10 Best PDF Editors of 2024 (Free + Paid) | Pros & Cons

• Apr 29, 2024
• 6 min read

• Tags: Editing

Nowadays, PDFs have become the standard format for sharing files and documents. Finding a good PDF editor can make a huge difference in working with PDFs. Whether you’re handling sensitive documents, submitting assignments, or crafting business proposals, the need for reliable PDF editing software cannot be overstated.

This guide will delve into the top PDF editors, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and the platforms they support. So let’s help you find the perfect tool for your document management needs!

1. Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is synonymous with PDF management, and its online PDF text editor lives up to the brand’s reputation. It offers robust tools for editing, annotating, and converting PDFs. Designed for professionals who need reliability and advanced features, Adobe Acrobat is the best free PDF editor.

Pros

• Comprehensive feature set with sticky notes and highlight options. 
• Seamless integration with other Adobe products and the Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Provides a drawing tool to freehand draw anything, including circles and arrows.

Cons

• Higher cost compared to others, with plans starting at US$19.99/month.
• It may be complex for beginners.

Platforms: Web, Mac, Windows, and Linux.

2. iLovePDF

This tool offers straightforward and accessible PDF editing capabilities directly in your web browser. It’s an excellent option for quick edits, such as text manipulation and image adjustment. Whether you’re a student needing to adjust a few lines of text or a professional preparing a report, this free online PDF editor provides the tools you need to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

Pros

• User-friendly interface.
• No software installation is required.
• More than 15 PDF tools for optimizing, converting, and security are available.

Cons

• Less advanced in the depth of editing, graphic manipulation, and advanced content management available in desktop applications.
• Uploading sensitive documents to a third-party website may raise privacy concerns.

Platforms: Web

3. Smallpdf

Smallpdf offers a suite of PDF tools in a clean, web-based interface. It is particularly popular for its file conversion services, alongside basic editing tools like merge, split, and compress. It provides a user-friendly experience, making it a top choice for those looking for a free PDF editor with essential editing capabilities.

Pros

• All file transfers are secured through advanced TLS encryption.
• Free all-in-one converter to and from PDF.
• Provides up to 21 different PDF editing options.

Cons 

• The free version has usage limits and does not provide features like file storage, unlimited document downloads, and customer support.
• The lack of customization options may limit the usefulness of the service for users with highly specific or technical requirements.

Platforms: Web, Android, iOS

4. PDFfiller

PDFfiller is a comprehensive online PDF editor suitable for businesses that require form filling, document management, and signature collection. It provides robust features for managing documents, allowing businesses to streamline their workflow efficiently. With PDFfiller, businesses can edit, sign, store, and share PDF documents securely, making it an ideal choice for organizations looking for an all-in-one solution.

Pros

• Extensive editing tools for conversion, splitting, exporting, and reordering your PDFs.
• Supports electronic signatures.
• It provides an option to password-protect your documents.

Cons

• Subscription-based with a higher price tag starting at US $20/month.
• It can be overwhelming due to feature density.

Platforms: Web, Windows, Android, iOS

5. PDF2GO

PDF2GO is a versatile free online PDF editor and tool that allows you to edit, convert, optimize, and repair PDF files directly in your browser. With PDF2GO, you can seamlessly modify and fix PDF files without the need for any additional software.

Pros

• It has many tools for editing, improving, and converting PDFs.
• No account is needed for using the various features.
• Supports various types of devices and browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc.

Cons

• A bit of a slower processing time for larger files.
• A cluttered interface can make it difficult to use for new users.

Platforms: Web, Android, iOS

6. Xodo

Xodo is a free, high-performance PDF online editor and viewer with a strong focus on collaboration and sharing. Xodo serves as a versatile online PDF editor with its annotations tool and cloud integration features. 

Pros

• Syncs with Google Drive and Dropbox.
• Has many features for editing, converting, and organizing PDFs.
• The website also features a blog with steps on how to use the various PDF editing options.

Cons

• The mobile interface can be tricky to navigate.
• The unpaid version has only 1 use per day, and users need to buy a premium version for unlimited usage.

Platforms: Web, Android, iOS

7. Sejda

Sejda provides users with versatile PDF editing software, available both online and as a desktop application. It’s renowned for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive range of essential PDF editing features. New text can be added anywhere on a PDF page, and also add hyperlinks to web URLs or internal pages using Sejda PDF editing software. 

Pros

• Clean interface.
• Provides various features to whiteout PDF, add shapes, and include form fields in your PDF.
• Gives a step-by-step explanation of how to use the PDF editing software.

Cons

• Limited free usage per day.
• Limited file size for uploads.

Platforms: Web, Desktop, Windows, Mac

8. PDFescape

PDFescape offers a user-friendly free PDF editor. It allows users to make quick modifications such as adding text, images, and links to their PDF documents. PDFescape is an ideal choice for anyone seeking to edit PDFs without additional software installations or purchases.

Pros

• Free to use, no signup account required.
• Has an online PDF editor as well as free PDF editing software. 
• It is available for use in different languages like English, French, German, and Italian.

Cons

• Advanced features like print to PDF and adding watermarks to PDFs require payment.
• Fewer features are available in the free version compared to other PDF editors.

Platforms: Web, Android, iOS, Windows

9. Foxit

Foxit offers a professional PDF editor that stands out as a favorite among businesses worldwide. This powerful PDF editing software empowers users to create, edit, annotate, and manage PDF documents with ease. It is an indispensable tool for professionals and businesses alike seeking precise control over their digital documents.

Pros

• Provides free apps for converting, merging, and compressing PDFs.
• Has strong security options and volume licensing.
• An AI-based document redaction option is available for users who don’t know how to edit their text but don’t know the exact words to redact in advance.

Cons

• The steep learning curve for new users.
• Higher cost for the premium packages, compared to some competitors.

Platforms: Windows, Mac

10. Nitro Pro

Nitro Pro stands out among PDF editing software options, providing a wide array of comprehensive PDF editing tools. It is tailored to meet the demands of handling large documents and facilitating collaboration within teams. 

Pros

• Intuitive interface.
• Excellent for collaboration due to its integration features.
• Also has a desktop & mobile PDF editor with advanced, user-friendly features named Nitro PDF Pro.

Cons

• The software version is primarily available only for Windows.
• Occasional lag with high-volume PDFs.

Platforms: Windows

Deciding which PDF editor is best for you comes down to what you need it for—whether it’s simple text changes, organizing documents, or working together smoothly. With choices ranging from powerful programs like Adobe Acrobat to user-friendly online tools like iLovePDF and Smallpdf, there’s something out there to suit every kind of task.

Keep in mind that even though digital tools are helpful, nothing beats the touch of human expertise. You can take the help of professional editing and proofreading services like PaperTrue. We ensure your documents are not just technically correct but also polished to perfection!

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Tanvi

With a foundation in Life Sciences, Tanvi enjoys curating technical writing tips tailored for ESL students. When she's not translating complex concepts into bite-sized nuggets, she can be found playing with dogs or painting landscapes.