The ability to annotate PDFs in Google Drive can be incredibly useful for any individual or team wanting to streamline the way they work.
Gone are the days of having to download a PDF from Google Drive, import it into your PDF software, mark it up and then transfer it back again. Now, by applying markups to your Google Drive PDF files, you can avoid the hassle of managing duplicate files, enhance version control and ensure that you’re always accessing the most up-to-date version.
Partially. The Google Drive app allows basic PDF annotations, but only on Android devices, and only with simple tools like a pen, highlighter, and eraser.
For most users, that means you can view PDFs across devices but can’t properly mark them up or edit them on desktop, iOS, or the web without help from another tool.
If you want to unlock full markup capability in Google Drive, add the Drawboard PDF Google Workspace app. With it, you can access a wide range of PDF markup tools that can be applied to any PDF you’re working with in Google Drive.
These include:
…and so much more on all your devices.
The app works by syncing with Google Drive so that when you mark up or edit a PDF, all changes sync in near real-time. This means that you can manage your files in a simple and streamlined way without having to transfer them between platforms or manage duplicate files.
With Drawboard PDF, Google Drive becomes a connected workspace where markups, notes, and feedback flow seamlessly, helping you move faster and stay paper-free.
You can also access the Google Workspace app here.
Once installed, here is how you can add markups to your PDF files:
In Google Drive, navigate to the file you would like to open, right click it, hover over ‘Open with,’ and then select Drawboard PDF.
You can choose to open the web app or the desktop app, if installed, with your file ready to go.
Once your file is open in Drawboard PDF, you can start adding markups right away.
You can choose a default tool from the Markup Toolbar at the top of the page to begin drawing or highlighting immediately.
Or, you may prefer to use the Favorites Toolbar, which provides access to your preferred tools instantly. If you need to add more tools, just select the ‘+’ icon and search for it in the window, or click the heart icon next to your current tool to add it for future reuse.
You can also customize any annotation tool—pen, highlighter, underline, shape, and more—to suit your workflow.
After selecting a tool on your Favorites Toolbar, click the down arrow next to it to open the customization menu.
On the Markup Toolbar, customize each tool by clicking the ‘...’ next to the quick settings to open the full menu.
Once you’ve applied your annotations, Drawboard PDF makes it easy to keep your Google Drive file up to date.
Whenever the Drawboard PDF app syncs, all your changes will automatically appear on the selected file in Google Drive in nearly real-time.
[https://support.drawboard.com/hc/article_attachments/13196340347535]
You can choose to sync automatically at set intervals or manually as needed by selecting the Google Drive button in the top-right corner of the app.
Once your Google Drive file is open in Drawboard PDF, you’ll have a full suite of markup and annotation tools at your fingertips. Here are a few quick ways to make the most of them.
Use the pen or highlighter tools to emphasize important text or diagrams. You can choose custom colors or thicknesses to organize your highlights by topic, priority, or reviewer.
Insert text boxes, callouts, or shapes to leave clear feedback on specific areas of your document. It’s ideal for teachers grading assignments, teammates reviewing content, or anyone providing visual input.
Whether you’re marking up a floor plan, a math problem, or a creative draft, Drawboard’s pressure-sensitive ink lets you sketch ideas and freehand notes naturally with your stylus or mouse.
Add images to include examples or diagrams directly in your PDF, perfect for comparing visuals or adding supporting material. You can also insert hyperlinks to external resources, research papers, or shared folders so reviewers can access related content in one click.
Add your signature with the sign tool to quickly finalize documents or approvals. No printing, scanning, or re-uploading required.
For engineering or design files, use the calibrate and measurement tools to verify dimensions or scale. This is especially helpful for AEC professionals and students working on technical projects.
Avoid the hassle of downloading and re-uploading documents. Work faster and ensure that you and your team always have access to the most up-to-date version in Google Drive.
Want to learn more about Drawboard PDF? Explore Drawboard PDF tools and features or start a free 7-day trial for you or your team.
Get access to unlimited tools and features designed to help you work faster, without paper.
The ability to annotate PDFs in Google Drive can be incredibly useful for any individual or team wanting to streamline the way they work.
Gone are the days of having to download a PDF from Google Drive, import it into your PDF software, mark it up and then transfer it back again. Now, by applying markups to your Google Drive PDF files, you can avoid the hassle of managing duplicate files, enhance version control and ensure that you’re always accessing the most up-to-date version.
Partially. The Google Drive app allows basic PDF annotations, but only on Android devices, and only with simple tools like a pen, highlighter, and eraser.
For most users, that means you can view PDFs across devices but can’t properly mark them up or edit them on desktop, iOS, or the web without help from another tool.
If you want to unlock full markup capability in Google Drive, add the Drawboard PDF Google Workspace app. With it, you can access a wide range of PDF markup tools that can be applied to any PDF you’re working with in Google Drive.
These include:
…and so much more on all your devices.
The app works by syncing with Google Drive so that when you mark up or edit a PDF, all changes sync in near real-time. This means that you can manage your files in a simple and streamlined way without having to transfer them between platforms or manage duplicate files.
With Drawboard PDF, Google Drive becomes a connected workspace where markups, notes, and feedback flow seamlessly, helping you move faster and stay paper-free.
You can also access the Google Workspace app here.
Once installed, here is how you can add markups to your PDF files:
In Google Drive, navigate to the file you would like to open, right click it, hover over ‘Open with,’ and then select Drawboard PDF.
You can choose to open the web app or the desktop app, if installed, with your file ready to go.
Once your file is open in Drawboard PDF, you can start adding markups right away.
You can choose a default tool from the Markup Toolbar at the top of the page to begin drawing or highlighting immediately.
Or, you may prefer to use the Favorites Toolbar, which provides access to your preferred tools instantly. If you need to add more tools, just select the ‘+’ icon and search for it in the window, or click the heart icon next to your current tool to add it for future reuse.
You can also customize any annotation tool—pen, highlighter, underline, shape, and more—to suit your workflow.
After selecting a tool on your Favorites Toolbar, click the down arrow next to it to open the customization menu.
On the Markup Toolbar, customize each tool by clicking the ‘...’ next to the quick settings to open the full menu.
Once you’ve applied your annotations, Drawboard PDF makes it easy to keep your Google Drive file up to date.
Whenever the Drawboard PDF app syncs, all your changes will automatically appear on the selected file in Google Drive in nearly real-time.
[https://support.drawboard.com/hc/article_attachments/13196340347535]
You can choose to sync automatically at set intervals or manually as needed by selecting the Google Drive button in the top-right corner of the app.
Once your Google Drive file is open in Drawboard PDF, you’ll have a full suite of markup and annotation tools at your fingertips. Here are a few quick ways to make the most of them.
Use the pen or highlighter tools to emphasize important text or diagrams. You can choose custom colors or thicknesses to organize your highlights by topic, priority, or reviewer.
Insert text boxes, callouts, or shapes to leave clear feedback on specific areas of your document. It’s ideal for teachers grading assignments, teammates reviewing content, or anyone providing visual input.
Whether you’re marking up a floor plan, a math problem, or a creative draft, Drawboard’s pressure-sensitive ink lets you sketch ideas and freehand notes naturally with your stylus or mouse.
Add images to include examples or diagrams directly in your PDF, perfect for comparing visuals or adding supporting material. You can also insert hyperlinks to external resources, research papers, or shared folders so reviewers can access related content in one click.
Add your signature with the sign tool to quickly finalize documents or approvals. No printing, scanning, or re-uploading required.
For engineering or design files, use the calibrate and measurement tools to verify dimensions or scale. This is especially helpful for AEC professionals and students working on technical projects.
Avoid the hassle of downloading and re-uploading documents. Work faster and ensure that you and your team always have access to the most up-to-date version in Google Drive.
Want to learn more about Drawboard PDF? Explore Drawboard PDF tools and features or start a free 7-day trial for you or your team.
Get access to unlimited tools and features designed to help you work faster, without paper.
We are a PDF and collaboration company. We believe that creating more effective connections between people reduces waste.
Our best work has been overtaken by busywork. That’s why we’ve created ways to help people get back to working wonders without any paper in sight.
Drawboard PDF lets you mark up and share with ease, and Drawboard Projects brings collaborative design review to architecture and engineering teams.
At Drawboard, we work our magic so our customers can get back to working theirs.
We are a PDF and collaboration company. We believe that creating more effective connections between people reduces waste.
Our best work has been overtaken by busywork. That’s why we’ve created ways to help people get back to working wonders without any paper in sight.
Drawboard PDF lets you mark up and share with ease, and Drawboard Projects brings collaborative design review to architecture and engineering teams.
At Drawboard, we work our magic so our customers can get back to working theirs.
