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9 Best Free, PDF Editors In 2025,Jan – Our Top Pics

9 hours ago
by Alam
17 min read
Best Free PDF Editors

Have you ever tried editing a PDF and felt completely stuck?

We’ve all been there! 

PDFs are great for sharing documents, but making changes can feel frustrating. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’ll explore the 9 best free PDF editors in 2025 that make editing quick and easy. If you want to update text, sign a document, or combine files, these tools can help, all without spending a penny.

Let’s dive in!

What is a Free PDF Editor?

So, what exactly is a free PDF editor? Let’s break it down!

A free PDF editor is a tool that lets you make changes to PDF files without needing to pay for fancy software. Think of it like this: PDFs are like “locked” files—they’re great for sharing, but editing them isn’t always straightforward. That’s where a PDF editor comes in!

With a free PDF editor, you can do things like:

  • Fix a typo or edit text.
  • Add your signature to a document.
  • Highlight or comment on sections.
  • Combine multiple PDFs into one.
  • Even insert images or shapes!

And the best part? You can do all this without breaking the bank.

Top 9 Best Free PDF Editors In 2025,Jan– Top Picked

⏰ TL;DR:

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC – Overall Best Free PDF Editor
2. Smallpdf – Best Free PDF Editor
3. PDFescape – Best for Secure PDF Form Filling
4. Sejda PDF Editor – Best for Advanced PDF Editing Online
5. PDF24 Creator – Best for Offline PDF Creation and Editing
6. PDF Candy – Best for Multiple PDF Tools in One
7. Canva – Best for PDF Design and Creative Edits
8. Foxit PDF Editor– Best for Professional PDF Editing
9. iLovePDF– Best for Batch Processing and PDF Tools

Need to edit a PDF but don’t want to spend money? This section is here to help! We’ve listed the top 9 best free PDF editors for 2025 that make editing super simple. Let’s learn more. 

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC – Overall Best Free PDF Editor

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Let’s start with the classic. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is pretty much the gold standard when it comes to PDF tools. Even the free version is packed with features that make it a must-have. 

While it doesn’t let you edit text or images directly, it’s perfect for viewing, annotating, and filling out forms. Plus, since Adobe invented the PDF format, you know you’re in good hands.

Key Features 

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (Free Version) is a must-know tool for handling PDFs. Let’s explore its features and what they do:

  • View and Read PDFs: Easily open and read PDF files in a clean, user-friendly interface. It’s perfect for casual or professional use!
  • Comment and Annotate: You can highlight text, add sticky notes, or draw on your documents. This is great for reviewing and collaborating.
  • Fill Forms: Quickly fill out PDF forms without printing them, which is ideal for contracts, applications, and more.
  • Add Signatures: Sign documents electronically with just a few clicks—no paper or pen is needed.
  • Cross-Device Sync: Access your files and edits seamlessly across devices when you’re logged into your Adobe account.

Pros and Cons 

Let’s discover why Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a trusted choice for handling PDFs. We’ve listed its pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

  • Trusted by millions.
  • Fillable forms.Cross-device support.
  • Easy to use.
  • Annotation features.

Cons

  • Limited editing tools.
  • Occasional ads.

2. Smallpdf – Best Free PDF Editor

Smallpdf

Let’s talk about Smallpdf, a super handy tool for anyone who needs to work with PDFs. From editing and converting to compressing files, Smallpdf makes it feel like a walk in the park. It’s an online platform, so you don’t need to download anything to start using it!

Smallpdf’s clean interface and easy-to-use features mean you can upload a document, make changes, and download it again in just a few clicks. Plus, it supports many PDF tasks, from merging and splitting to converting PDFs to Word, Excel, or even PowerPoint.

Key Features

Are you curious about what Smallpdf can really do? This section breaks down its key features so you’ll know exactly what makes it stand out. 

  • OCR (Optical Character Recognition): You can extract text from scanned PDFs or images. This feature makes it possible to edit and work with non-editable documents.
  • PDF Conversion: You can easily convert PDFs into other formats like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. This helps in editing or repurposing content quickly.
  • PDF to Image: Smallpdf lets you convert your PDFs into image formats such as JPG or PNG. This is helpful when you want to share or edit specific pages.
  • Compress PDFs: You can reduce the size of your PDFs without losing quality. This feature is helpful for easier file sharing and uploading.
  • Merge and Split PDFs: Smallpdf allows you to merge multiple PDFs into one file or split a large PDF into smaller sections. It’s a simple and efficient process.

Pros and Cons

Are you curious about Smallpdf’s pros and cons? This section will give you a quick rundown of its strengths and limitations. 

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface.
  • Fast conversion and compression.
  • Supports a variety of file formats.
  • Offers cloud storage integration.
  • Reliable security features (password protection, encryption).

Cons

  • Limited features in the free version.
  • Overwhelming ads in the free version.

3. PDFescape – Best for Secure PDF Form Filling

PDFescape

PDFescape is a convenient online tool for editing PDFs without any hassle. There’s no need to download anything; simply visit their website and start editing immediately.

With PDFescape, you can add text, fill out forms, and make changes to existing PDFs. You can even create new PDFs from scratch and protect them with a password. It’s easy to use, free for basic tasks, and perfect for quick edits. Now, let’s look at the features that make PDFescape stand out!

Key Features

Looking for an easy way to work with PDFs? PDFescape has you covered with a bunch of simple yet powerful features. Take a look at them. 

  • Edit PDFs: You can add text, shapes, or comments to your PDFs. This feature is perfect for quick tweaks or adding extra information.
  • Create PDFs: You can start from scratch and create new PDFs. It’s simple to design your own document, whether it’s a report or a custom form.
  • Password Protection: Secure your PDFs by adding a password, keeping sensitive info safe from unauthorized access.
  • Annotate PDFs: Highlight, underline, or add comments to documents. It is ideal for reviewing or collaborating with others.
  • Page Management: Rotate, delete, or rearrange pages in your PDFs. You have full control over the structure of your documents.

Pros and Cons 

Let’s take a quick look at what makes PDFescape great—and where it falls short.

Pros

  • No Downloads Required
  • Form Filling Made Easy
  • Password Protection
  • Free for Basic Features

Cons

  • Limited File Size
  • No Advanced Editing Options
  • Watermarks in Free Version

4. Sejda PDF Editor – Best for Advanced PDF Editing Online

Sejda PDF Editor

Looking for an easy way to edit PDFs? Sejda PDF Editor is a game-changer! No matter if you’re online or using the desktop version, this tool’s super intuitive interface makes editing a breeze. 

You can edit text, add images, sign documents, and even protect your files, all for free (with just a few limitations). It’s perfect for anyone who needs fast and simple PDF editing without the hassle!

Key Features

Here’s why Sejda stands out as one of the top free PDF editors:

  • Edit Text and Images: Easily tweak text, add shapes, or insert images directly into your PDFs—no hassle, just quick edits.
  • Split and Merge PDFs: You can break large files into smaller ones or combine multiple PDFs into a single, polished document.
  • E-Signatures: Sign documents digitally in seconds; skip the printing and scanning entirely!
  • File Security: Keep your files safe with password protection and customizable access permissions.
  • Cloud Integration: Seamlessly connect to Google Drive, Dropbox, and more for easy file storage and sharing.

Pros and Cons

Let’s take a quick look at what makes Sejda great—and where it falls short.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface.
  • Supports both online and desktop use.
  • No watermarks in the free version (within usage limits).
  • Free processing for files up to 50MB or 200 pages.

Cons

  • Limited daily use (3 tasks per day).
  • Advanced features require a paid upgrade.

5. PDF24 Creator – Best for Offline PDF Creation and Editing

PDF24 Creator

PDF24 Creator is a robust, complimentary desktop application for Windows users. It is equipped with an array of tools to conveniently edit, convert, and manage PDFs. Ideal for offline usage, it enables users to compress files, extract pages, and even generate PDFs from the beginning.

Regardless of whether you are fine-tuning documents or handling voluminous files, PDF24 Creator is a flexible, cost-free resolution for all your PDF requirements!

Key Features

Here’s what makes PDF24 Creator a great choice:

  • Create PDFs: You can turn any printable document into a PDF using its virtual printer feature. Super easy.
  • Shrink those files: Do you have massive PDFs? No worries—you can compress them to make sharing and storing them much easier.
  • Merge or split: Do you need to combine several PDFs into one, or maybe you want to break one into smaller files? PDF24 Creator has you covered.
  • Add notes and highlights: You can even annotate your PDFs with text, comments, or highlights. Perfect for marking up documents.
  • Offline mode: No internet? No problem. This tool works completely offline, so you’re never stuck.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Completely free to use.
  • Works offline without requiring an internet connection.
  • Broad range of features for editing and converting PDFs.
  • No daily task limits.

Cons

  • Only available for Windows users.
  • The interface feels outdated.

6. PDF Candy – Best for Multiple PDF Tools in One

PDF Candy

Need a quick and easy way to manage PDFs? PDF Candy has got you covered! This free, web-based tool offers over 40 features, so you can edit, convert, compress, and even add watermarks—all without downloading anything. 

So, if you need to tweak files or switch formats, PDF Candy makes it simple, fast, and totally hassle-free. It’s perfect for anyone who needs to get things done on the go!

Key Features 

Why should you care about these features? Because they save time and simplify your PDF tasks. Here’s what you can do:

  • Edit PDFs: You can easily modify text, images, and pages in your PDF files with just a few clicks, making edits a breeze.
  • Convert Files: With this tool, you can seamlessly switch between PDF, Word, Excel, and image formats, making file management simpler.
  • Compress PDFs: It allows you to reduce the size of your PDFs without losing any quality, ensuring smooth sharing and storage.
  • OCR Technology: The powerful OCR feature helps you extract text from scanned documents, making them fully editable.
  • Merge/Split PDFs: With a single click, you can combine multiple PDFs into one document or split a large file into smaller sections.

Pros and Cons

Let’s weigh the good and the bad to help you decide if PDF Candy is right for you:

Pros

  • Completely free with no hidden costs.
  • No software installation required.
  • User-friendly interface for beginners.
  • Supports batch processing for multiple files.

Cons

  • Limited advanced editing features.
  • Requires an internet connection (no offline mode)

7. Canva – Best for PDF Design and Creative Edits

Canva

Looking to add a creative touch to your PDFs? Canva is the perfect tool! It’s not just a design platform; it also lets you easily edit PDFs. No matter if you’re creating a stunning resume, a presentation, or anything in between, Canva’s drag-and-drop interface and endless templates make the process super simple. 

You don’t need any design skills to create professional-looking documents that stand out. It’s fun and easy for everyone!

Key Features

These features make Canva stand out for creative PDF editing. Here’s what you can do:

  • Design Tools: With Canva, you can easily add images, icons, and charts to your PDFs, making them more engaging and visually appealing.
  • Templates: Canva offers a wide range of pre-designed templates for resumes, flyers, and more, helping you create professional documents quickly.
  • Collaboration: You can work with your team in real time, making collaboration on PDF projects smooth and efficient.
  • Export Options: Once you’re done, you can export your PDF in high quality or choose another format that best suits your needs.
  • Text Editing: Canva lets you easily add and format text to perfect your document with just a few clicks.

Pros and Cons

Let’s break it down to help you decide if Canva is the right tool for you:

Pros

  • Perfect for visually appealing PDFs.
  • Easy drag-and-drop interface.
  • Great for team collaboration.

Cons

  • Advanced features require a paid subscription.
  • Not ideal for heavy text-based PDF editing.

8. Foxit PDF Editor- Best for Professional PDF Editing

Foxit PDF Editor

If you’re a professional looking for a powerful PDF editor without the hefty price tag, Foxit PDF Editor is definitely worth checking out! This lightweight, fast tool is packed with all the features you need: think form creation, OCR, and cloud integration. 

It’s perfect for anyone who wants advanced editing capabilities but doesn’t want to break the bank. Foxit gives you premium quality at a fraction of the cost!

Key Features

These features are designed to make your workflow smoother and more efficient. Here’s what’s on offer:

  • Advanced Editing: With Foxit PDF Editor, you can edit text, images, and pages with incredible precision, giving you full control over your documents.
  • Annotation Tools: You can easily add comments, highlights, and stamps to your PDFs, making it perfect for collaboration and feedback.
  • Forms Creation: Foxit lets you design and fill out interactive PDF forms, making data collection and form submission seamless.
  • Cloud Integration: Sync your files effortlessly with Google Drive and Dropbox, ensuring your documents are accessible wherever you go.
  • Security: Keep your documents safe by encrypting, redacting, and adding digital signatures so you can protect sensitive information with ease.

Pros and Cons 

Here’s the lowdown to help you decide if Foxit is your go-to PDF editor:

Pros

  • Lightweight and faster than competitors.
  • One-time purchase option available.
  • Great for team collaboration.
  • Advanced security features.

Cons

  • Free version is limited.
  • Not very user-friendly.

9. iLovePDF- Best for Batch Processing and PDF Tools

iLovePDF

Need a simple and efficient way to manage PDFs? iLovePDF has got you covered! It’s a free, user-friendly tool that handles everything from converting and compressing files to merging and splitting them. With its mobile app, you can even manage PDFs on the go. 

No matter where you are, iLovePDF makes it easy to access, edit, and organize your PDFs anytime, anywhere. There is no need for complicated software or downloads!

Key features

Let’s explore how it’s features can save you time and effort, all while keeping things simple and efficient!

  • Conversion: With iLovePDF, you can easily switch between PDF, Word, Excel, and other formats, making file management effortless.
  • Compression: You can reduce the size of your PDFs without sacrificing quality, making them easier to share and store.
  • Editing: iLovePDF allows you to merge, split, rotate, and organize pages in your PDF documents so you can customize them exactly as you want.
  • Security: Add passwords, watermarks, and permissions to your PDFs, ensuring that your documents stay safe and secure.
  • OCR: The OCR feature lets you extract text from scanned PDFs, making them editable and easier to work with.

Pros and Cons

Let’s weigh the pros and cons to see if iLovePDF is your ideal tool:

Pros

  • Completely free for basic tasks.
  • Simple and intuitive interface.
  • Mobile app for on-the-go editing.
  • No software installation required.

Cons

  • Advanced features require a subscription.
  • Limited offline functionality.

How to Choose the Best Free PDF Editor for Your Needs?

Finding the perfect free PDF editor can be tricky with so many choices available. But don’t worry; we’re here to simplify the process and guide you step by step toward the ideal tool for your needs.

👉 1. Identify Your Goals
Start by asking yourself: What do I need this PDF editor for? Are you editing text, merging files, or creating visually stunning documents? Knowing your primary goal will help narrow down your options.

👉 2. Check for Essential Features
Look for tools that offer the features you’ll use most. For example:

  • Need to edit text? Look for robust text editing tools.
  • Working with scanned documents? Make sure OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is available.
  • Want to collaborate? Check for real-time editing and sharing options.

👉 3. Consider Ease of Use
If you’re not tech-savvy, a simple, intuitive interface is key. Tools like PDF Candy and iLovePDF are great for beginners, while Foxit PDF Editor might suit advanced users better.

👉 4. Think About Accessibility
Do you need to work offline, or is an online tool sufficient? Desktop-based editors like Foxit work offline, while web-based tools like PDF Candy require an internet connection.

👉 5. Look for Limitations
Free tools often come with restrictions, like daily task limits or watermarks. Make sure the limitations don’t interfere with your workflow.

👉 6. Test Drive a Few Options
Most free PDF editors let you try them out without signing up. Take a few for a spin to see which one feels right.

👉 7. Read Reviews and Recommendations
See what other users are saying. Reviews can highlight the pros and cons you might not notice at first glance.

👉 8. Prioritize Security
If you’re handling sensitive documents, choose a tool with strong security features like encryption and password protection.

Reasons You Need a PDF Editor for Business Purposes

A PDF editor is more than just a convenience but rather an essential tool for any business or individual managing digital documents. Let’s break it down together:

  • Efficient Document Management: A PDF editor lets you edit, update, and share files without creating new ones from scratch, saving time and resources.
  • Polished and Professional Files: With the right tools, you can create well-organized, professional documents, whether it’s for client proposals, reports, or presentations.
  • Seamless Team Collaboration: PDF editors make it easy for teams to review, comment on, and update documents together, regardless of their location.
  • Data Security: Adding passwords, encryption, or digital signatures ensures that your business files remain private and secure.
  • Versatile Format Options: Converting PDFs into editable formats like Word or Excel makes it simple to adapt documents for various needs without losing quality.

FAQ’s – Best Free PDF Editors

Are free PDF editors safe to use?

Most free PDF editors are safe to use, especially if downloaded from reputable sources. However, always check reviews and avoid providing sensitive information if you’re unsure about the editor’s security features.

Which free PDF editor is best for form filling?

Tools like PDFescape and iLovePDF are excellent for form filling. They’re simple to use and allow you to edit, fill, and save forms without any hassle.

Can I edit scanned documents with a free PDF editor?

Yes, but you’ll need an editor with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) functionality, like PDF Candy or Smallpdf, to extract and edit text from scanned documents.

Are free PDF editors safe to use for sensitive documents?

Free PDF editors can be safe, but it’s best to ensure they offer encryption or password protection. For highly sensitive documents, consider using a trusted paid tool with advanced security features.

Which free PDF editors offer the best tools for annotating PDFs?

Free tools like Kami and Foxit are great for annotating PDFs. They offer features such as highlights, comments, and stamps, making it easy to mark up documents.

What are the limitations of free PDF editors compared to paid ones?

Free editors often have restricted features like limited page edits, watermarks on saved files, or no advanced options like OCR and digital signatures. Paid versions offer more robust tools and better security.

Are there any watermark-free PDF editors available for free?

Yes, tools like Sejda and PDFescape allow editing and exporting PDFs without adding watermarks, as long as you stick to their free usage limits.

Is it possible to digitally sign documents using free PDF editors?

Absolutely! Free tools like DocHub and Adobe Acrobat Reader allow you to add digital signatures to your documents with ease. Some even support uploading your handwritten signature for a personal touch.

Conclusion – Best Free PDF Editors

There you have it: free PDF editors that can simplify your workflow in no time! From editing scanned documents to filling forms or adding digital signatures, these tools have you covered. The best part? You can explore and try them without spending a dime. Why not dive in and see which one suits your needs best? With the right PDF editor, managing documents becomes effortless. Let’s streamline your tasks together!

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