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PDF annotator that doesn't overwrite the original PDF (lemmy.ml)

submitted 4 days ago by InFerNo@lemmy.ml to c/foss@beehaw.org

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Hi! My kid needs to use some special software due to some underlying issues. I was looking into how it works and it basically loads a PDF version of his books and then just allows him to digitally use the exercises by adding text, drawing, etc. It also has TTS functionality but we don't use it.

As the annotation is the most important part of this software, I'm looking for something similar, basically non-destructive overlaying of a PDF, and the ability to edit these overlayed annotations at a later time, removing or changing answers given in the digital textbook.

They are currently using software that is in general use, but it's licensed and calling it "janky" is wording things friendly. I'm not looking to replace this software, just doing some research.

So, to summarize, I'm wondering if there already is a FLOSS program that allows you to annotate a PDF (not edit! the contents that are already in the PDF may not be changed) by adding text, drawing lines or shapes, etc.

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[–] Quexotic@beehaw.org 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)

If you're adding anything and it stays, you're directly editing the file unless you save as. To that extent, your request confuses me.

Check out Okular. FOSS, allows annotations, can save as, I think.

The form filling and annotation options are what you're looking for in it. They're a little kludgy, but definitely workable.

[–] InFerNo@lemmy.ml 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I'm not saying it needs to be saved as the same document, I'm saying it definitely shouldn't be. The software probably saves to a copy or a different format that holds the edits and a reference to the original pdf, idk not really relevant. It should simply not be possible to edit the original. Kids editing what is essentially a handbook is not ok, only annotations or forms are allowed, as long as they are erasable/editable later, say a few weeks, when tasks are graded and mistakes are corrected.

[–] Quexotic@beehaw.org 1 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

That's helpful. I see what you're looking for now. Normally if say produce a copy, edit that. Ofc, giving this is education, that's probably copyrighted isn't it?

Incidentally it looks like by default Okular saves annotations in an external XML file. I have not verified this though.

You might look at Xournal++ also.

I was definitely confused before. I'd only used it for form completion and not annotation which apparently works differently.

Best of luck Internet friend and thanks for the clarification!