Drawing on a PDF is one of the fastest ways to give clear feedback - especially when text comments aren’t enough.

Whether you’re reviewing contracts, layouts, storyboards, wireframes, or production documents, drawing directly on a PDF helps teams explain changes visually and avoid long back-and-forth threads.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to draw on a PDF using Kreatli, why visual markup beats traditional comments, and how teams use this approach to speed up reviews and approvals.

Why Drawing on a PDF Beats Text Comments

Text comments often create ambiguity:

• “This part needs adjusting”

• “Move this slightly left”

• “Change this section”

Without visuals, reviewers guess - and revisions multiply.

Drawing on a PDF allows you to:

• Circle problem areas

• Draw arrows and callouts

• Highlight exact sections

• Leave contextual feedback

For creative and production teams, this removes interpretation entirely.

Common Use Cases for Drawing on PDFs

Teams use PDF drawing tools across many workflows:

• Creative reviews: layouts, brand guidelines, storyboards

• Marketing approvals: decks, campaign plans

• Production planning: shot lists, schedules

• Operations: internal documentation, SOPs

The key requirement in all of them: feedback must be precise and versioned.

How to Draw on a PDF Using Kreatli (Step by Step)

Kreatli is a Video Collaboration & Review Platform that also supports document-based review workflows - allowing teams to annotate, comment, and manage versions in one place.

Step 1: Create a New Project

Step 2: Upload Your PDF

Start by uploading your PDF file to your project workspace.

Once uploaded, the file becomes part of your review workflow - not just a static document.

Step 3: Open the PDF in Review Mode

Click the PDF to open it in Kreatli’s review interface.

This enables:

• Visual annotations

• Comment threads

• Version tracking

• Approval states

No downloads. No re-uploads.

Step 4: Draw Directly on the PDF

Use Kreatli’s visual feedback tools to draw on the PDF:

• Freehand drawing

• Arrows and callouts

• Highlights

• Pinpointed comments

Each drawing could be tied to a comment, keeping context clear.

Learn more here: https://kreatli.com/platform/annotate-pdf

Step 5: Add Contextual Comments

Every drawing can include written feedback explaining why the change is needed.

This keeps visual feedback actionable, not just cosmetic.

Step 6: Track Versions Automatically

When a revised PDF is uploaded, Kreatli treats it as a new version - preserving all previous feedback.

This makes it easy to:

• Compare iterations

• Ensure feedback was addressed

• Avoid approving the wrong file

Learn more here: Version Control in Kreatli

Why Teams Use Kreatli Instead of Traditional PDF Editors

Traditional PDF editors focus on editing the file.
Kreatli focuses on reviewing and approving it.

With Kreatli, teams get:

• Centralized feedback

• Clear version history

• Structured approvals

• Linked tasks from comments

This is especially powerful for teams already reviewing video, images, and documents together.

Explore the full platform: Kreatli Platform Overview

Free Tools for Faster Reviews

In addition to full review workflows, Kreatli also offers free tools that help teams share and prepare assets faster.

Explore them here: Kreatli Free Tools

These are often used alongside PDF and video reviews to reduce friction early in the process.

Drawing on PDFs vs Comment-Only Feedback

Best Practices When Drawing on PDFs

Be Specific, Not Messy

Use arrows and highlights sparingly. Too many markings can confuse reviewers.

Always Tie Drawings to Comments

A drawing shows where.
A comment explains why.

Review Against the Latest Version

Avoid marking outdated files.

Kreatli ensures the “current” version is always clear.

Close the Loop With Approvals

Once feedback is addressed, move the file to approval instead of leaving it “in review.”

Learn more: Approvals & Sign-Offs

How This Fits Into a Larger Review Workflow

Drawing on PDFs is rarely the final step.

Most teams also review:

• Videos

• Images

• Motion drafts

That’s why Kreatli combines Video Collaboration & Review with production orchestration - so the same feedback workflow applies across all deliverables.

Related guides:

• How to Draw on a Video

• How to Share Video for Client Review

FAQ: Drawing on PDFs

How can I draw on a PDF online?

You can draw on a PDF online by uploading it to a review platform like Kreatli and using visual annotation tools directly in the browser.

Do reviewers need an account to draw on PDFs in Kreatli?

External reviewers can leave feedback without creating a full account, depending on workspace settings.

Is drawing on PDFs better than commenting?

Yes - drawings remove ambiguity and make feedback faster to understand and implement.

Can I track changes across PDF versions?

Yes. Kreatli automatically tracks versions so you can review feedback history and ensure changes are addressed.

Is Kreatli only for video?

No. While Kreatli is a Video Collaboration & Review Platform, it also supports document-based reviews as part of a full production workflow.

Final Takeaway

If you only need to edit a PDF, a traditional editor may be enough.

But if your goal is clear feedback, faster revisions, and confident approvals, drawing on PDFs inside a review workflow is far more effective.

That’s where Kreatli stands out - combining visual annotation, version control, approvals, and production orchestration in one platform.

Explore the platform here: https://kreatli.com/