annotation
by Citizen_Marc Apr 27, 2010 10:33AM PDT

I didn't want to do much - but this does it all and more!

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OpenOffice
by LucJs Apr 28, 2010 4:00AM PDT

I believe that OpenOffice (free) can import pdf files, don't know if that solves your problem.

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Yes, Somewhat
by mdemaray Sep 27, 2010 11:02PM PDT

Yes, I installed OpenOfice and the PDF extension. It imported the PDF file, but introduced extraneous spaces and removed actual spaces throughout the document. It did well with embedded graphics, but was hard to read and difficult UI for those not familiar with OpenOfice. I'd give it a B- for this kind of use.

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Online markup utility
by stephendd Jul 14, 2010 12:05AM PDT

I was searching for some quick freeware, and remembered and found PDF-XChange - pretty decent in it's freeware form. Most professional version features seem to work in the freeware version as well but will cause a "trial" watermark to show up.

Also discovered an online approach that I just tried. Simple markups, not fancy, very easy to use - and can be used for collaboration. Just used it for a contract I was working on: Upload, edit, share and/or download again.

Free usage doesn't permit locking (a paid subscription offers just a few minor additional provisions), so simply delete the documentwhen done.

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Oops - here's the link
by stephendd Jul 14, 2010 12:08AM PDT
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Bluebeam PDF Revu
by mcEng Aug 12, 2011 6:32AM PDT
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