Learn the key PDF vs. PNG differences, when to use each one, and how to convert PNG to PDF and vice versa.

Choosing between PDF and PNG can be confusing, especially when you need the right format for documents, images, or online sharing. Using the wrong one can lead to poor quality, oversized files, limited editability, or accessibility issues.

The main PNG vs. PDF difference is that the former is an image format while the latter is a document format. This further differentiates them in terms of file size, quality and resolution, editability, accessibility, and archiving.

In this guide, we’ll break down those differences clearly, help you decide when to use PDF vs. PNG, and show you how to convert between them easily online.

PNG, short for Portable Network Graphics, is an image format that uses lossless compression and supports variable transparency.

PDF, short for Portable Document Format, is a format that presents multi-page content consistently across devices, operating systems, and software.

PNG and PDFs differ in terms of file size, quality and resolution, editability, printing quality, accessibility, and archiving.

You should use PNG for logos, icons, buttons, charts, diagrams, interface elements, screenshots, and scanned images with flat colors, sharp edges, and text.

The PDF format is more suitable for contracts, invoices, reports, proposals, manuals, and fillable forms.

; its name is short for Portable Network Graphics. It stores images as a grid of pixels rather than scalable shapes.

PNG displays images reliably across platforms without licensing restrictions. It uses 

, so when it is edited, saved, or reopened multiple times, there is no reduction in its quality. Therefore, it‘s 

highly efficient for web graphics with flat colors, sharp edges, or text.

One of the most important features of PNG is transparency; it can have a 

fully transparent or partially transparent

This is why PNG files are commonly used for logos, icons, and overlays. They are also used for screenshots, scanned documents, and charts.

A PDF file is a document format developed to

 present content exactly the same way on any device, operating system, or software. 

 stands for Portable Document Format and is best known for its ability to lock text, images, spacing, and the structure of a page in place.

supports multiple pages within a single file, 

so it is suitable for long documents like reports and manuals. On the other hand, in an 

, you can include features such as searchable text, hyperlinks, bookmarks, annotations, and digital signatures.

Due to all of these characteristics, Common use cases for PDFs include

, contracts, invoices, legal agreements, resumes, proposals, and academic papers.

Now that you know what each file is, here’s a quick PNG vs. PDF comparison:

However, to understand these PNG vs. PDF differences better, let’s examine each one in more detail.

The PNG vs. PDF file size difference depends on what it includes and how it is used. A 

because it stores data as pixels and uses lossless compression.

On the other hand, PDF stores text as characters rather than pixels, and the images within the file can be compressed. As a result, 

PDF files with text and images are often much smaller

However, a PDF with mostly high-resolution images can still be large. Also, the 

increases if it’s interactive and contains many pages

, with embedded fonts, vector graphics, annotations, form fields, and 

In terms of PNG vs. PDF quality, the latter is better for scaling, printing, and displaying images consistently across devices, while the former is better when you need pixel-perfect precision.

Since PNG uses lossless compression, it doesn't discard any data and 

preserves the original dimensions of images. 

This makes it ideal for graphics, screenshots, and images that prioritize precision. However, if you enlarge a PNG too much, it will lose sharpness.

In contrast, text and graphics in a PDF are 

resolution-independent, so they stay sharp at any size. 

While images inside a PDF have fixed resolutions, they can be optimized separately without affecting the content's clarity. You can 

maintain quality across formats and zoom levels.

If you want to have several pages in the PNG format, you need to 

. This means storing, sharing, and file organization are a lot more difficult. On the other hand, PDF is designed to handle 

. That is why it is very easy to find PDF e-books, reports, and manuals.

, so they include features like page navigation, 

, bookmarks, etc. These aren't available for PNGs unless you have external tools or viewers with advanced capabilities.

, but not a PNG. This is because PNG files contain content that has been merged together, and therefore, requires you to redraw or replace any changes that you want to make with editing software.

PDF files keep text, images, and other elements separate from one another, so you can update and interact with the content and alter the original layout. This is also why most people choose to 

The PDF format preserves page dimensions, margins, 

, objects, etc., and keeps everything crisp when you print your document. However, this is not always the case with a PNG; if you resize it to be larger than it was originally, it will print out blurry. Therefore, when comparing PNG vs. PDF for printing, 

 because it stores text as real, readable characters instead of pixels, which can be interpreted by screen readers and searched and selected by users.

PDFs also have tags that guide those using assistive technologies. Unfortunately, PNGs don’t have the same structural and semantic information. As such, they are 

 unless OCR is applied, and even then, accuracy varies depending on the images’ quality.

It is important to consider archival capabilities when choosing PNG or PDF because many documents, especially electronically signed ones, 

 to ensure that documents remain legible even when there are software or system changes. PNG files don’t have these, although they 

You should use PNG files in several situations, such as:

Creating logos, icons, buttons, badges, and other web graphics that have a 

In all of the above mentioned instances, PNG is better than PDF because it uses lossless compression, which doesn’t reduce quality when the file is saved or edited. However, when compared to PDF, PNG still has some limitations. PNG files are single images, so they 

can't contain multiple pages, interactive elements, or structured text

 that can be selected and searched without OCR.

It is better to use PDF files when you are:

 documents that span multiple pages and require a fixed layout

, like contracts, proposals, agreements, reports, and manuals

 that must remain readable as time passes

PDF is appropriate for these cases because it is 

designed for documents rather than images. 

It keeps text editable and selectable, supports multiple pages and interactive elements like fields and signatures, and preserves layout for sharing, printing, and long-term storage.

 simple graphics, icons, or images that require transparency

How to Convert from PNG to PDF and Vice Versa

You can convert from PNG to PDF and vice versa with 

. You won’t have to install any software since the tool is fully browser-based, and the interface is incredibly intuitive, so everything can be 

Select PNG to PDF and upload your PNG file

, depending on what you want to do after the conversion.


If you choose to edit the PDF, there are many other helpful tools that you can use. For example, you can 

, add annotations, and insert fillable fields.

PDF.net uses HTTPS connections to protect your data while you are uploading, editing, and downloading your files. Shortly after processing, the editor deletes your information to prevent unauthorized access.

It is easy to convert between formats with our online editor; you just need a reliable Internet connection to go through the entire process in a few minutes. If your files aren’t ready for a direct conversion, we can still help.

You can use our tools to merge multiple PNG images and then convert them to PDF, or 

 into individual pages and then convert selected ones into PNG images.

Also, PDF.net offers AI-powered features, such as 

, Summarize PDF, and Translate PDF, to help you review your PDF more efficiently.

Now that you understand the key PNG vs. PDF format differences, you will know exactly when to use each one and make the most of each file format’s strengths. If you need to convert your images or documents online, remember that our online editor is here to help. Also, we have other tools that you can use for prepping and polishing your files.

#1. Can I convert a PDF to PNG without losing quality?

Yes, you can convert a PDF to PNG without losing quality by exporting at a sufficiently high resolution. However, keep in mind that the content becomes pixel-based once converted, so text and vector elements will no longer scale as cleanly.

#2. Which is better for printing, PDF or PNG?

PDF is better than PNG for printing and professional output. It preserves the layout and size of the page(s), as well as the fonts, images, and other elements within the document.

#3. Is PNG better than PDF for web images?

PNG is better than PDF for web pages, especially for those that need variable transparency. However, if you need to show images in a specific sequential order, 

Yes, PDFs can contain PNG images. Usually, they are included inside PDFs along with text, graphics, and other image formats to create complete, well-structured content.

PDF vs. PNG: Which Format to Use for Documents & Images?

Learn how to add a text box to a PDF online and customize it using PDF.net’s browser-based editor. Add text, create forms, and insert fields quickly and easily.

You can add a text box to a PDF online by using the 

 tool in PDF.net. Knowing how to do this is useful when you want to add new content to a specific spot in your document or create a form or template.

In this guide, we will show you the specific steps to add a text box to your PDF and provide tips for troubleshooting common issues that may arise during the process. Additionally, we’ll explain when it is better to use text boxes and when fields would be more appropriate, so you can choose the method that works best for you.

You can add text to a PDF online for free by inserting boxes with PDF.net’s 

 feature on our PDF editor tool that you can use to achieve a similar effect.

PDF text boxes are handy when you want to add content to a specific spot or are creating a manual template, while fillable fields are better for reusable PDF forms.

To avoid common issues when inserting text boxes, you should check that your PDF is not flattened or restricted, and the text has uniform embedded and licensed fonts, sizes, spacing, and padding.

 clickable field where you can type in text 

 to collect details such as names, addresses, and dates.

; for example, you can make an invoice with text boxes for names, dates, line item descriptions, and notes. Each time the PDF is used, only the text inside the boxes changes.

Unlike annotations, which are added on top of a PDF, the content in a text box is 

. It is also different from editing existing text in the document; you use a text box to add information rather than change what’s already there.

You can add a text box to your document using 

Here are the steps to follow to insert a box with our

Open PDF.net and upload the document you want to add text boxes to.

PDF.net editor interface showing the Text tool highlighted in the top toolbar

Click anywhere you want on the page to insert a text box in the PDF.

Click on the text box to reposition it if necessary.

Type directly in the text box. You can change the fonts and their colors or sizes, too. If you double-click the box, it is also possible to highlight, strikethrough, or underline the content or outline the borders of the box.


Typing text inside a PDF text box in PDF.net, with font, color, and size formatting options visible

 tool. There are seven types for you to choose from:

 is most similar to a standard PDF text box.

 out there, PDF.net works on different devices and operating systems.

 via a text box or a fillable field, and there are certain cases where one would be better than the other.

3 Common Issues When Adding Text Boxes to PDFs and Troubleshooting Tips

You might encounter the following three issues when adding text boxes to PDFs:

If you can’t edit your text box after inserting it and saving your PDF, the document might be 

flattened or restricted by security settings

. This means the text is ‘baked’ into the file. It can happen automatically in some software, especially if you choose to “Print to PDF” or “Export as 

.” In this case, you will have to revert or recreate the document and redownload it as an unflattened file.

. The PDF may be password-protected, or its permissions may limit certain actions like copying, pasting, or editing. Therefore, you will have to 

. If you don’t know or have forgotten the password, it is best to contact the PDF’s creator rather than attempt to bypass the restrictions, which violates copyright law.

Misaligned text can make your document appear unprofessional or unreliable. There are several reasons why this happens, including:

The fonts and sizes of the text you type directly inside your text box should match those of the surrounding content to ensure it fits seamlessly. Our online editor allows you to 

If text is added without wrapping, it might collide with other elements on the page or appear cut off. You need to 

 to avoid this from happening. Other workarounds include manually adjusting the sizes of text boxes or splitting long text into multiple boxes.

 Extra spacing inside the text box can shift the text higher or lower and make it look out of place. Thus, you should always double-check that your line spacing and padding are the same throughout your document.

The fonts you choose to use when typing on a PDF 

, as well as your personal or professional branding. As such, it is important that they remain the same after you download your document and share it.

However, unembedded fonts are usually substituted by other default fonts like Arial and Times New Roman when opened on another device. This means you will miss out on the 

’s preservation advantage. To make sure that your document is consistent regardless of where it is being viewed, you must 

Some fonts can’t be embedded due to licensing restrictions. If you notice that the font looks different after downloading, you should 

check whether you have all the licensing required

. This will also help you avoid legal issues, such as fines, lawsuits, and even cease and desist letters.

 is fully browser-based, so you won’t have to worry about waiting for anything to install. You can insert text boxes into your documents using the 

Besides helping you edit PDF text online, we have AI-powered functions (

 Summarize PDF, and Translate PDF) that allow you to process and polish your documents more efficiently.

Now that you know how to add a text box to a PDF, you can improve your document’s content without changing what’s already there, create reusable templates to streamline your workflow, and collect repeatable data like phone numbers or birth dates.

Textboxes give you flexibility while keeping your layout intact, so you can always ensure your PDF stays polished and professional. Our online editor also offers 

 to help you review, refine, and reuse your content efficiently, so don’t forget to take advantage of them after you have added textboxes to your PDF.

#1. Can I add multiple text boxes to a PDF?

; our online editor allows you to insert as many as you like. If you want to limit the number of text boxes but still want to write on a PDF, we also have 

#2. Will the text box be editable after I download the PDF?

 the PDF if you save the document as a flattened or restricted/

; another way to enter text into designated spaces is to use fillable fields.

#3. Can I change the font and color of a text box?

Yes, you can change the font and color of the text 

with our online editor, as we have 10 fonts and 13 colors for you to choose from. However, you can’t change the box’s color.

#4. Does adding a text box change the original PDF layout?

Adding a text box will change the original PDF layout

 if you adjust the margins or move existing objects around to fit the text box. It can also make the page appear crowded or misaligned if the text inside it overflows into other elements.

How to Type on a PDF File: Guide, Tips, Problems, & Solutions

How to Annotate a PDF: Adding Comments, Highlights, and More

How to Edit a Locked PDF: Easy Tools & Common Issues

How to Add a Text Box to a PDF Online: Full Guide for Beginners

Discover best PDF readers, including free and paid options, such as PDF.net, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit PDF Reader, and more.

PDF readers let you open and view PDFs exactly as they were created. Unlike web browsers and word processors, they keep the fonts, images, and formatting intact across operating systems and devices.

In this guide, we will introduce you to the best PDF readers, both free and paid, and examine their key features, as well as pros and cons. By the end, you will be able to make an informed choice about the tool that suits you best.

PDF.net, which is fully browser-based and incredibly intuitive, is one of the best PDF readers for students, freelancers, professionals, and small businesses.

Adobe Acrobat, Foxit, Xodo, PDFX-Change, and SumatraPDF offer software for opening and editing PDF files.

When selecting a PDF reader, you should look for customization options, easy upload options, and the capacity to load long PDFs quickly.

Compared to web browsers and word processors, PDF readers are more accurate, include better built-in tools, and process files faster.

Best PDF Readers Compared: Overview of Top 10 Tools

Let’s examine the top ten PDF readers you should consider:

 is one of the best PDF tools for opening and viewing documents online, especially when you are in a hurry; you just need to have a reliable Internet connection. The platform 

doesn’t require a subscription to read PDFs online

. However, if you want to download your files, you will need to choose a plan.

That said, you can choose from the following pricing plans:

If you are reading PDFs with sensitive information, rest assured that they will stay safe; PDF.net uses 

HTTPS connections and deletes your data shortly after processing

. For peace of mind, the tool even allows you to 

Here are some of the key features that you can enjoy with on this PDF viewer:

Support for opening large files without lag

Option to search for specific words or phrases

Page thumbnails panel to look through long PDFs easily

Wide set of PDF editing tools and AI features, such as 

However, as every tool, PDF.net has its pros and cons. Here’s a quick overview:

 students, freelancers, contractors, professionals in small teams, 

 who want to read PDFs online without having to overcome a steep learning curve or spend a lot of money on subscription will love this browser-based platform.

This is a free PDF viewer developed by the creator of 

, unless you want to use other features like their AI assistant. Also, if you are a mobile user, there is an app that you can download to 

Adobe Acrobat Reader offers several features, including:

, sizes, and line spacing to improve readability

Continuous scrolling and single-page view options

Support for bookmarks and table of contents links inside PDFs

Of course, aside from advantages, this PDF reader comes with certain drawbacks. Here’s a quick summary:

If you regularly view or review PDFs and 

prefer using offline software over an online option

, then Adobe Acrobat Reader is a good option. It is also suitable if you often 

. The PDF reader itself is free, however, other options, like editing, signing, and secure file sharing might require a subscription.

Aside from the above mentioned features, Foxit offers:

Integrations with Microsoft Teams and Salesforce

Compatibility with Windows 10 and 11 and macOS 10.15 to 14

Option to deploy the software at scale using Foxit’s MSI installer

Now, let’s take a quick look at Foxit PDF Reader’s pros and cons:

, with features like integrations and deployment support. Nevertheless, it’s still one of the best free PDF software if you need basic PDF viewing.

cloud-based platform for viewing and editing PDFs

, with more than 100 million users worldwide.

With this tool, you can choose between four pricing plans, including 

It comes with several handy features, which depend on the plan, such as:

Blog

PDF vs. PNG: Which Format to Use for Documents & Images?

How to Add a Text Box to a PDF Online: Full Guide for Beginners

10 Best PDF Readers: Full Guide With Free & Paid Options

Best Way to Sign Documents Online: 7 Top PDF Signing Tools

How to Sign an NDA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adobe Sign vs. DocuSign: Which E-Signature Platform Is Better?

How To Upload a PDF to ChatGPT: Best Methods + Tips

How to Send Something in PDF Form: Easy Methods

How to Embed a Video in PDF: Full Guide for Interactive PDFs

How to Draw on PDFs: Add Shapes, Notes & Sketches Online