While it’s very easy to open, read, and delete Portable Document Format (PDF) files on most of your devices, editing them can be quite complicated. Many apps and programs can help you edit your PDF files, but they charge a fee, usually a monthly subscription.
Fortunately, some PDF editors are free and sure to get the job done. However, not all free PDF editors on the internet will meet your document editing needs, because most of them are a bit clunky. Some free PDF editors will do a great job, but then add unnecessary watermarks to your files, which can be quite inconvenient.
If you want to edit your PDF files, here are the best free PDF editors that will get the job done and leave you with professional-looking documents.
1. Little wow
If you are looking for easy conversion of your files as PDF etc. We present to you our littlewow. This online tool helps you solve problems with all types of documents. This is a web application loaded with exceptional feature. Processing files, videos and images takes less than a minute, depending on the file size, thanks to its enormous processing power, making TinyWow the best free online tool on our lists.
littlewow allows you to modify your PDF documents. There are some additional features you might like to check out.
- Convert PDF files to other document formats,
- Delete pages in a PDF file
- Rearrange in a PDF file
- Rotating PDF
- Protecting your PDF file
- Signature on your PDF
- Unlock PDF
2. Sejda PDF Editor
If you are looking for a simple and intuitive way to edit your PDF, Sejda is the tool for you. Sejda is a free PDF tool that allows you to make changes to your PDF documents through your browser, even without creating an account.
With Sejda, you can easily edit pre-existing text by clicking on the parts you want to update and making the necessary changes. Besides that, this free PDF editor offers other features like:
- Merge and split PDF files
- Compress files
- Sign PDF files
- Crop PDF files
- Add a custom watermark to your PDF document
- Lock your PDF file with a password
- Filling out forms
Many free PDF editors will allow you to modify your document but then add watermarks to it. Well, Sejda is different. It allows you to download clean documents that help you maintain that professional look in all your documents.
Unfortunately, this free PDF editor has its own shortcomings. Your PDF document, for example, cannot exceed 200 pages or 50 MB in size. Additionally, you can only make a maximum of 3 changes or functions in an hour. As a result, if you need to constantly edit your PDF files, it could be a big setback.
Finally, the tool has a professional version, but in most cases, the free version should be sufficient. However, if you really want to overcome the limitations that come with the free version, then the paid version will be the perfect option for you.
3. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is an open source productivity suite comprising LibreOffice Draw, LibreOffice Calc, and LibreOffice Writer. The software is the default office suite for most Linux distributions, but it also works on all major operating systems, such as Windows and macOS.
LibreOffice Draw allows you to perform various operations on your PDF files. Some of these operations include:
- Modify existing text in your PDF file
- Add your own text to your PDF
- Add images and graphics to your PDF
- Add a signature to a PDF document
- Editing scanned documents
After editing your PDF file, be sure to export it as PDF to preserve the original formatting of the document.
Unfortunately, editing your PDF can be overwhelming if it is marked “Read Only” because LibreOffice Draw will open the document as an image. To work around this limitation, you can hide the sections you want to edit by drawing rectangles with a white background and adding a new text box.
4. Microsoft Office
If your PC has Microsoft Word installed, you can edit your PDF files at no additional cost. The following are the steps you need to follow to edit your PDF in Microsoft Word:
- On your computer, start Microsoft Word.
- Drag and drop your PDF document into your workspace.
- A pop-up message will appear informing you that your PDF file will be converted to an editable Word document.
- To continue, select OK.
- Enable editing of your document.
- Make any necessary changes to your document as you wish.
- Export your file as PDF.
That was easy, right? However, when it comes to editing PDF files, Microsoft Word also has its own caveats. For example, if your PDF has too many photos and graphics, the converted version may differ slightly from the original PDF file.
But overall, Microsoft Word should be your go-to program for all things PDF.
5. Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is a popular browser and default PDF viewer for newer versions of Windows. This tool allows you to add text to your file, draw different shapes, and highlight specific areas in your PDF document. It also has an eraser that you can use to revert any changes you make to the document.
Microsoft Edge is great if you need to analyze or provide feedback on a document. Unfortunately, the browser does not allow you to modify pre-existing text in your PDF file, which is a really necessary feature for any PDF editor.
6. PDF.online
PDF.online is another free, feature-rich and easy-to-use PDF editor. It is a web-based solution that allows you to modify your PDF files and, like Sejda, does not include any watermark on your modified documents.
A powerful feature of PDF.online is the ability to edit pre-existing text. This functionality is still in beta testing, but it does a great job.
The following are some additional features that PDF.online offers:
- Convert PDF files to other document formats,
- Fill out PDF forms,
- Validate a PDF
- Convert a PDF to an image
- Edit PDF text
- Delete pages
7.PDF24
If you don’t need to edit the existing text in your PDF, then PDF24 is one of the free PDF editors out there. This robust PDF tool is free for both commercial and personal use.
PDF24 provides an intuitive and simple interface that allows you to modify your PDF documents. Some of the edits you can make with PDF24 include adding a block of text to your PDF, adding a shape or image to your document, and drawing freehand.
The tool also offers additional features, including:
- Merge and split your PDF
- Convert your PDF to other file formats
- Add watermark to your document
- Compressing your file
- Annotate a PDF
- Protect your PDF with a password
Additionally, this free PDF editor includes a desktop version that you can download and use on your local machine.
Factors to consider when looking for a free PDF editor
It would be best to choose a PDF editor that suits your specific needs. Here are some things to consider when looking for a free PDF editor:
Watermarks
Some free PDF editors will do a fantastic job of editing your PDF and then adding a watermark to your document. Fortunately, none of the PDF editors mentioned above include a watermark, which is so convenient and professional.
Limits on the number of editions
Some free PDF editors limit the number of edits you can make. One of those editors is Sejda; This could be a disadvantage, especially if you need to constantly edit your PDF files. And you may be forced to use a premium version or turn to another tool that has no limits.
Ability to edit pre-existing text
Modifying existing text in a PDF is a must-have feature for many people who use these documents on a daily basis. Most of the editors on the list above allow you to edit existing text in your PDF, which is a big plus.
Edit freely
Editing a PDF file doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it doesn’t have to cost any money at all. With the list above, you can now confidently edit your PDF files without spending a lot of money or having annoying watermarks all over your documents.
What are some of the PDF editors you’ve been using? Did they have limits or watermarks? Let us know in the comments section below.
