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How to Open and Edit PDFs in Firefox Computer browser

The Mozilla Firefox browser has a built-in PDF viewer, which helps open the PDF document file without needing an acrobat reader. However, it also can edit PDF files to add annotations and text within the Firefox PDF Editor feature. We can add colorful text annotation and draw designs with the help of pencil icons within the document.

Open and Edit PDFs in Mozilla Firefox Browser

PDF files are one of the most widely used file formats to share documents. The PDF format is platform-independent, meaning it can be opened and viewed on any device, regardless of the operating system.

Mozilla Firefox supports the opening and editing of PDF files directly within the browser. It already had the feature to save the web page as a PDF file and the option to open the online PDF files directly into the browser rather than downloading it.

The Firefox PDF Editor feature only supports annotation, which means you can add text or draw on the existing PDF document, but you cannot delete the content already in the file.

The PDF editor can be handy when we need to fill in the data in an existing document or registration form. Earlier, we had to print on paper, fill out the form, scan the page, and convert it to PDF to add information. Hence, all the cumbersome task has been eliminated with this editor.

The edited PDF files can be saved and shared without fear of losing the edits.

Open PDF Files

The built-in PDF viewer in Firefox allows us to open PDF files. We do not need to install any add-on or extension to enable PDF reader support. Here are the steps to open the PDF file:

  1. Launch the Firefox app on your computer.
  2. Click on the File menu from the menubar.
  3. Select Open File and choose the desired PDF file from File Explorer.
    Firefox File menu in menubar with Open File option
  4. Click on Open button to view PDF in the Firefox browser.

Alternatively, you can drag and drop the PDF file in the Firefox browser window/tab to open in the built-in PDF viewer.

Editing PDF File

The Firefox PDF editor has a tools bar menu with editing options. You can click on these tools options and perform the actions like a pencil drawing and annotating text. Here are the steps to edit a PDF file:

  1. Launch the Firefox computer browser.
  2. Drag and drop the PDF file to open the browser’s PDF viewer.
  3. Click on the Pencil icon from the toolbar in the browser window.
    Pencil icon PDF Editor in Firefox browser
  4. Customize the Color, Thickness, and Opacity.
  5. Click on the Caret/Text Editor icon to insert text.
    Caret or Text Editor in Firefox PDF editor window
  6. Finally, hit the Save icon to store the edits in a separate PDF file.
    Print and Save option in Firefox PDF Editor

The PDF file edited in Firefox will stay intact when launched in any other PDF reader. And it’s not necessary to open it again in the Firefox browser to view edits.

Firefox PDF Editor with tools bar menu

A few are existing Firefox add-ons, like PDFescape, PDF2GO, PDF Editor Online, etc., that can help edit the PDF file, but you need to create an account. Hence the built-in PDF editor is the best bet.

Bottom Line

The built-in PDF reader and editor have been very fruitful for the users. We can quickly fill out the information and registration forms without going through a manual paper-pen process.

The ability to draw using the free-flow pencil icon also helps add our signature to the PDF document.

While the Firefox PDF editor does not allow to remove the existing content or images, it can help to add and annotate the text and highlights wherever required. A similar feature is already available in the Microsoft Edge browser.

Lastly, if you've any thoughts or feedback on How to Open and Edit PDFs in Firefox Computer browser, then feel free to drop in below comment box. You can also report the outdated information.

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Kushal Azza

Kushal has a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical; however, his passion for technology and gadgets has made him a digital & tech geek. He has over a decade of experience solving tech problems and creating digital solutions. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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