Best Free Pdf Editor Top 12 Choices In 2025 Icecream Apps
Many users whose work is related to working with digital documents have had to deal with finding reliable software or a website for PDF editing. Of course, the vast majority would want a capable free PDF editor to be able to work with files in this format without the high cost associated with it. Unlike a simple text document, it is not so easy to make changes to a PDF. Editing PDFs requires a program that accurately recognizes text and graphic objects. This article provides the top 12 of the most popular free PDF editing apps and services that you can count on. Read our editorial review below.
To determine the best free PDF editors, we tested multiple desktop programs and online tools. For this article, we selected the top 10 based on the following criteria: See the below table for a quick overview and read the full article to learn in detail about each one of the PDF editors mentioned. If you work with PDF files regularly then a PDF editor is an indispensable tool. Whether it’s part of your job, you manage PDF files for your own personal use, or you just need to complete a one-off editing task, a top editor program is an essential piece of... Full-featured editors such as Adobe’s Acrobat Pro DC might provide all of the bells and whistles, but a free PDF editor can still offer most of the important tools of a paid service for...
Plus, many free PDF editors are browser based, which means you don’t need to worry about about platform- or device-compatibility issues. Of course, free products won’t come with every feature of their premium counterparts. So, if you find that you need more advanced tools such as password protection, Bates numbering, or e-signatures, then you’re probably better served by a premium PDF editor. Why you should trust PCWorld for PDF editor reviews and buying advice: At PCWorld, we’ve been testing PC hardware and software for decades. Our evaluation process is thorough, always hands-on and focused on real-world usage needs. We won’t ever recommend something we wouldn’t be comfortable using ourselves.
EaseUS Black Friday Offer: EaseUS PDF Editor – Edit, Convert, Compress & Protect PDFs The Portable Document Format (or PDF) is what most people use to share information because it can show text, images, and even sound and video on any platform. Most PDFs are for reading only, but that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't modify them. For example, you might want to correct a typo without recreating a whole file, or add or remove text and images. Whatever the job, you need a PDF editor. PCMag has been reviewing document editing software for several decades, so you can trust that all the apps here are up to the task.
Our Editors' Choice winners are ABBYY FineReader for its OCR tools and Adobe Acrobat Pro for its business features, but we also include far more affordable options that handle the basics competently. Below the list, we outline everything you need to know before choosing the best PDF editor for your needs. ABBYY FineReader's deep feature set, convenient editing tools, and smooth, modern interface make it the premier productivity app for professional OCR and PDF work. Adobe Acrobat Pro, from the company that created the PDF format, is a document editing and management powerhouse. A subscription isn't cheap, but if Acrobat Pro does what you need, it's an obvious choice. ABBYY FineReader ($99 per year for the Standard version, $165 per year for the Corporate version) combines a well-designed set of standard PDF management features with class-leading OCR technology for converting scanned images into...
A spacious, lucid interface lets you create or edit PDFs, as well as convert them into other formats, all in a few mouse clicks. The advanced OCR editor has a fast, keyboard-friendly interface for fixing the unavoidable OCR errors that you get with scanned documents, and its image editor tool makes short work of adjustments to single or... FineReader doesn’t have Adobe’s cloud-based support for gathering responses or payments, but it offers a built-in “hot folder” feature that automatically converts documents you add there into PDFs. (Adobe’s comparable feature is separate from Acrobat and more difficult to set up.) ABBYY FineReader also includes a convenient screen-scraping application that grabs any text on your screen. The Corporate version has a unique tool for comparing two documents in different formats, unlike Acrobat, which compares only PDF documents. PDFs have become the universal format for sharing documents, whether it’s assignments, invoices, contracts, or eBooks.
But editing a PDF isn’t always simple—most tools lock essential features behind a paywall. This is why many users search for the best free PDF editor that lets them make changes without restrictions. A good editor should allow you to edit text and images in PDFs, annotate files, and fill forms. It should let you sign documents and even merge, split, or compress PDFs. While plenty of tools claim to be free, many leave watermarks or limit usage unless you pay for a subscription. That’s where this guide comes in.
Here, we’ve reviewed the top completely free PDF editors across Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and online platforms. PDFs are the standard format for sharing digital documents, but editing PDF files hasn’t always been easy or accessible. Historically, PDF editors were expensive, complex desktop software aimed at professional users. Fortunately, modern PDF editors are far more user-friendly. With the rise of online free pdf editor apps, capable PDF editing is now within anyone’s reach. While full Acrobat-style functionality still requires paid software, free PDF editors provide ample tools for most users’ basic needs.
From annotations and text edits to page manipulation, free editors make it simple to customize and update PDFs, some even let you view and annotate two PDF documents side by side on your iPad... In this article, we highlight the top free PDF editors available in 2023 based on features, ease of use, and value. We hand-tested the most popular options to help you find the best pdf editor free for your needs and experience level. Whether you only occasionally need to tweak PDFs or regularly handle documents in PDF format, a free editor can get the job done. Read on for our picks of the leading free PDF editors. We also discuss key factors in choosing an editor and the methodology behind our recommendations.
Features: Edit text and images, merge and split PDFs, add headers/footers, fill out forms, add signatures, redact sensitive info Discover the pros and cons of top PDF editors that let you tweak text, images, and more The best PDF editors allow you to modify and add text, edit images, incorporate graphics, sign documents, fill out forms, and more. I've taken the time to check out several of these apps and websites to collect a list of exactly what you're looking for. Here's my take after using these free PDF editing apps: If you own a modern version of Microsoft Word, skip all the suggested programs below—you have a great PDF editor at your disposal.
To turn a PDF into a Word document, open the file as you would any other and then edit away. This also works in WPS Office and Google Docs. Lets you load the file from other websites. These are our top free picks for editing documents When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
We tested out the best free PDF editors for designing and modifying documents completely free of charge. These apps and software have no subscriptions, no licenses, no one-off fees, but come with all the tools you need to create, edit, sign, and share documents. After exploring the offerings for each tool, PDF24 Creator is easily the best free option around right now. Having tested out all the best PDF editors, this Windows app comes with all the same tools and serves as one of the best Adobe Acrobat alternatives you can get without paying anything. Alternatives here also include the browser-based PDF Candy, SmallPDF, which is ideal for use on mobile devices, and the business-focused DocHub. The best PDF editors let you handle portable documents like a pro
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. The best PDF editors let you do even more with PDF files, from marking them up to making changes to the text and images they include. Even though PDF files may appear to be finalized, they can be edited and changed in the same way you can alter a text document. You just need the right software to do so. The best PDF editors allow you to open almost any PDF file and from here, you can edit, alter, annotate, sign or convert it into other popular file formats like Microsoft Word’s Doc and...
Whether you use PDF files for work, need to make edits while studying or just want a quick way to sign a file, we've found the right paid and free PDF editors to get... After testing a dozen different platforms, we're here to help you find the best ones to alter text, change images, annotate PDF files and beyond. If you’ve ever tried to edit a PDF and hit a paywall, you know how frustrating it can be. Whether you’re updating a contract, rearranging pages, adding your signature, or converting files, a good free PDF editor can make a world of difference. After testing countless options, I finally found the best solutions that truly deliver on features and ease of use. We’ve rounded up the top 5 PDF editor apps available for free in 2025, including a powerful newcomer — Indigo PDF — that’s quickly gaining popularity for its professional-grade tools.
All of these apps are completely free to use, with no hidden charges or subscriptions, and offer versatile features for both casual and professional users. Modern workflows demand flexibility, and the best free pdf editors make it easy to edit and manage pdfs across all your devices. Whether you’re working from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, having access to your favorite pdf editing tools is essential. Many free pdf editors now offer browser-based platforms, so you can edit pdfs directly from your web browser—no downloads required. This is perfect for quick edits on the go, whether you’re using an Android phone, iPhone, or any other mobile device. For more advanced tools and features, desktop versions like Adobe Acrobat provide a comprehensive suite of pdf editing options, from detailed annotations to batch processing.
With mobile support and seamless syncing, you can start editing a document on your computer and finish it on your phone, ensuring you never miss a beat. No matter where you are, today’s free pdf editors give you the power to handle editing tasks efficiently and securely, right from your browser or device of choice. In today’s digital age, Portable Document Format (PDF) has become the standard for sharing documents. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone who loves to keep things organized, chances are you’ve encountered the need to edit a PDF. But what if you don’t want to shell out for pricey software? Fear not!
In 2025, there are numerous free options available that make PDF editing a breeze. Let’s dive into the best free PDF editing apps you should consider. 1. Introduction to PDF Editing 2. Why Free PDF Editors Are Game-Changers 3. Top Free PDF Editing Apps in 2025 a.
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Many Users Whose Work Is Related To Working With Digital
Many users whose work is related to working with digital documents have had to deal with finding reliable software or a website for PDF editing. Of course, the vast majority would want a capable free PDF editor to be able to work with files in this format without the high cost associated with it. Unlike a simple text document, it is not so easy to make changes to a PDF. Editing PDFs requires a pro...
To Determine The Best Free PDF Editors, We Tested Multiple
To determine the best free PDF editors, we tested multiple desktop programs and online tools. For this article, we selected the top 10 based on the following criteria: See the below table for a quick overview and read the full article to learn in detail about each one of the PDF editors mentioned. If you work with PDF files regularly then a PDF editor is an indispensable tool. Whether it’s part of...
Plus, Many Free PDF Editors Are Browser Based, Which Means
Plus, many free PDF editors are browser based, which means you don’t need to worry about about platform- or device-compatibility issues. Of course, free products won’t come with every feature of their premium counterparts. So, if you find that you need more advanced tools such as password protection, Bates numbering, or e-signatures, then you’re probably better served by a premium PDF editor. Why ...
EaseUS Black Friday Offer: EaseUS PDF Editor – Edit, Convert,
EaseUS Black Friday Offer: EaseUS PDF Editor – Edit, Convert, Compress & Protect PDFs The Portable Document Format (or PDF) is what most people use to share information because it can show text, images, and even sound and video on any platform. Most PDFs are for reading only, but that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't modify them. For example, you might want to correct a typo without recreating ...
Our Editors' Choice Winners Are ABBYY FineReader For Its OCR
Our Editors' Choice winners are ABBYY FineReader for its OCR tools and Adobe Acrobat Pro for its business features, but we also include far more affordable options that handle the basics competently. Below the list, we outline everything you need to know before choosing the best PDF editor for your needs. ABBYY FineReader's deep feature set, convenient editing tools, and smooth, modern interface m...