The PDF format lets us view a document as it was intended to be seen. But sometimes, we need to edit one to make small changes and we need some of the best free PDF editors for PC, Mac, iPhone/iPad, and Android to let us modify the PDF files (which include abilities like – editing the text, adjusting/adding images, splitting the PDF file, merging PDFs, annotating documents or adding a signature to the PDF document).
While we do know that the premium PDF editors offer more features with no restrictions but for a set of basic PDF file modifications, we can help you find a free edition that can get the job done.
Hence, we present you the list of the best free PDF editors for Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, & iOS. You should also check out our separate list of best PDF editors for Mac to know about some more tools.
List Of Free PDF Editors For Windows/Mac/Linux
1. LibreOffice (Windows, Linux, Mac OS X)
LibreOffice is one of the best free Office alternatives to Microsoft Office suite. You also get the ability to open and edit the PDF files. If your PDF file contains just pictures/graphics, LibreOffice will automatically suggest the drawing tools to let you modify it. In case of text-oriented documents, you will get the necessary word formatting tools to help you edit it.The user interface may not be the best around but LibreOffice is a free-to-use open-source software with no purchases required.
2. Sejda PDF Editor (Windows / Mac/ Linux / Web Version)
Yet another open-source initiative. Sejda PDF editor is primarily an online PDF editor which offers a standalone (offline) desktop application as well. You will get the ability to add text, links, images, shapes, and signatures. You also get to edit the existing text with the ability to fill up PDF forms. The free version (both online and offline) are restricted to 3 tasks per hour with a maximum file size limit of 50 Mb (or 200 pages).
3. PhantomPDF (Windows-only: 14-days Trial)
If you want a full-fledged standalone PDF editor application for a while (say for just a few tasks once in a lifetime with a lot of things to edit or modify) – then you should definitely download the PhantomPDF application. You just have to fill up a form typing in some basic personal details and your download should start automatically.
4. PDFescape (Web Version)
PDFescape is an online PDF editor which lets you do all the basic tasks like editing the existing text, adding images and so on. While it does offer a desktop counterpart but you won’t be able to utilize it for free. You need to have the premium edition in order to able to edit the PDFs on your Windows machine.
5. PDF-Xchange Editor (Windows)
PDF-Xchange Editor is yet another awesome PDF editor with a free version offered. The free edition lets us utilize almost every basic feature required to modify a PDF file. You also get to use the features that generally requires a license. But, when you do use them, your PDF document will have a watermark embedded. So, if you want to use every feature without adding watermarks, you have to purchase a license for that.
The Best Free PDF Editor For Android & iOS
Adobe Acrobat Reader (Android & iOS)
Adobe Acrobat Reader is the most reliable PDF reader/editor for your smartphone. If you have a mission-critical document to handle on-the-go with basic editing tasks like filling up the form, putting a signature or adding annotations, there’s nothing better than Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Additional Recommendation: OfficeSuite (Android & iOS)
While there are free alternatives to Adobe Acrobat reader but they could really mess up the formatting sometimes. Still, if you want to try other free PDF editors available, I would mention OfficeSuite for your Android / iOS device.
Wrapping Up
No matter how great these free PDF editors are, they will definitely lack certain features which premium PDF editing tools offer – which is essential for an enterprise. Do you prefer the free PDF editors or the paid ones? Which PDF editor do you use? Let us know in the comments below.