Discover how to spell-check a PDF via three methods: by converting the file to DOCX, using OCR for scans, and manually reviewing the text. 

Knowing how to spell-check a PDF is rather important for keeping your documents polished and professional. PDFs are used everywhere, from business proposals and reports to academic submissions and resumes, and even small errors can make a bad impression.

The challenge is that once a file is exported, spotting and fixing typos becomes much harder. This guide will walk you through practical ways to spell-check a PDF, including how to handle editable vs. scanned files, free tools you can use, and tips to make quick fixes without starting from scratch.

When learning how to spell-check a PDF, you will need to understand that, unlike Word or Google Docs, 

 is generally considered a final format for consistent viewing and printing, not for editing or writing.

So, there are only workarounds to check the spelling in a PDF, and it might be a bit more difficult with scanned PDFs, since they are image-based.

and fix any typos in a professional PDF editor like PDF.net. Let’s delve further into each of these methods below.

Proofreading is much easier in Word or Google Docs. All you need to do is 

 to catch any errors. You can use PDF.net’s tool, which works effortlessly online, for this, and here is how to do so in four steps:

 from the toolbar at the top of the page and select 

Your PDF file will open in a browser with a full suite of tools.

Once you have the DOCX file, open it on your device via Word or upload it to Google Drive and open it in Google Docs. Fix any typos in your converted file, then 

ensure that your formatting remains consistent

 or post it on social media platforms like 

If your Word’s spell-check function doesn’t work automatically, follow these steps:

; a window will pop up, and then you select

In Google Docs, you can turn on the spell-checker by following these steps:

OCR, short for Optical Character Recognition, is a technology that 

converts images of text into actual, editable text

 in files where the content is not selectable or searchable.

, you will need to run OCR first. After extracting the text, you can spell-check your file manually or automatically by copying and pasting the content into Word or Google Docs.

Don’t forget to re-export it as a PDF afterward to keep your document’s formatting intact. You can use 

You can also open your document in PDF.net, proofread it by reading through it carefully and identifying mistakes manually, and then fix them using PDF.net’s 

Click on the line of text you want to edit, and then type directly to make your changes. If you just 

 mistakes for someone else to edit later, select 

 from the panel on the left and choose the stroke thickness and color you want.

This approach to proofreading PDF files isn’t automatic, but it is convenient for one-off fixes. You can easily re-save the file as a PDF to preserve your formatting when you are done. All you should do is click 

 in the top-right corner, make sure the ticked option is PDF, and then select 

Best Ways to Avoid Spelling Mistakes in PDFs

Once you create a PDF, spotting a typo often means going back and editing the original document, which takes time. To save yourself the hassle, here are some simple ways to avoid typos in PDF files in the first place:

Always spell-check before converting to PDF. 

It is much easier to fix issues while the text is still directly editable. Run a full spell-check in Word, Google Docs, or your writing tool before exporting.

Grammarly, LanguageTool, JSpell, and similar tools are easy to use and help catch spelling and grammar issues before exporting to PDF. Many of them are free and offer extensions for your browser.

Have another person review important documents. 

Typos can slip through even after multiple reviews. A second pair of eyes helps catch what you might miss, especially in reports, proposals, or any client-facing material.

 Always save a Word or Google Docs version of your final file. So, if the PDF needs to be updated, you can make changes easily without needing to convert or reprocess the file with OCR.

If you are reading through a PDF and spot a mistake, 

On top of that, you can polish your document with tools that allow you to 

, add page numbers, and more. If your PDF is meant for web use, you can also 

 to reduce the file size without losing quality. Case in point, you can rely on PDF.net to

Regardless of whether you are working with an editable PDF or a scanned one, there is always a way to catch and fix typos. And now that you know how to spell-check a PDF, you can avoid embarrassing mistakes and keep your documents looking professional.

Tools like Word, Google Docs, OCR converters, and PDF.net can help make the process easier. With the right steps and software, you can clean up your content quickly, save time on revisions, and share polished PDFs with total confidence.

 by converting it to DOCX and editing it in Word or Google Docs. If your PDF is scanned, run it through an OCR tool to extract the text, and then copy and paste it into Word or Google Docs to spell-check.

To fix typos in a locked PDF, unlock your document using PDF.net; once you can access the document, use PDF.net’s 

#3. Can I spell-check a scanned PDF directly?

because it is an image without selectable or searchable text. You need to convert the scanned PDF using an OCR tool first, and then you can spell-check it.

#4. Is online spell-check safe for confidential files?

 safe for confidential files. You need to use a reliable tool; PDF.net, for example, is secure because this editor uses 

#5. How do you search for specific words in a PDF?

To search for specific words in a PDF, press

 and type the word you are looking for. This works in most browsers and PDF readers 

. For scanned PDFs, you will need to run OCR to extract the text first.

How to Spell-Check a PDF: 3 Easy Methods to Fix Typos and Errors

Some of the best e-book fonts are Palatino, Garamond, Literata, and Bookerly. Discover how to format them and which mistakes to avoid in e-books.

The best e-book fonts are easy on the eyes, so readers can stay engaged for a long time. They should also be compatible with PDF, EPUB, and Kindle formats, since these are the typical options for e-books.

Follow along as we explain the characteristics of a good e-book font and introduce you to the top serif and sans-serif ones. Also, we will provide formatting tips, including common pitfalls to avoid, to help you create the best e-book.

A good e-book font allows readers to enjoy every page with ease, and to do that, it has to be:

E-book font readability is perhaps the most important characteristic to consider. A font that is too cluttered or confusing and makes it difficult to read what’s on a page defeats the whole purpose of an e-book.

Compatible with eReaders and PDF devices. 

E-books are typically viewed on eReaders and PDF devices; therefore, their content’s fonts need to be compatible. If they cannot be rendered properly, readers will encounter PDF missing text issues and choose a different e-book.

E-books require fonts that are properly licensed for digital use; a font license allows embedding in ePub, 

, and other electronic formats. Without the right permissions, you risk copyright infringement; so, when in doubt, it is best to choose fonts with open licenses.

What Are the Best Fonts to Use in E-Books?

Here are 9 best e-book fonts to use. These fonts improve readability and are compatible with most eReaders and PDF devices.

 that has gently tapered strokes mirroring the motion of a broad-nib pen. With a large x-height, it is 

even at small sizes. This font is widely used in

, particularly in books, periodicals, and catalogs.

, like Microsoft Office and macOS, making it an accessible choice.

Garamond is another classic serif font with soft bracketed serifs that 

. Even though the thin strokes may look lighter on low-resolution screens, on modern e-readers or tablets, they look 

Georgia is one of the best serif fonts for e-books because it has strong, sturdy strokes along with wider and chunkier letters that 

Additionally, Georgia is designed to stay sharp on screens, so it looks 

nice even on older or lower-resolution displays

Helvetica is a sans-serif font loved for its 

. It is gentle on the eyes, reducing reader fatigue, and 

if your content includes charts and diagrams.

, making it ideal for e-books. It is also 

widely available and familiar to most readers

Verdana is one of the best sans-serif fonts for e-books due to large letters, which 

. Even with longer paragraphs, Verdana does not feel crowded since it has 

While this means that you will not be able to squeeze as many words on a page, it 

; you can choose it for academic e-books.

 is a serif font whose lowercase letters have a lower x-height and higher ascenders, adding airy line spacing and

. It was made for Google Play Books and a top pick for 

Literata is featured on more than 49,500 websites, according to Google Fonts. This shows how popular and trusted it is for e-books, websites, and 

under the SIL Open Font License v1.1 and 

, including Latin, Greek, Cyrillic, Vietnamese, etc. It is a 

 for multilingual e-books and global audiences.

Bookerly is among the most readable fonts for e-books, 

created by Amazon specifically for Kindle devices

, which helps keep each letter distinct on screens. At the same time, it 

do not need to license or embed this font

; readers can simply select it in their font settings.

 but also works well for e-books. It has clean lines with mostly-even strokes, giving it a 

. You can use it for short and long text, as well as headings. Arial is 

 on Windows, Mac, and many e-readers, so you will rarely have to worry about compatibility.

, but it is good for e-books as well. It is a serif font with strong, sturdy shapes and clear letterforms; 

 for screen reading, Cambria makes long passages of text 

. It has thicker verticals and thinner horizontals; however, it 

 thanks to open counters. You can use it for e-books that need a professional and polished look.

What’s the Right Font Size and Formatting for E-Books?

The right font size and formatting make your e-book feel professional and comfortable to read.

Which Font & Style Mistakes to Avoid in E-Books?

Font and style mistakes can negatively affect your content, even if you have chosen the best fonts for e-books. Here’s what you should avoid when 

Script and decorative fonts look appealing, but they are 

 for body text. Script fonts often have elaborate swirls that blur together at smaller sizes.

 from your content. Thus, they are both extremely difficult to read in long passages on screens.

These are some of the fonts you should avoid:

#2. Fonts Not Embedded or Supported on All Devices

Fonts that are not embedded or supported on all devices may cause 

 issues. Otherwise, their systems may substitute them with a default font that 

 or display them as random symbols. Usually, these are custom fonts that you download yourself.

To ensure the fonts you have chosen can be embedded and supported, follow these general steps:

 This will state whether embedding fonts in PDFs, e-books, or apps is allowed; if you do not have the licenses, you legally cannot embed them. Look for sections about "electronic document embedding," "PDF embedding," or "digital publishing". Some licenses specify conditions like "may be embedded in electronic documents for non-commercial use only."

Check the embedding statuses with your e-book creation software. 

If not included in the EPUB package, your fonts are not embedded in PDFs yet.

After you export your e-book, open it in a dedicated reader and see if the fonts display consistently. If your 

, try to disable temporary ad blockers and reconnect to the Internet.

Inconsistent font sizes and styles can cause your e-book to look 

. Do not use more than two or three font size and style combinations: one for 

. Mixing too many options will distract readers and make your content feel cluttered.

#4. Ignoring Contrast and Background Colors

, especially in long passages. You should avoid low-contrast text, like light gray on a white background or bright colors that clash.

Instead, stick to high-contrast combinations, like dark text on a light background, to keep your e-book readable. You may also want to check how your content looks in 

, since many e-readers allow users to switch between them.

How PDF.net Helps You Create Aesthetic E-Books

 makes designing polished, professional PDF e-books simple from start to finish. You can convert 

 instantly, so you never have to start from scratch.

Once imported, the intuitive, browser-based editor lets you 

, spacing, and margins to create a clean reading experience. You can also rearrange, rotate, merge, or 

 to fine-tune your layout. When everything looks perfect, export an e-book ready for your audience on any device.

The best e-book fonts are readable, professional, and compatible with e-readers and PDF devices. If you prefer sans-serif fonts, Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial are excellent options. For serif fonts, consider Palatino, Garamond, Georgia, Literata, and Bookerly.

Avoid script or decorative fonts that can cause eye strain and distraction, and be careful with your font sizes, spacing, margins, and styling. It is also worth previewing your e-book on multiple screens and modes before publishing. With the right approach, you can craft e-books that keep your audience engaged from the first page to the last!

#1. Which font style is best for reading?

The best font style for reading is one that is clear and clean, with balanced letterforms that 

. It should also have generous spacing to avoid eye strain.

#2. What is the best font for digital publishing?

. Bookerly is excellent for Kindle, while Literata is preferred for Google Play Books. Arial, Helvetica, and Georgia also work well because they have clean lines and render consistently.

#3. Are serif or sans-serif fonts better for E-Books?

 for long-form reading because their small strokes guide the eye along lines of text. However, sans-serif fonts are still popular with many readers thanks to their 

#4. What’s the best font for a children’s book?

The best font for a children’s book is one that is 

. You should consider a large, rounded sans-serif font, which feels more friendly.

#5. Do fonts affect the file size of a PDF?

 of a PDF during the embedding process. If you want to keep your PDF lightweight,

in your PDF. You can also use PDF.net to further

9 Best E-Book Fonts for Maximum Readability (PDF Friendly)

This guide covers what a certified PDF is, who uses it, how to create one to verify a document’s authenticity and prevent tampering, and more.

A certified PDF is a file that contains a digital certificate that proves the document is authentic. This certification helps you comply with industry regulations, protect sensitive information, and build trust with clients by ensuring important documents, such as PDF contracts and official communications, are credible.

This guide covers how certified PDFs work, why they are important, and how to create them with no hassle. Read on to learn more!

signed and embedded with a digital certificate

 by the author or an authorized organization to verify:

The document has not been changed since it was certified, to prevent tampering

The identity of the signer, in order to confirm who issued or approved the document

The date of certification, to help with tracking and 

Therefore, certification ensures your PDF content is trusted by clients, regulators, and partners.

when authorship and authenticity are crucial

, such as in regulatory settings. Electronic signatures are 

 under the ESIGN Act, so certified PDFs can be used as evidence to prove the document’s validity.

However, it is important to note that these differ from scanned PDFs, which are just images of documents but may still include encrypted metadata that can be 

checked independently to verify authenticity

, but it has trusted digital signatures that confirm its authenticity and integrity. The indicators displayed to confirm certification 

 that shows the name of the certifier and when the document was certified. In Adobe Acrobat, for instance, you will see a blue ribbon icon at the top of the page, which confirms the document is certified and has not been changed.

Industries and professionals who need to protect sensitive documents and prove their authenticity when needed use certified PDFs most commonly. Let’s explore this more thoroughly:

, contracts, court filings, and settlements. Because certified PDFs include a trusted digital certificate, they help ensure that documents 

. In doing so, they also make these documents valid

Government agencies can use certified PDFs for official records, permits, forms, and licenses. This is because certification

For academic institutions, certified PDFs offer a reliable method for distributing publications, transcripts, diplomas, and recommendation letters. Certification 

simplifies verification for other schools and employers at the same time

Businesses and enterprises need secure, verifiable documents when sharing proposals, purchase agreements, financial statements, and 

. Certifying PDFs fulfills this requirement by

adding the aforementioned trusted digital signature, which

#5. Freelancers and Independent Contractors

Freelancers and independent contractors often opt for certified PDFs when sending proposals, contracts, and invoices. For independent professionals, this adds an extra layer of credibility and ensures clients can trust the integrity of their documents.

Certified vs. Signed PDF: What Are The Differences?

 that confirm someone has reviewed or approved the document. Each signature is linked to a digital certificate that verifies the signer’s identity.

used when multiple parties need to sign them

, such as with contracts, agreements, or purchase orders. You can keep adding signatures over time, similar to passing a paper document around for sign-off.

On the other hand, a certified PDF is created by the document’s author to 

. Document certification in a PDF locks the content to prevent unauthorized edits and establishes trust in the document’s origin. The 

, such as form filling, but other changes invalidate the certification.

Yet, the main certified PDF vs. signed PDF distinction is that 

the former happens only once at the source

. It provides a higher level of control over the document’s integrity. Signing, while secure, 

You can create a certified PDF with Adobe Acrobat. Below are the seven steps to follow:

 to look at the document before signing, then click 

Recheck PDF’s certified status. Here is how to do that:

Look at the first button; it indicates the Certified PDF status.

You should use certified PDFs because of their:

 issued by the author or an approved organization. In the U.S., the ESIGN Act recognizes certified 

 as legally binding when they meet certain requirements.

 in contracts, agreements, and filings. Certification is a clear way to verify the authenticity of a PDF and demonstrate that it has not been tampered with.

Certified PDFs help maintain the integrity of a document by 

 after certification. The digital certificate and PDF signature validation locks the content in its original state, making tampering immediately detectable. This ensures recipients can trust that the information they receive is exactly as the author intended.

Compliance is another reason to certify PDFs, as many industries require verifiable records to meet regulatory standards. Certified files 

by confirming document authorship and integrity.

FDA (Food and Drug Administration) 21 CFR Part 11 sets standards for electronic records and signatures in regulated industries, such as

 pharmaceuticals. Certified PDFs ensure reliable, unaltered records, author identification, and audit trails, meeting Part 11’s key requirements.

, is the official PDF standard’s most recent version. It defines the technical structure of PDFs, including how digital signatures must work for authentication.

Certified PDFs comply with ISO 32000‑2 by embedding signatures in the correct structure and using approved encryption methods. They also include PDF metadata that supports validation and long-term verification.

Regardless of where and when they are used, certified PDFs 

Blog

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