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15 Best Free PDF Editors in 2025,Feb– Compared

19 min read
15 Best Free PDF Editors in [current_date format='Y,M']- Compared

Are you having a side hustle where your work involves handling your client documents? Are you looking for a PDF editing software as you’re messed up in editing the doc? And thinking that it costs skyrocketing? Then you’re dead wrong! 

As here, we’re gonna list the best free PDF editors software that allows you free document editing, changing text font, adding e-sign and protecting the PDF via strong password and that too online!

You must know that PDFs have become the simplest format for sharing and storing documents due to their UX a\d multiple device compatibility. However, editing PDFs often requires specialized software, which can be costly. This is where we’ve brought you the best free PDF editors that offer powerful features without the cost.

So, first, let’s understand what Free PDF editor actually is! It is a simple, free, PDF editing tool that allows you to add texts, images, hyperlinks, eSigns and also provides collaborative features like commenting, sharing and editing in real time. It can easily be downloaded on your Windows desktop and also can be used for free.

Now, let’s learn why users (students, teachers, professionals, management, bloggers) would go for free PDF editors 👍

Why Choose Free PDF Editors?

See! The answer to this is very simple that handling documents is crucial for both personal and professional tasks. However, we’ll list the top 5 reasons why you should choose free PDF editors.

Easy solution for users     

Free PDF editors eliminate the need for costly plans, making them the perfect choice for   students, freelancers, small businesses, and bloggers as well, who need basic document editing features without stretching their budgets.

Accessible + User-Friendly

Most free PDF editors are designed to be user-friendly, with simple interfaces suitable for both tech-savvy users and newbies. Many PDF editors offer online versions, allowing you to edit documents directly from your web browser without downloading any software.

Multiple editing features

Free PDF editors offer a wide range of features, such as text editing, page rearrangement, form filling, e-signing, and even optical character recognition (OCR) for scanning documents. These tools are sufficient for most everyday tasks, making them suitable for a wide user base.

No Long-Term Commitments

With free PDF editors, you avoid the issues of long-term subscriptions. Many premium editors lock essential features behind costly monthly plans, while free editors give you immediate access to the tools you need without commitments.

Great for Collaborative Work

Many free PDF editors support collaborative features like document sharing, commenting, and real-time edits, making them perfect for team projects, group studies, and professional collaborations. These tools help streamline feedback and improve productivity.

15 Best Free PDF Editors In 2025

Now that we know what free PDF editors are and the ways they are useful, our research team after doing an in-depth study, came up with the list of 15 best free PDF editors and its unique set of features to help you pick one as per your requirements.

1. PDF24 Creator

Absolutely! PDF24 Creator tops the list! Let’s know why! See, firstly it happens to be one of the best free online PDF tools that offers you an amazing way to merge, split, edit and extract PDF.

You just simply need to choose a file from your system and re-create it into your required format. The thing that makes it unique is its easy to use interface and can edit any number of files of any size.

Plus, it is a desktop friendly application (can easily install in the latest version of Windows) and even offers several other tools other than editing. You can easily convert a web page into a PDF format within a matter of seconds.

PDF24 Creator

Key Features

  • You can easily download PDF Creator on your Desktop and use it offline.
  • PDF creator lets you track your previously edited PDF files.
  • It even allows you to use the application online by dropping files from the system.
  • Use the application without any limitation (No limits to the usage)
  • This application is accessible 24/7 without any lagging experience 

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • User experience is amazing
  • 24/7 online and completely free
  • Can be used offline as well

Cons

  • Cannot be downloaded in Android OS

2. PDF Candy

If you’re looking for an all-in-one PDF solution, then in that case, it’s PDF candy you should seek for! Wanna know why? First off, from editing PDF to merging and converting, it does everything instantly.

Plus, there’s no limit to the number of files at all. You can process any number of files and that too with unlimited size as well. PDF candy offers an amazing feature! And that is, you can easily convert a PDF to Image format and that too in HD resolution.

Secondly, you can operate PDF candy even without the internet connection.

PDF Candy

Let’s say you do not have access to the internet and you urgently need to edit PDF in a particular way. In that case, you can do so and that too easily offline.

Key Features

  • PDF candy is desktop compatible application (For Windows versions 11,10, 8.8 Only)
  • Users can easily access this application offline and can use it without lagging experience.
  • You can easily add watermarks to your PDF files (claiming it your own)
  • For greater services like high priority processing, you need to get the paid plans.
  • Get in total 80+ PDF tools including merging, re-arranging, converting processes.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easily downloaded in Desktop
  • Quick access online and offline too
  • Windows compatible application

Cons

  • Downloads in Android OS (Not available)

3. SmallPDF

Next in the list, we have SmallPDF, one of the best free PDF file editor software out there available online that offers a free Add to Chrome extension feature, letting you do the editing, merging and converting task in real-time.

SmallPDF application uses artificial intelligence to let you easily chat with your PDF (as if it’s a real person) whose content you are not able to understand. 

Along with that, SmallPDF offers 100+ tools that can help you run task like merging PDFs, adding watermarks, locking or unlocking PDF for protecting the data and a lot of tasks as well.

SmallPDF

Key Features

  • You can add SmallPDF as a Google chrome extension and use it 24/7
  • Offers AI technology by enabling you to chat with the PDF about the content inside it.
  • SmallPDF offers an amazing feature to lock/ unlock your PDF file ensuring safety
  • Translate the content of the PDF in the language you know with Small PDF
  • Has a PC-compatible interface ensuring maximum peace of mind when using it. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Add as free Chrome extension
  • Cancel the plan Anytime
  • Easily downloaded in Windows

Cons

  • Not completely Free (Enter card details for 7 days free trial)

4. DocHub

As far as creating eSignatures, sending, receiving and commenting on documents are concerned, DocHub is one of the best PDF editor applications listed so far. Along with that, it offers a free and a paid plan!

5 eSigns, 3 to 5 documents and 7 sharings are allowed in a month. However, in the paid plan you get to enjoy all that features by paying only $10 a month with a free PDF 30 days trial.

Moreover, you need to register an account in DocHub to use the services. Plus you get an easy to use dashboard where all your activities get recorded helping you to track the users you are connected or shared the document to.

DocHub

Key Features

  • You can easily get your PDFs signed (Just simply specify who need to sign and where)
  • Allows you to create fillable PDF forms for data collection (No headache of Xerox)
  • Offers 100+ templates to choose from & even you can use it multiple times
  • Protect your document using a strong password, multi-factor authentication and more.
  • DocHub can convert the PDF files in various extensions for universal usage.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Desktop compatible application
  • Easily downloaded and Used offline
  • You can create your eSign

Cons

  • Unlimited usage requires a payment

5. Canva PDF Editor

Canva is like an all-together package of everything, be it image resizer, videography or transforming PDF! Canva PDF editor happens to be the best free PDF file editor available online that allows you to change the content of the PDF, make the existing PDF more visually appealing by adding images and watermarks (PAID). Plus you can even use drag-n-drop tools to add, merge and delete pages.

Wanna know what else you get here at Canva? See, firstly you need to sign up at Canva to reap benefits of free services and you can even use it online 24/7 without any lagging experience with perfect desktop compatibility.

Canva PDF Editor

Key Features

  • Offers PDF tools to resize the file, merge the document and convert image to PDF file.
  • Can easily use it online (You just need to sign in with your valid email address)
  • It fits in any device! Means you can use this application using phones, PC, laptops and more.
  • Effortlessly, lets you share and save the PDF files in your system
  • Get to use OneClick background remover feature (Its available with the paid plan)

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easily works on desktop screen (Downloading app is not possible)
  • 24/7 accessible and UX is great
  • Drag and Drop feature available 

Cons

  • Adding/ Removing Watermark is available as a Paid Plan

6. I Love PDF

The first in the list that offers desktop and mobile downloads, ILovePDF happens to be the best free PDF editor that helps you not only add, merge and convert other file formats to PDF but also helps you to lock/ unlock the document (for safety purposes).

It also offers premium PDF plans where you can complete projects faster, convert scanned documents with OCR and eSign your agreements as well.

Moreover, it offers cloud infrastructure for a secure and adaptive environment ensuring reliability among the users.

I Love PDF

You even get an amazing way to edit the PDF in real time (Highlight content, add comments, put footnotes and even make it visually more appealing).

Key Features

  • Get a cloud storage facility to access your files 24/7 without suffering technical glitches.
  • You can generate strong passwords plus enable multi-factor authentication for high security.
  • ILovePDF can easily get downloaded on the latest version of Windows/ MacOS & iOS.
  • Tools like eSign generator, PDF editor, merger, PDF resizer & split, all are available for free.
  • Offers a user-friendly dashboard (or you can say a file manager) that helps you keep your files organized.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Can install in various devices
  • Cloud storage option available (PAID)
  • Offers incredible document security

Cons

  • All tools are available in PAID plans

7. Sejda

Before we start discussing Sejda, the best part about this PDF editor is that you can split the PDF pages using bookmarks, split by size, split by text and even more options are available too.

See! Firstly, Sejda has a collection of 30+ PDF tools that can be used to add, delete, merge and convert files of various formats to PDF. Secondly, you can add images or texts as watermarks to claim the content, your own.

Free version of Sejda offers quick downloads on the latest Windows version and even with a screen compatibility, ensuring the best UX.

Sejda

Plus, you can add text, change PDF content, add images and even highlight necessary phrases to make your PDF more engaging.

Key Features

  • Offers Sejda Web & Sejda Desktop for free with OS-compatible functionality.
  • Provides upto 30+ PDF editor tools including resizer, converter and merger.
  • Get a blank document and add text, images, eSign, watermark and more then finally convert it to PDF format.
  • Add bookmarks and split the text to make it an independent PDF file.
  • Free Desktop download with 3 tasks per day available on free plans. (Compress files upto 100MB only)

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easy download & desktop compatible application
  • User-Friendly dashboard
  • Sejda desktop works offline (smoothly)

Cons

  • Edit documents upto 200 pages or (50MB) & 3 tasks per hour

8. DocFly

See! Truly, DocFly is absolutely Free! No hidden charges when you try PDF editing tools including merger, converter and eSign feature. You can even split a PDF file into two or more independent files by adding text, pages and more.

DocFly even allows you to write content & add visually appealing images on the PDF file to make it look more engaging. Worried about the security feature? You can add a password to protect your file from unauthorized access.

You can even get access to 10GB cloud storage (ensuring PDF access from anywhere across the globe using a web browser). However, it is available at a price of $3 on a monthly basis.

DocFly

Key Features

  • You can easily upload the files (you want to edit or convert to PDF) from the system, Google drive or dropbox. 
  • Get a secure connection when performing editing PDF tasks, thanks to HTTPS connection.
  • Offers a high quality free PDF editor, letting you merge, edit, split and convert the files to PDF.
  • Offers the best UX in the latest version of Windows and MacOS
  • If you’re a professional and want to present the PDF formally, then in that case, you can use DocFly and upload your eSign.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Upload your own eSign (draw, image or text)
  • Easy to use interface (using web browser)
  • Cloud Storage available (Only in Paid plan)

Cons

  • No downloads available 

9. PDFGear

As the name suggests, PDFgear really gears up your office work, thanks to its 100+ PDF file editor tools, AI integration and free downloads available. Yes! You heard it right! Get no hidden charges at all.

You can straight away upload the document and start editing using a web browser or you can simply download it on your system (PC, Laptop, mobile, chromebook, and more). Plus you get other PDF tools that help you merge, split, convert, extract, rotate and add pages to PDF files. 

PDFGear

Let’s say you have a big workload for the day! In that case, PDFGear helps you by performing bulk tasks including PDF conversion, compression, printing and more in a minute’s time. Along with that, you even get a chance to chat with PDF files, thanks to AI integration for free.

Key Features

  • Allows you to chat with PDF! You can ask any question pertaining to summarizing about any topic (just like ChatGPT)
  • Add, edit, merge, delete and split pages in your PDF files (even add extra text to it)
  • Free downloading option available for MacOS, Windows, Android & iOS.
  • Perform bulk editing with PDFgear, ensuing less time consumption and greater UX
  • Use the software offline (no internet connections required once it’s downloaded in your system)

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • It’s all Free (No hidden charges)
  • Install in multiple devices (supports Android/ Windows/ MacOS)
  • Get access to 30+ PDF editor tools for Free

Cons

  • No Cloud Storage available (No sign ups)

10. JustSignPDF

To be honest, this application has only one tool and that is to simply eSign your document in PDF format. You cannot use it for editing, merging and converting images to PDF, but only use it for eSigning the PDF.

The best part with JustSignPDF is that you can customize your own signature plus you can even save it for future use as well. It allows you to easily browse your system and select PDF files that you want to add your eSign to. 

Along with that, you can also easily download the PDF instantly, after which you can send it to your teammates ensuring easier workflow.

JustSignPDF

Key Features

  • Allows you to browse the PDF file from your system and add an eSign at the footer.
  • Customize your own eSignature (you can draw, upload or use text for signatures).
  • You can add eSign to your PDF online (no need to download the software)
  • The saved file is accessible in your download folder. (No storage available online)
  • JustSignPDF allows you to save your signature for future reference.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • No need to download (works online)
  • Customize your own signature (draw or text your name)
  • Download the PDF instantly

Cons

  • No storage available

11. TinyWow

Next in the list, we’ve TinyWow that happens to be the free PDf editor available online and requires no payment for office bulky tasks.

Here, you get 45+ online PDF tools that allow you to convert word files to PDF, compress, merge and split the document pages to form separate PDFs. Plus, you get the tools for free, absolutely zero cost! (No hidden charges at all)

Moreover, you even get an amazing sharing option, where you can send the PDF to your teammates right after you download it. (The download option doesn’t require an upgrade.)

TinyWow

Key Features

  • Allows you to use it online (Free of cost)! No signUps required. Plus, you require internet connection 24/7
  • Get 45+ free PDF tools for online document editing, merging, conversion and eSigning.
  • Quick Export option available! You can simply download the PDF file and save it instantly.
  • You can either upload PDF from your system to edit or else you can even start using a blank document. 
  • Get an amazing URL to PDF converter, letting you convert an entire web page to PDF format.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Free version available (Can be used online)
  • 45+ PDF editor tools available 
  • No signup (Zero Hidden charges)

Cons

  • Files, both processed & unprocessed are deleted after an hour

12. SimplePDF

SimplePDF, as the name suggests, has a simple to use interface, letting you easily upload the file, edit the PDF and download it for free.

Free version of SimplePDF offers 1 admin access and 3 submissions per document. If you’re desiring to get unlimited downloads and more than 1 admin access, then in that case, you need to get the paid plans.

Furthermore, SimplePDF allows you to upload your eSign and add it to the PDF file to give it a formal look. Plus, you get an amazing option to add, delete and change the text font as well.

SimplePDF

Key Features

  • Add your eSign to the PDF files and download it without upgrading the app version.
  • Merge, convert image to PDF and even extract pages from the file to create a separate PDF.
  • For easy usage and quick access, users can add SimplePDF as a chrome extension.
  • Banking/ Educational institutions can use SimplePDF to create forms from PDF format.
  • Bloggers can also make use of SimplePDF (It’s a WordPress Plugin) Simply install and use it to make forms.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Used as a WordPress Plugin
  • No pricing issue for a single user
  • Quick download and store in local system

Cons

  • No cloud storage & No unlimited submission available

13. PDF BOB

From adding images to PDF, editing, changing font, managing the content to adding sticky notes for quick review and uploading eSign in the document, PDF BOB has everything to give you the best service for your bulky office work.

You can, within moments, convert a PDF to PPT and vice versa ensuring smoother communication during training and development sessions.

Let’s say you’re having sensitive information in the PDF file, then in that case, how are you gonna secure the data? It’s very easy! PDF BOB offers you an incredible feature of generating a strong password for your PDF file.

PDF BOB

Key Features

  • You can easily export the edited PDF file in other formats like JPG (image)! No upgrade version required!
  • Get around 30+ free PDF editing tools to let you carry out your official tasks easily.
  • Ever hear of a word file editor? PDF BOB is an all in one software that offers quick conversion of Word to PDF format.
  • Let’s say you need a 1MB file and you have 4MB! In that case you can get PDF BOB that lets you compress the PDF file to minimum space.
  • Free PDF BOB download  is available on the latest Windows version (PC/ laptop/ Chromebook)

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Multiple device compatibility
  • Free downloads available 
  • 30+ free online PDF editing tools 

Cons

  • No Cloud Storage available

14. PDFelement

This PDF editor is simplified using AI technology! Wanna know more about PDFelement? See! Firstly, it is AI integrated, wherein you can summarize, chat, check the grammar of the content in the PDF files.

Secondly, you can merge, split and add pages to your existing PDF files and download it with zero payment requirements. You can even use the AI feature of PDFelement to detect any sort of AI gen content. 

Plus, you can customize your own signature and add it as a footer to every PDF page claiming it to be your own. If you feel it necessary, you can buy the premium plans to get no watermark PDF editing service.

PDFelement

Key Features

  • Uses Artificial intelligence, enabling you to chat with your PDF, summarize PDF content and even check the grammar.
  • Free 20GB cloud storage available in the free plans, letting you store the PDF files edited.
  • You can add up your own eSignature at the footer of the document (Customize your eSign)
  • Easy downloading option available for desktop and mobile (this application supports Windows, iOS, MacOs)
  • Get a watermark of PDFelement on your downloaded PDF file! To remove the watermark, you need to buy the paid plans.

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Easy download option available (doesn’t work offline)
  • User-friendly interface for easy workflow
  • 20GB Free cloud storage 

Cons

  • Buy paid plans to remove watermarks.

15. Apple Preview

Now, last in the list, we have Apple Preview that happens to be an easy, built-in application available on macOS devices, including MacBooks.

It serves as the best PDF viewer and editor designed for both personal and business use. While commonly known for its image viewing capabilities, you can get access to a wide range of tools for PDF management, annotation, and basic editing tasks. 

Apple Preview

Apple Preview’s simple interface makes it easy to navigate and makes it perfect for students, educators, professionals, and creatives who need a reliable tool for handling PDF documents.

Key Features

  • Markup toolbar allows you to add comments, highlight text, draw shapes and include text boxes directly onto the PDF.
  • You can highlight specific text sections or select and copy text for use in other documents.
  • Offers the option to use the drawn shape or a cleaner version.
  • Latest AI in the Apple Preview PDF tool allows permanent removal of sensitive information from your PDF.
  • Preview supports cropping and rotating PDF pages, providing better document control.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Supports iOS version & can be downloaded easily
  • No purchasing required (Completely Free for basic use)
  • Connect to Apple support at times of issues

Cons

  • Pricing for greater storage and usage

So, here we are now! 👍

With Apple Preview, we therefore complete the entire list of best PDF editors that is available for free online. 

Plus these PDF tools also help you do your entire bulky office work in a minute’s time by adding text, image or hyperlinks to the PDF, removing pages or by summarizing and checking the grammar of the content using AI.

How to Choose the Best PDF Editor?

It’s true indeed that after knowing so many tools that offer the best PDF editing service, picking the right one is like going into the lion’s den (too difficult 😣). So, to help you out, we’ve exclusively prepared for you a checklist that you can keep in mind when selecting the best PDF editor:

User-friendly interface

This is the topmost preferable feature when choosing a PDF editor! Ensure that it has a user-friendly interface. The software should be very simple to use, with a clean design and straightforward navigation so you can find features easily without tech know-how. Even look for drag-and-drop options and clearly labeled icons that make your workflow faster.

Essential editing features (text editing, merging, annotation)

Do you know? A good PDF editor should offer all the necessary tools for proper document management. So looking for core features like text editing, image insertion, merging multiple PDFs and digital signatures are very important. Ensure the application allows you to modify text, adjust font styles, and manage layouts without disturbing the original format.

Compatibility with multiple devices

Compatibility or in other words, ease of use matters, especially if you switch between devices frequently! The best PDF editors work smoothly no matter what the operating systems are, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms like iOS and Android. Plus, the Cloud integration is also another essential factor, allowing you to access your documents from any device.

Security features

You must be knowing that when working with sensitive documents, security matters the most. So, look for PDF editors with a lot of security options like password protection, encryption, and permission controls. These features ensure your files remain secret and can only be accessed by authorized users. Some advanced editors also offer digital signature verification.

Output quality

Lastly, the output quality tells how professional and polished the documents appear. The best PDF editors secures the original formatting, HQ visuals and alignment even after making multiple edits. So, check for options to export in high-quality formats and ensure the software maintains clarity in both text and graphics.

FAQs

Which PDF editor is best and free?

PDF24 Creator, PDF Candy and SmallPDF, to name a few are the best and free PDF editors available, but the best option is PDF24 creator. It offers a wide range of features for editing PDFs, such as text editing, annotations, and adding or removing pages. Another highly recommended free PDF tool is PDF Candy, which allows basic editing tasks directly in your browser.

How can I edit a PDF without Adobe for free?

It’s very easy! You can edit a PDF without Adobe for free using alternative tools like SmallPDF, PDF Candy and Sejda. These tools allow you to upload your PDF and make changes such as adding text, images, and signatures.

Does Google have a free PDF editor?

Yes! You can edit PDFs for free using Google Docs. Simply upload your PDF to Google Drive, open it with Google Docs, and the file will be converted into an editable document.

Can I edit a PDF in Canva?

Yes! Canva allows you to edit PDFs for free, but there are some limitations. You can upload your PDF and edit elements like text, images, and design features. Canva is particularly useful for visually enhancing PDFs and presentations.

How to convert to PDF for free?

Converting files to PDF for free is simple using tools like PDF24 Creator, PDF Candy and SmallPDF. You can upload your Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or image files to these platforms and convert them into PDF format and that too online.

Is SimplePDF safe?

SimplePDF is generally considered safe for basic PDF tasks like editing and converting documents. It uses secure encryption protocols to protect uploaded files, and most documents are deleted from the servers after a short period.

Conclusion

What Free PDF editors do is that they offer a perfect balance between performance and easy accessibility, thereby making them a reliable choice for everyday PDF management. 

Let’s say you’re a student working on some assignments or doing a side hustle, like handling client documents. Then in that case, free PDF editors provide a perfect playground wherein you can use 100+ essential tools and do editing work without involving a single dollar.

Here, in this article, we’ve helped users like students, professionals, bloggers and more, by listing the best free PDF editors, its unique features and even shared a few points on its UX as well.

If you’re having issues in picking one, then we highly recommend PDF24 Creator! Wanna know why? See! It offers multiple editing tools for PDF files and even lets you add your eSign at every document showing professionalism. And all of that is available to you for absolutely zero cost.

So, Choose Wisely! 👍

Avatar of Mamta Goswami
Mamta Goswami
Meet Mamta Goswami, a trialblazing web-hosting expert who has been making her mark in the industry since 2021. With a unique perspective and unwavering passion, she has been empowering individuals and businesses to thrive in the digital world. With her blog posts, Mamta aims to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry and inspire more women to pursue careers in web hosting. Through her relatable and informative content, she simplifies complex concepts, making web hosting accessible to everyone.

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