It seems like a simple enough task: tick a box. But when you’re faced with checking a box in a PDF form, it’s not so easy. Which, of course, is why you’re here. So, here’s what you need to know.

Putting a tick or cross in a box on a PDF is a doddle if you have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader DC app. It’s available for Windows and Mac, as well as on Android and iPhone. So, if you haven’t got it, click the link, or search the app store on your phone for Adobe Fill & Sign and install it.

How to add a tick symbol to a PDF on a PC or Mac

If you haven’t got it already, download Acrobat Reader DC. Once installed, launch it and open the PDF you need to fill in.

Along the menu bar at the top of the page you’ll see a number of options, but the one you need is the fountain pen nib that shows the label Sign document by typing or drawing a signature when you hover over it with the mouse cursor. 

Clicking this opens the Fill & Sign menu bar. Ignore any signatures offered and instead select the Tick icon.

The cursor will now be replaced by a tick, so move your mouse over the box and left-click to insert a tick. Before you place the tick, you can use the two A symbols to increase of decrease its size.

If that’s all you need to do, you can now save the document with the appropriate checkboxes filled in. If not, click on the other fields and fill out the required fields. If you need to sign, here’s how to add a digital signature to a PDF.

How to add a tick symbol to a PDF on a phone or tablet

If you’re working with a PDF on your iPhone or Android phone, the process is very similar. You’ll need to get free Adobe Fill & Sign app. When this is done, tap the Select a form to fill out icon and find the PDF file you want to edit.

Now, navigate to the place on the form where you want to add a tick, tap and hold that spot until you see a menu appear. Then select the tick icon and one will be placed in the box.

If it’s not quite right, tap the and hold the tick until you see a large circle appear around it. Now drag the tick to the correct space. Again, you can use the two A icons to adjust the size of the tick.

When you’re happy, tap another area of the document and the box will disappear leaving only the tick behind. If you’re looking to do more with your PDF files, here are the best PDF editors to use.