iPad - Writing on PDFs in Canvas Mobile

How to use editing tools in Canvas Mobile to write on a PDF file.

You can use the built-in editing tools to add annotations such as highlighting and notes to PDF files posted to Canvas. 

Navigate to and select the PDF file on Canvas. The file will open in the content viewer on the right side of the app. Access the editing tools menu by clicking the middle icon at the upper right area.

Editing tools location

By default, the editing tools menu will appear on the left side of the document. 

The first icon allows you to drag and highlight text – this tool will automatically detect text and creates a highlight over the selected area. You can also press and hold to reveal other related options such as underlining and strikethrough text. 

Highlight text icon & options

The second icon allows you to add your own text. Tap to select the tool, then tap the screen to select the location for the text. You can also tap and hold this icon to access the callout tool. 

Instert text and callout tool location.

The following two images will show an example of the callout tool in use to explain the remaining icons. These will include the freeform draw, freeform highlight, smart draw, eraser, shape (tap and hold this icon for options), and link tools, as well as the undo and redo functions. 

Locations for freeform draw, freeform highlight, smart draw, eraser, shape, link tools. Location for undo and redo.

After selecting a tool, a color and/or thickness selection will also be available for adjustment. 

Color or thickness selection area.

Any annotations you make will be saved for your personal viewing – they will not alter the document for the rest of your class. If you navigate away from the document on Canvas, they will still appear when you return to it. 

To save a copy of your annotated PDF, tap the share button at the upper right corner, then select Save to Files. 

Location of share menu.

Select the location for the file to save. To access it from the iPad’s internal storage, select On My iPad. You can also change the name of the file if you’d like. 

Save menu on iPad

If you saved to your iPad, you can navigate to the Files app and see your saved PDF. 

Picture of Files app with saved PDF file.


Resource Video:



Keywords:
ipad canvas mobile PDF 
Doc ID:
123847
Owned by:
Andrew M. in Chippewa Valley Technical College
Created:
2023-02-03
Updated:
2023-02-03
Sites:
Chippewa Valley Technical College