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Working with PDF files is a part of our daily professional and personal lives, yet finding the perfect PDF editor can be a real challenge. There is a range of features you might need—from simple text edits to more complex tasks like adding form fields or digital signatures.
That's why we've compiled a list of the 9 best free PDF editors available for Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android users in 2023. Whether you’re a student, professional, or anyone in between, these tools offer something for everyone.
- Quick Reference Table
- 9 Best Free PDF Editor Tools
- How to Edit PDF Files for Windows
- How to Edit PDF Files for Mac
- Gear Up for the New School Year with our Exclusive Deals
- Best Free PDF Editor Best Practices
- Best Free PDF Editor FAQ
Quick Reference Table
Short on time and need a free PDF editor, fast? Check out our quick reference table and pick a tool.
| PDF Editor Tool | Editor Features | Overall Rating | Free Version |
| 5.0 | 5.0 | Yes | |
| 5.0 | 5.0 | Yes | |
| 4.9 | 4.9 | Yes | |
PDF Candy |
4.9 | 4.9 | Yes |
Sejda PDF Editor |
4.7 | 4.8 | Yes |
| 4.7 | 4.7 | Yes | |
| 4.6 | 4.6 | Yes | |
| PDF2Go | 4.5 | 4.6 | Yes |
| PDFSimpli | 4.5 | 4.5 | Yes |
LightPDF |
4.3 | 4.4 | Yes |
Soda PDF |
4.3 | 4.3 | Yes |
Foxit PhantomPDF Standard |
4.2 | 4.1 | Yes |
Nuance PDF Converter |
4.2 | 4.0 | Yes |
Kofax Power PDF |
4.1 | 3.9 | Free trial |
PDFsam Basic |
3.9 | 3.8 | Yes |
9 Best Free PDF Editor Tools
We've compiled 9 of the best current free PDF editor tools for 2023. Take your time reviewing each of the fine tools below! Having all these free tools at your disposal means you can choose the one that best suits your personal and professional needs, free of charge.
1. PDF Reader Pro
Image source: PDF Reader Pro
PDF Reader Pro is an excellent option for Mac users looking for powerful PDF editing tools. Developed with an intuitive interface, this desktop application is ideal for editing PDF files in a seamless manner. It provides a wide range of features that makes it an all-encompassing solution.
PDF Editing Features
- Text Editing: Edit, delete, or add new text effortlessly.
- Form Fields: Add or edit form fields within your PDF documents.
- Digital Signatures: Attach electronic signatures to make your PDFs secure and authenticated.
How PDF Reader Pro Faired When I Tested It
Using PDF Reader Pro has simplified my workflow considerably. The interface is intuitive, making it effortless to merge PDFs, add annotations, and fill out forms. Its compatibility with other platforms has been a lifesaver when I needed to switch between devices.
2. Kdan PDF Reader
Image source: Kdan PDF Reader
Kdan PDF Reader is not just another PDF tool; it's an ecosystem for managing your digital documents. With an eye-friendly reading experience that includes smooth page scrolling and multiple background options like day, night, and sepia, your eyes will thank you. The software allows you to declutter your workspace by storing all your documents in one place digitally. Additionally, its paperless form-filling and signing capabilities streamline document workflows like never before.
PDF Editing Features
- Annotate PDFs: Add comments and markup text, making your PDF pages more descriptive. The best part? The annotations are compatible with popular PDF software such as Adobe Acrobat and Foxit.
- eSign Documents: Kdan PDF Reader offers an intuitive process for electronic signing. You can either draw your signature, type your name, or even use a pre-saved signature image.
- Insert PDF Stamps: Use ready-made stamps for common annotations or create your own custom stamps using text or images.
How Kdan PDF Reader Faired When I Tested It
The eye-friendly reading experience in Kdan PDF Reader really stands out for me. I love the different background settings like day and night modes, which make reading long documents much easier on my eyes. The eSign feature has been indispensable for my contract work.
3. Adobe PDF Editor
Image source: Adobe PDF Editor
Adobe PDF Editor, part of the Acrobat Reader family, focuses mainly on PDF file editing. This online tool is particularly useful for users who deal with large PDF files and want to reduce their size.
PDF Editing Features
- File Compression: Significantly reduce the size of your PDFs.
- Simple Editing: Basic text edits and image adjustments.
- Batch Processing: Compress multiple files at once.
How Adobe PDF Editor Faired When I Tested It
The robust features in Adobe PDF Editor have made it my go-to tool for complex PDF editing tasks. The layer editing and interactive form field creation features are simply top-notch. Adobe's reliability is something I've always appreciated.
4. PDF Candy
Image source: PDF Candy
PDF Candy is an online PDF editor with a user-friendly design. With this tool, you can perform a plethora of tasks, from simple text editing to merging PDF files. Its integration with Google Drive makes it even more convenient.
PDF Editing Features
- File Conversion: Convert PDF to different file formats and vice versa.
- Text and Markup Tools: Add text, shapes, and sticky notes to your PDF.
- File Compression: Reduce the size of large PDF documents for easy sharing.
How PDF Candy Faired When I Tested It
PDF Candy is perfect for when I need to make quick, simple edits. It's easy to convert files to and from PDF, and the OCR tools are pretty reliable for extracting text. It's a straightforward tool that gets the job done.
5. Sejda PDF Editor
Image source: Sejda PDF Editor
Sejda PDF Editor is an online service that offers a variety of advanced features for editing PDF documents. With its online version and desktop versions for both Windows and Mac, Sejda is as versatile as it is powerful.
PDF Editing Features
- Page Management: Reorder, delete, or append pages.
- Text Annotations: Add text and sticky notes for effective communication.
- Password Protection: Secure your PDFs with passwords and encryption.
How Sejda PDF Editor Faired When I Tested It
Sejda offers a sleek, user-friendly interface that's great for basic edits. The online version is particularly useful when I'm away from my primary computer. However, the hourly limits can sometimes be restrictive for larger projects.
6. PDF-XChange Editor
Image source: PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange Editor is a robust PDF editor with a focus on performance and feature richness. Available for both Windows and Mac, this editor app delivers a high-quality experience for professional users.
PDF Editing Features
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Convert paper documents to editable PDFs.
- Form Creation: Build PDF forms easily.
- Annotations: Add a variety of annotations, including shapes and text.
How PDF-XChange Editor Faired When I Tested It
I've found PDF-XChange Editor to be a versatile tool. The software's ability to create fillable forms and the option to embed fonts are features that have proven invaluable in my work. The interface is also fairly intuitive, which made the learning curve much easier.
7. DocFly
Image source: DocFly
DocFly is not just a PDF editor; it's also a powerful tool for graphic design. With its wide range of features, Inkscape can manipulate image files as well as PDF documents.
PDF Editing Features
- Vector Graphics: Work with vector graphics within PDFs.
- Text Manipulation: Advanced text editing and formatting options.
- Layer Management: Handle multiple layers for complex editing.
How DocFly Faired When I Tested It
DocFly is excellent for converting PDFs to various other formats like Word and Excel. The conversion quality is consistent, and the tool offers decent annotation options. It's a well-rounded tool that handles both conversions and basic PDF editing pretty well.
8. PDF2Go
Image source: PDF2Go
PDF2Go is an online PDF editor that offers a wide range of features for various PDF editing tasks. Its intuitive interface is perfect for users who need quick and efficient editing.
PDF Editing Features
- File Conversion: Convert PDFs to other file types like Word or JPEG.
- Text Editing: Easily add or modify text in your PDFs.
- Document Merging: Combine multiple PDF files into one document.
How PDF2Go Faired When I Tested It
I often use PDF2Go for compressing large PDF files, and it has never disappointed. Its online platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The drag-and-drop feature simplifies the uploading process, making it quick and efficient.
9. PDFSimpli
Image source: PDFSimpli
PDFSimpli is an online PDF editor that specializes in simplicity and ease of use. It offers basic but effective features for editing PDF forms and documents.
PDF Editing Features
- Text Editing: Simple text addition and removal.
- Form Fields: Add form fields to your PDF files.
- Document Conversion: Convert PDFs to other popular file formats.
How PDFSimpli Faired When I Tested It
PDFSimpli is my go-to for quick online edits. It loads fast, and the text editing tools are straightforward to use. The inclusion of some advanced tools also makes it versatile enough for more complex tasks.
10. LightPDF
Image source: LightPDF
LightPDF is a free online editor with a focus on speed and simplicity. While it may not offer as many advanced tools as some other options, it gets the job done quickly and efficiently.
PDF Editing Features
- Text Edits: Quick text edits and deletions.
- OCR Functionality: Convert scanned documents to editable PDFs.
- File Conversion: Convert PDFs to other formats such as Word or PowerPoint.
How LightPDF Faired When I Tested It
What I enjoy about LightPDF is its ability to work smoothly with cloud storage services like Google Drive. It's a web-based tool, so I can use it anywhere, and it's excellent for basic editing tasks like adding text or images.
11. Soda PDF
Image source: Soda PDF
Soda PDF is a fantastic tool for users who want a low-cost yet efficient PDF editing software. Available on multiple platforms, Soda PDF prioritizes security with its 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring your PDF documents remain secure while you edit them.
PDF Editing Features
- E-Signatures: Soda PDF allows you to add electronic signatures to your PDF documents, making it convenient to finalize contracts and agreements without having to print or scan.
- File Security: Providing robust 128/256-Bit encryption, Soda PDF ensures your edited content is secure from unauthorized access, making it ideal for editing confidential documents.
- Cross-Platform Support: Available on multiple platforms, Soda PDF is versatile and accessible wherever you need to edit PDFs, making it highly convenient for users on the go.
How Soda PDF Faired When I Tested It
I've used Soda PDF for its excellent file security options. The 256-bit AES encryption gives me peace of mind when I'm working with sensitive documents. Plus, the e-signature feature is very easy to use.
12. Foxit PhantomPDF Standard
Image source: Foxit PhantomPDF Standard
Foxit PhantomPDF Standard is not just about converting PDFs; it is also an excellent tool for editing PDF files. Designed for smooth batch processing and featuring a user-friendly interface, this software offers comprehensive solutions for those who want more than just a basic PDF editor.
PDF Editing Features
- Wide Range of Editing Options: Foxit PhantomPDF Standard supports multiple file formats and offers numerous editing options, including annotation, text modification, and more.
- Annotation and Editing: You can annotate, edit, share, and comment on PDF files easily, offering a range of features to make your PDFs informative and interactive.
- File Merging: The software comes with an excellent feature that allows you to merge multiple PDFs into one document, making it easier to manage your files.
How Foxit PhantomPDF Standard Faired When I Tested It
Foxit PhantomPDF Standard excels in offering a user-friendly interface while still packing a lot of powerful tools. Its batch processing capabilities save me a lot of time when I have multiple files to convert or edit.
13. Nuance PDF Converter
Image source: Nuance PDF Converter
Nuance PDF Converter is another excellent tool for Mac users, offering a wide range of PDF editing features in addition to its conversion capabilities. With its intuitive layout settings and optical character recognition, it stands out as a powerful PDF editor.
PDF Editing Features
- Multiple Editing Options: Whether you're converting from PDF to Word or editing the PDF content directly, the possibilities are extensive, including highlighting, underlining, and more.
- Extensive Editing Features: Nuance PDF Converter allows you to perform various kinds of edits, such as highlighting, underlining, and text replacement, making it versatile and practical.
- Free Trial: Nuance offers a 30-day free trial, allowing you to test its powerful editing features before deciding on a purchase.
How Nuance PDF Converter Faired When I Tested It
Nuance PDF Converter's standout feature for me has been its optical character recognition (OCR). It captures text remarkably well, even from scanned documents, making it ideal for digitizing old paper documents.
14. Kofax Power PDF
Image source: Kofax Power PDF
PDF Converter might be lesser-known, but it is a reliable tool for those who need comprehensive PDF editing options. It offers high-quality editing services, ensuring your original format remains as close to untouched as possible.
PDF Editing Features
- High-Quality Editing: PDF Converter provides lossless editing, maintaining the quality of your original files while adding or changing content.
- User-Friendly Interface: With a clean, clutter-free user interface, this software is incredibly intuitive, even for PDF editing beginners.
- Wide Format Support: Apart from editing PDFs, this tool also allows you to work with other file formats, such as Word and Excel, making it a versatile choice for all your editing needs.
How Kofax Power PDF Faired When I Tested It
I've found Kofax Power PDF to be extremely efficient for document management. Its features for combining and assembling PDFs are top-tier, making it a great tool for organizing large projects.
15. PDFsam Basic
Image source: PDFsam Basic
PDFsam Basic is an open-source PDF editing software that focuses on simplicity without compromising on features. It's a versatile option for users who want straightforward, easy-to-use tools to edit their PDFs.
PDF Editing Features
- Merge PDFs: This is particularly useful for consolidating reports, studies, or any other sets of documents that are better off as a unified file.
- Split PDF Files: The software allows you to split PDF files based on various criteria like page numbers, size, or even content.
- Rotate Pages: PDFsam Basic offers the ability to rotate PDF pages, which is useful when you're dealing with documents that include pages in varying orientations.
How PDFsam Basic Faired When I Tested It
My experience with PDFsam Basic has been very positive. The open-source nature of the software gives it a community-driven feel, and its focus on fundamental features like splitting and merging PDFs is executed perfectly. It's a no-fuss, reliable tool for basic PDF editing tasks.
How to Edit PDF Files for Windows
Need to edit your PDF for your Windows version of PDF Reader Pro? Look no further!
Navigate, edit, and
convert PDFs like a Pro
with PDF Reader Pro
Easily customize PDFs: Edit text, images,
pages, and annotations with ease.
Advanced PDF conversion: Supports
multi-format document processing with OCR.
Seamless workflow on Mac,
Windows, iOS, and Android.
Step 1: Access Your PDF File
Open your document by clicking "Open File" or placing it into the drop zone.
Step 2: Select Edit PDF tool in the upper menu bar
This will start the editing mode, changing the pages to interactive elements. 
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
Step 3: Select a text box to edit the text
Editable blocks will appear, allowing you to select and alter text.
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
Step 4: Select "Add Text" on the upper menu to insert your text
PDF Reader Pro's built-in application for editing also allows you to add custom text wherever you choose by clicking to open a text box.
Step 5: Go to the "Edit PDF" box on the far right-hand side of your monitor
Use the tool panel to edit your text's Color, Size, Text Alignment, and Opacity. 
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
Step 6: Once done, click Save
A pop-up menu will appear to allow you to rename your altered file. 
Image source: PDF Reader Pro
How to Edit PDF Files for Mac
Editing PDFs for Mac users is easy and straightforward. Here is how you do it!
Navigate, edit, and
convert PDFs like a Pro
with PDF Reader Pro
Easily customize PDFs: Edit text, images,
pages, and annotations with ease.
Advanced PDF conversion: Supports
multi-format document processing with OCR.
Seamless workflow on Mac,
Windows, iOS, and Android.
Step 1: Open your PDF for Editing
Access your document in PDF Reader Pro.
Step 2: Click the Edit PDF tool in the top menu bar
Open the editing mode, converting your pages to interactive elements. 
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
Step 3: Select a text box to edit the text
Editable blocks will appear. Select and alter the text.
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
Step 4: Select Add Text on the upper menu bar to add text
Add custom text wherever you choose by clicking to open a text box.
Step 5: Use PDF Reader Pro's Tools for Editing
By clicking on the tool panel, you can easily change the color, size, text alignment, and opacity of your document. 
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
Step 6: Once done, click Save
A pop-up menu will appear to allow you to rename your altered file. 
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
Gear Up for the New School Year with our Exclusive Deals
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Best Free PDF Editor Best Practices
Choosing the best free PDF editor for your Mac comes down to understanding your requirements and the kind of PDF content you often handle. Here are some best practices to consider.
1. Evaluate Your Needs
From simple edits to advanced tasks like form filling and adding signatures to documents, different editors offer varied features. Understand what you're likely to need most.
2. Desktop App vs Online Platform
Both have their merits. A desktop app often provides powerful tools without the need for an internet connection, whereas an online platform offers flexibility and accessibility from multiple devices.
3. Trial Before You Buy
Many tools offer trial versions or limited features in their free versions. It’s a good idea to test out a trial version before opting for a monthly or annual subscription plan.
4. Check for OCR Tools
If you deal with a lot of scanned, non-editable documents, look for PDF editing software that includes OCR tools. These can convert scanned documents into editable elements.
5. Security
If you’re dealing with confidential documents, opt for editors that offer password protection and encryption features.
6. User-Friendly Interface
An intuitive design and clean interface can make a world of difference in your editing experience, allowing for more efficient performance.
Best Free PDF Editor FAQ
Finally, we have some FAQs to leave you with the most knowledge regarding free PDF editing software tools.
What should I consider for basic PDF editing?
For basic edits, like text changes and image manipulation, many editors provide decent tools. Free versions generally offer limited features but should suffice for making basic edits.
Can I create fillable forms with these PDF editors?
Yes, some editors offer advanced features that allow you to create fillable PDF forms. Editors like PDF Reader Pro and Sejda provide form filler tools designed for this purpose.
Is it possible to add annotations to PDF documents?
Absolutely. Annotation tools for adding sticky notes, highlighter tool options, and even freehand drawings are common in many editors.
What are the limitations of free PDF editors?
While free versions offer a range of handy features, they often come with limitations like watermarks, hourly limits, and limited font options. Some might not provide cloud storage services or integrate with content management systems like Google Docs or Creative Cloud.
Can I switch from a monthly plan to an annual subscription?
Most PDF editors offer a variety of subscription plans. It's usually simple to switch from a monthly subscription to an annual one if you find the editor suits your needs.
Can I edit PDFs that have been password protected?
This varies by editor. Some provide the tools for editing password-protected PDFs, but they will usually require you to enter the password first. It's important to note that editing password-protected PDFs without permission may be illegal.
By following these best practices and referring to this FAQ, you should be well on your way to choosing an excellent option for your PDF editing needs on Mac. Whether you’re making simple edits or need more powerful tools, these free editors are designed to make your work with digital documents easier and more efficient.
