PDF files are one of the most widely used document formats in the world. Whether you’re working on contracts, reports, eBooks, or forms, chances are you’ve dealt with a PDF file. The challenge, however, is editing them. Many PDF editors come with expensive licenses, which isn’t ideal for students, freelancers, or anyone on a budget. Luckily, there are free PDF editors for PC users that offer powerful features without the high cost.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best free PDF editors for PC, their features, pros, and limitations, so you can choose the right tool for your needs.
Why You Need a PDF Editor
Before jumping into the list, it’s worth understanding why a PDF editor is useful:
- Editing text and images – Make changes without starting from scratch.
- Annotating and highlighting – Add comments, notes, or highlights for study or collaboration.
- Merging and splitting – Combine multiple PDFs or separate pages.
- Filling forms – Complete applications or official forms directly on your computer.
- Adding signatures – Digitally sign contracts and documents securely.
Free PDF editors make all of this possible without requiring expensive software like Adobe Acrobat Pro.
The Best Free PDF Editors for PC
1. PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange Editor is one of the most popular free PDF tools for Windows. It’s lightweight yet feature-rich.
Key Features:
- Edit text directly in PDF documents.
- Annotate with highlights, comments, and shapes.
- OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for scanned documents.
- Split and merge PDFs.
Pros:
- Fast and efficient.
- Supports advanced features like OCR for free.
- User-friendly interface.
Cons:
- Some features leave a watermark in the free version.
2. LibreOffice Draw
If you’re looking for an open-source option, LibreOffice Draw is excellent. It’s part of the LibreOffice suite and works as a PDF editor as well.
Key Features:
- Edit existing PDF text and images.
- Export files back into PDF format.
- Draw shapes, add annotations, and rearrange pages.
Pros:
- 100% free and open-source.
- Works well for basic PDF edits.
- Supports multiple file types.
Cons:
- Editing complex PDFs may cause formatting issues.
- Interface isn’t as polished as dedicated PDF editors.
3. Sejda PDF Editor
Sejda is a web-based PDF editor with a downloadable PC version. It’s simple, effective, and great for quick edits.
Key Features:
- Edit PDF text without watermarks.
- Add images, links, and annotations.
- Merge, split, and compress PDFs.
- Add digital signatures.
Pros:
- Very user-friendly.
- No watermark in the free version.
- Works online and offline.
Cons:
- Free version has a limit of 3 tasks per day.
- Large PDFs may be slow to edit.
4. PDFsam Basic
PDFsam (PDF Split and Merge) is perfect for users who mainly need to rearrange or manage PDF files rather than edit text.
Key Features:
- Split large PDF files into smaller sections.
- Merge multiple PDFs into one file.
- Extract specific pages easily.
Pros:
- Completely free and open-source.
- Great for managing PDF structure.
- Lightweight and fast.
Cons:
- Doesn’t allow text or image editing.
- Limited compared to other full editors.
5. Smallpdf (Desktop & Online)
Smallpdf is widely known for its easy-to-use online tools, but it also offers a PC version.
Key Features:
- Edit and annotate PDFs.
- Convert PDFs to Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
- Compress PDF size.
- Merge and split PDFs.
Pros:
- Very intuitive and beginner-friendly.
- Offers multiple file conversion options.
- Cloud and desktop versions available.
Cons:
- Free version has task limits.
- Some advanced features require a paid upgrade.
Tips for Choosing the Right Free PDF Editor
When selecting a PDF editor, consider:
- Your needs: Do you need full editing or just splitting/merging?
- File size limits: Some tools restrict free usage.
- Security: For sensitive documents, use offline editors to avoid uploading files online.
- Ease of use: If you’re new to PDF editing, opt for beginner-friendly tools like Smallpdf or Sejda.
Editing PDFs doesn’t have to be expensive. Tools like PDF-XChange Editor, LibreOffice Draw, Sejda, PDFsam, and Smallpdf provide excellent free options for PC users. Whether you need to make quick text edits, merge files, or add annotations, there’s a free solution available to suit your needs.
By choosing the right editor and using it wisely, you can save money, boost productivity, and handle your PDF documents like a pro.