The Absolute Best PDF Editors Looking for the Best PDF Editors? We compiled a great list. Check it out.

PDF editors are a bit like Swiss Army knives for documents. They do more than just let you preview files—they allow you to manipulate and customize the content in ways that would otherwise be impossible. At first glance, you might think, “Why not just use Word or some other editor?” Well, PDFs are unique because they maintain consistent formatting across devices, which is why they’re so widely used for contracts, resumes, forms, and official documentation.

Here’s where a PDF editor becomes indispensable.

Who needs a PDF editor?

Anyone working with formal documents or needing to preserve formatting across platforms will find a PDF editor handy. This includes businesses managing contracts, freelancers editing invoices, or students submitting essays. Unlike Word files (like .docx), PDFs aren’t easily editable without the right tool, and that’s exactly where a PDF editor comes into play.

• Lawyers use them to redact sensitive information.
• Designers might tweak layout-heavy documents without altering the integrity of the original design.
• Marketers might want to place their company’s watermark on a proposal before sending it out.

Why would you need a PDF editor?

You’d typically turn to a PDF editor when you need more than just to preview a document. Maybe you need to change the PDF text, add annotations, sign a contract, or insert templates for repetitive tasks. A PDF editor lets you:

1. Edit PDF files: Change text, rearrange images, or update links directly in the PDF without converting it back to a Word doc first.
2. Add or remove watermarks: Want to stamp your document with a “Confidential” watermark? Easy to do with a PDF editor.
3. Combine documents: Have several files you want to merge into one? PDF editors make this simple, whether it’s combining reports, invoices, or even web pages you’ve saved as PDFs.
4. Optimize file size: PDFs can become bulky, especially when filled with images. Editors allow you to reduce file size while keeping the quality intact.
5. Work with templates: Need to create a standard contract or invoice? PDF editors often come with built-in templates, saving you from reinventing the wheel every time.

When would you need a PDF editor?

• Filling forms: Let’s say you get a tax document or job application form in PDF format. With a PDF editor, you can type directly into the fields instead of printing and scanning it back.
• Sharing polished documents: If you’re sending out a proposal or presentation, you might want to add your logo as a watermark, tweak the layout, and ensure it’s polished before sending it to the client.
• Collaborating on projects: Many editors offer collaborative tools like annotations, making it easier for teams to share and review documents without losing formatting.

PDF editor features: A quick tutorial

When you open a PDF editor, the first thing you’ll notice is the toolbar. It’s usually packed with options, from adjusting text to inserting images. You can use it to open and preview PDFs, navigate to specific pages, or extract certain sections. You might also spot buttons for adding signatures, converting the file to other formats (like .docx), or compressing the file size. The ability to edit PDF text or insert media without jumping through hoops is a game-changer when you’re working under tight deadlines.

In short, a PDF editor becomes essential whenever you need to go beyond basic viewing or printing of PDFs. Whether it’s for adding watermarks, adjusting the file size, or using templates for repetitive tasks, PDF editors offer a level of control and precision that simple viewers can’t match.

Why You Need a PDF Editor

PDF editors are crucial for tasks such as:

• Annotating PDF Documents: Add comments, highlights, and markup to PDF files.
• Editing Text: Modify existing text or add new text boxes.
• Merging and Reordering Pages: Combine multiple PDF files or reorder pages within a document.
• Converting PDF Files: Convert PDFs to other file formats like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, HTML, PNG, JPG, and vice versa.
• Signing and Securing PDFs: Sign PDFs digitally, add password protection, and redact sensitive information.
• Creating and Filling PDF Forms: Design interactive forms and fill out existing ones.

Top PDF Editors for Various Operating Systems

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Adobe Acrobat Pro is often considered the gold standard in PDF editing. It offers a wide range of advanced features, including OCR (optical character recognition), redaction, and digital signatures. With its robust functionality, you can convert PDFs to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats seamlessly. It also provides excellent tools for annotating, merging, and editing PDF files. Acrobat Pro is available on Windows and macOS, and it integrates well with cloud storage solutions like Dropbox and Google Drive.

PDFelement

PDFelement by Wondershare is a versatile PDF editor that offers a comprehensive set of features at a more affordable price than Adobe Acrobat Pro. It includes tools for annotating, editing text, and converting file formats. PDFelement is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful PDF editing capabilities. It supports OCR, making it easy to convert scanned documents into editable text. Available for both Windows and macOS, PDFelement also has an iOS version for on-the-go PDF editing.

Foxit PDF Editor

Foxit PDF Editor is another strong contender in the PDF editing space. It provides extensive features such as text editing, PDF form creation, and digital signatures. Foxit is known for its fast performance and lower cost compared to Adobe Acrobat. It supports multiple file formats and offers a free version with basic functionality, making it a great option for users on a budget. Foxit PDF Editor is available on Windows, macOS, and even Linux, with mobile versions for Android and iOS.

PDF Expert

PDF Expert is a popular choice among macOS and iOS users. It offers a sleek interface and powerful tools for editing text, annotating documents, and managing PDF pages. PDF Expert integrates well with Apple’s ecosystem, making it easy to edit PDFs on an iPad or Mac. It also supports digital signatures and form filling, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use.

Microsoft Edge PDF Reader

For Windows users, Microsoft Edge offers built-in PDF reading and basic editing capabilities. While it may not have all the advanced features of dedicated PDF editing software, it is sufficient for simple tasks like highlighting text, adding comments, and filling out forms. Edge’s PDF reader is integrated into the browser, providing a convenient option for quick edits and annotations without the need for additional software.

Best Free PDF Editors

If you’re looking for free PDF editing solutions, several tools offer excellent functionality without cost:

• Foxit Reader: A free version of Foxit PDF Editor, offering basic annotation and editing tools.
• PDFescape: A web-based PDF editor with tools for annotating, filling forms, and basic editing.
• Smallpdf: An online PDF editor that includes tools for merging, converting, and compressing PDFs.
• Sejda: A free online PDF editor that provides various editing tools, including text editing and file conversion.

Advanced Features to Look For

When selecting a PDF editor, consider the following advanced features to enhance your workflow:

• OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Converts scanned documents into editable text.
• Redaction: Allows you to permanently remove sensitive information from PDF files.
• Digital Signatures: Enables secure signing of documents electronically.
• Password Protection: Adds an extra layer of security to your PDFs.
• Cloud Integration: Seamlessly integrates with cloud storage solutions like Google Drive and Dropbox.
• Form Creation and Filling: Create interactive forms or fill out existing ones easily.

Choosing the right PDF editor depends on your specific needs and the operating systems you use. Whether you need a powerful tool like Adobe Acrobat Pro or a more budget-friendly option like PDFelement or Foxit, there’s a PDF editor out there to meet your requirements. Free versions and online PDF editors also offer great functionality for those with simpler needs. By selecting the right PDF editing software, you can enhance your productivity and streamline your document management processes.