PDF edits not saving in Files app

My iPad will not consistently let me save my pdf edits to Files. The edits disappear, even when I send the file to someone else. I end up making the same changes multiple times and hope that it eventually saves. The changes that reverse include adding pages, deleting pages, reordering pages, and pencil annotations.

iPad, iPadOS 16

Posted on Aug 27, 2023 6:46 PM

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Posted on Mar 24, 2024 1:27 AM

After many hours with apple support I did eventually get a solution. For me it was the file that was the problem.

i had used the same pdf document had been editing it over the years, this eventually stopped saving changes.


after trouble shooting with apple advisor, we went to the first version of the pdf file and lone behold it start saving the changes.


16 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 24, 2024 1:27 AM in response to Mels100

After many hours with apple support I did eventually get a solution. For me it was the file that was the problem.

i had used the same pdf document had been editing it over the years, this eventually stopped saving changes.


after trouble shooting with apple advisor, we went to the first version of the pdf file and lone behold it start saving the changes.


Apr 2, 2024 9:31 PM in response to Mels100

First of all I’ve had the same issue: markup and text box edits would not automatically save, even on on-device files. The PDF would just blink.. and edits disappear. It’s unacceptable.

But I may have found a solution. You know how in the top left there’s the file name and a drop-down arrow? If you tap that, it loads for like a second and hopefully saves. Usually works, but it’s not a fully reliable save button. It’s just the only option I see out there, so hit that as many times as needed. Hope your next file saves 🤞🏼

Aug 28, 2023 4:22 PM in response to Mels100

Hello Mels100,


Thanks for posting in the Apple Support Communities.


How exactly are you editing the files? What program are you using to perform the edit? We ask this because generally you'd view this file type in Preview which provides limited editing options.


Find files on your iPhone or iPad in the Files app - Apple Support


"How to edit files in the Files app


To edit a file, just tap to open it. Depending on the file type, you can: 


  • Use Markup to draw, add text, add a signature, and more
  • Edit the file in Pages, Keynote, Numbers, and other apps


You can also delete files from the Files app. Changes to files stored in iCloud Drive or other cloud services automatically update on all of your devices. "


Also, what actions are you performing to save the changes you make to your document? Have you tried saving it under a new file name after an edit is completed?


Best regards.

Mar 8, 2024 11:50 AM in response to Mels100

Same issues but only with text boxes. I use this for a form at my business and it has always worked fine until today. It saves pencil markups but the text box edits will not save. I like the text boxes because some of my employees handwriting is not legible. Absolutely infuriating. We have not changed how we use the form and it used to save when pressing done. Steve would never have let this happen.

Jul 8, 2024 2:26 PM in response to adiya163

what about for the markups that are not being saved, what’s the solution please? the file keeps doing what looks like a refresh and it goes back to the first page of the book without saving my markups. before used to show a progress bar showing “saving” now it just kind of refreshes and go back to the first page of the book not saving anything. Please help !!!


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PDF edits not saving in Files app

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