Most people around the world are familiar with and use Google Chrome as their primary browser. However, not many realize that Microsoft Edge offers a host of hidden tools and powerful features that go beyond simple web browsing—especially when it comes to handling PDF files.
If you’re someone who often works with PDFs—whether for reading, annotating, editing, or sharing—then Microsoft Edge could easily become your go-to tool. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best PDF features in Microsoft Edge and walk through how to use them in detail. No extra software or extensions are required—just open Edge and you’re ready to go!
📌 Why Use Microsoft Edge for PDFs?
Unlike Google Chrome, which offers only basic PDF support (viewing, downloading, zooming, printing), Microsoft Edge includes a complete suite of tools. These tools help users to highlight, annotate, draw, add text, read aloud, translate, comment, search, and even summarize PDFs using built-in AI tools like Copilot.
Let’s go step-by-step.
📝 Step-by-Step Guide: Using Microsoft Edge PDF Tools
✅ 1. Open or Create a PDF
You can open an existing PDF or create one from an online article. For example, on Wikipedia:
- Open any article.
- Click on Tools → Download as PDF.
- Save the PDF and open it in Microsoft Edge.
✅ 2. View Page Thumbnails and Navigate Easily
Once opened in Edge:
- Click the menu on the left to view page thumbnails.
- Easily jump to any section by clicking the thumbnail.
✅ 3. Highlight Text
Highlight important text using different colors:
- Select the Highlight tool from the toolbar.
- Choose a color and click-drag over the text.
- There’s an option to highlight text only, skipping images.
✅ 4. Draw or Annotate Using a Pen
To manually draw or mark something:
- Select the Draw tool (pen icon).
- Pick a color and thickness.
- Use your mouse or touchscreen to draw anywhere on the PDF.
Great for:
- Teachers giving online lessons.
- Annotating diagrams.
- Adding arrows, shapes, or hand-written notes.
✅ 5. Erase Unwanted Marks
Made a mistake?
- Click the Eraser tool.
- Remove highlights or drawings quickly.
✅ 6. Add Custom Text
Want to insert text?
- Use the Add Text tool.
- Click anywhere in the PDF and type.
- Change text size, color, and spacing.
This is helpful for:
- Adding comments.
- Typing answers on forms.
- Inserting extra info or summaries.
✅ 7. Read PDF Aloud
Edge can read text to you:
- Select the text.
- Click Read Aloud.
- Control voice type, speed, and language.
It supports many global and Indian languages.
✅ 8. Translate Text Instantly
Stuck on a word or sentence in a different language?
- Select the text.
- Click Translate.
- Edge detects the language automatically and shows translation.
- You can even listen to both original and translated versions.
✅ 9. Search the Web Directly
Want to research more about a word or term?
- Select the word.
- Click Search with Bing.
- Edge will show search results in a new panel—without leaving your PDF.
✅ 10. Add Comments
To leave a note or reminder:
- Right-click on any text.
- Choose Add Comment.
- Type your thoughts—helpful during collaboration or research.
✅ 11. Ask Copilot (AI Assistant)
Edge’s AI tool Copilot allows you to:
- Ask questions about selected text.
- Get explanations or historical context.
- Summarize large documents.
- Translate into other languages.
- View sample questions and answers.
It’s like having ChatGPT right inside your browser for PDFs.
✅ 12. Other Tools
- Zoom, Fit to Screen: For better readability.
- Rotate PDF: Adjust orientation.
- Two-page View: See two pages side-by-side.
- Show Cover Page Separately: Isolate cover page from rest.
- Search in PDF: Find any word using the search bar.
- Print: Easily print your PDF with one click.
📌 Final Thoughts
Microsoft Edge’s PDF features are robust and versatile, giving users a smooth, built-in way to handle PDFs without installing any extra software. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, Edge makes PDF work efficient and user-friendly.
If you’re still using Chrome for everything, try opening your next PDF in Microsoft Edge—you might just be surprised by how powerful it is.
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