How to Draw an Arrow on a PDF Online for Free (No Upload)
Need to point at something on a PDF? The Arrow tool in PdfRuler draws an arrow where you drag, and saves it into a copy of the PDF as sharp vector lines. It runs in your browser, so your file is never uploaded.
How to draw an arrow on a PDF
- Open your PDF at pdfruler.com/app (or press O).
- Click the orange arrow icon in the toolbar, or press R.
- Press on the page where the tail goes, drag to where the head should point, and release.
- Press S to save a copy.
Thickness, color and straight arrows
While the tool is on, a small bar lets you pick one of three thicknesses (in points) and one of six colors. Hold Shift while dragging to lock the arrow to a multiple of 45 degrees, for dead level or plumb arrows. Snap pulls the tip onto a nearby edge; hold Alt to place it freely.
Move, re-aim and delete
Drag an arrow to move it, or drag the small handle that appears on either end to re-aim it. Right-click an arrow to delete it. Every step can be undone with Ctrl + Z; see undo, redo and history. Combine arrows with text to label a detail.
Good to know
- Only the page you are on is saved, and arrows clear when you change page, like points do. Your original file is never changed.
- Arrows are saved as vector lines, so they stay sharp at any zoom or print size.
Frequently asked questions
How do I draw an arrow on a PDF for free?
Open the PDF in PdfRuler, press R, drag on the page from the tail to the head, then press S to download a copy with the arrow in it. No sign-up and no upload.
Can I make a perfectly straight arrow?
Yes. Hold Shift while dragging to lock the arrow to horizontal, vertical or a 45-degree diagonal.
Can I change an arrow after drawing it?
Yes. Drag it to move it, drag an end handle to re-aim it, or right-click to delete it. Ctrl + Z undoes the last change.
Free, private, in your browser. No upload. Or check the paper size reference.