iOS 26 adds one of the most practical updates to the iPhone and iPad by introducing the ability to edit and sign PDFs directly in the Preview app. What was once just a simple viewer now lets you highlight, annotate, and add signatures, removing the need for third-party apps or complicated steps. With everything handled natively, contracts, forms, reports, and scanned documents can now be managed securely and efficiently in one place.
The ability to edit and sign PDFs in Preview app is especially important in today’s mobile workflows. Students can annotate lecture slides or complete worksheets without printing, while professionals can sign contracts or review reports directly on their devices. Even casual users benefit by adding notes to travel documents, highlighting receipts, or signing delivery confirmations. The update now brings to iOS 26 and iPadOS the same ease of use that Mac users have enjoyed in Preview for years.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to edit and sign PDFs in the Preview app.
- Open the Preview app on your iPhone or iPad and locate the PDF you want to edit. Files can be opened from iCloud Drive, stored locally on your device, or accessed directly from apps like Mail, Messages, or Files.
- Once the PDF is open, tap the Markup tool at the top of the screen. This brings up a full editing toolbar with options for drawing, highlighting, inserting shapes, and adding text boxes.
- To edit the content, use the highlighter to mark important passages or highlight mistakes that need attention. You can add text boxes to write notes, explanations, or corrections directly on the document.
- For signing a document, tap the plus icon in the Markup toolbar and select “Add Signature.” You will be prompted to create a signature by drawing with your finger or using Apple Pencil for more precision. Once saved, this signature is stored in the app, so you don’t need to draw it again for future documents.
- Place the signature on the correct spot in the PDF by dragging it across the page. Resize it by pulling the corners until it fits neatly into the designated signature field. This flexibility allows you to sign different types of forms, whether they are contracts, invoices, or delivery receipts.
After signing, you can continue making edits such as adding dates, inserting text, or checking boxes within the form. This keeps the workflow seamless since you no longer need to switch between different apps to finish a single document.
When you are done, tap “Done” to save your changes. The updated PDF stays in Preview and can be shared instantly through Mail, Messages, AirDrop, or uploaded to cloud storage, ensuring the file is ready to send or archive.
The advantage of built-in PDF editing on iPhone and iPad
A major advantage of using Preview in iOS 26 is that everything happens locally on your device. Unlike third-party apps that often require uploading files to external servers, sensitive documents such as contracts or IDs remain private and secure.
The feature also aligns with Apple’s push to make iPhone and iPad stronger productivity tools. Support for Apple Pencil makes editing feel natural, while iCloud Drive keeps documents synced across devices. You can start marking up a PDF on your iPad with Pencil precision and finish signing it later on your iPhone before sending it out.
With iOS 26, Preview evolves from a simple viewer into a versatile document tool. Whether you are a student working on assignments, a professional finalizing agreements, or someone handling everyday forms, the ability to edit and sign PDFs directly in the app saves time while keeping the process simple and secure.
