Best Free PDF Editors in 2025: Top Picks & Guide

Try SwifDoo PDF →

Want to edit PDFs but don't want to spend money? You're in luck! There are many free tools that can help you change text, add images, or even sign your documents. In this guide, we'll show you the best free PDF editors to use in 2025. Whether you're doing school work or just need to tweak a file, you'll find the right tool here. Let's dive in and make editing PDFs easy for you!

Introduction

PDF editors are very handy tools. They let you change or create new PDF files without much fuss. In 2025, there are many free PDF editors to choose from. But which ones are best? That's what we're here to find out.

This list matters because picking the right PDF editor can save you time and effort. We looked at many editors and picked the best based on features, ease of use, and user reviews. We wanted to make sure you get tools that work well and don't cost a thing.

To make our list, we checked how easy each editor is to use. We also looked at the features they offer, like adding text or images. Some editors let you merge files or sign documents. We also read what users say to make sure these tools work well.

You'll find editors that are great for school projects, personal use, or even small business tasks. Our list includes tools that have been tested by lots of users. It's important to have a PDF editor that you can trust. So, let's dive in and see what these free tools can do for you!

Top Picks (Items 1-3)

1. PDF Pro

PDF Pro is a great free tool for editing PDFs. It offers a lot of features that make it easy to use. You can add text, images, and even draw on your PDFs. It’s perfect for school projects or any quick edits you need to make.

One of the best features of PDF Pro is its simple interface. You won’t get lost trying to find what you need. Plus, it doesn’t take long to learn how to use it. You can try it on your computer or even on your phone. It’s a handy tool to have.

PDF Pro is best for students and anyone who needs to edit PDFs without spending money. It’s free to use, but there’s a limit of three free edits per month. If you need more, you can check their paid plans.

2. Smallpdf

Smallpdf is another top pick for editing PDFs. It’s known for its speed and ease of use. With Smallpdf, you can convert, merge, split, and compress PDFs. It’s a complete toolkit for all your PDF needs.

You’ll love how fast Smallpdf works. It’s great for when you’re in a hurry. You can also use it on any device, which is a big plus. The interface is clean and simple, so you won’t waste time figuring it out.

Smallpdf is best for busy people who need to do a lot with PDFs. It’s free for basic edits, but there’s a limit of two tasks per day. If you need more, their Pro plan costs about $12 a month.

3. Sejda PDF Editor

Sejda PDF Editor is a strong choice for those who want more editing power. It has many features like adding text, images, and links. You can also sign documents or fill out forms with ease.

Sejda stands out because it keeps your files private. They’re deleted after five hours, so you don’t have to worry about security. The editor is easy to use, and you’ll feel like a pro in no time.

Sejda is best for those who want a bit more control over their edits. It’s free for up to three tasks per hour. If you need more, you can pay around $5 for a week of unlimited use.

Mid-Range Options (Items 4-6)

4. PDF Expert

PDF Expert is a solid choice for students and teachers. It lets you edit text, images, and links in your PDFs. You can also add notes and highlights to your files. This makes it perfect for school projects or class notes.

One of its key features is the ability to merge files. You can combine different PDFs into one document, which is super handy. PDF Expert also lets you fill out forms and sign documents, so you don't need to print them out.

PDF Expert is best for students who need a bit more than basic tools. It's easy to use and has a clean design, so you won't feel lost. You can get PDF Expert for around $80, but there's a free trial if you want to test it first.

5. Smallpdf

Smallpdf is another great mid-range tool. It's online, so you don't have to download anything. You can edit, compress, and convert PDF files with ease. Smallpdf even lets you split a PDF into smaller parts or merge several into one.

One cool feature is its e-signing tool. You can sign documents right on your screen. This is great if you need to send signed forms quickly. Smallpdf works with Google Drive and Dropbox, so you can save and share your files easily.

Smallpdf is best for those who want a simple, online tool. It's great for quick edits and changes. You can use it for free, but a pro version is available for $12 a month if you need more features.

6. Nitro PDF Pro

Nitro PDF Pro is a powerful option for those who need more control. It offers many tools to edit and convert PDFs. You can change text, images, and even scan paper files into PDFs. Nitro PDF Pro also lets you create PDFs from scratch.

A standout feature is its batch processing. You can edit many files at once, saving you time. It also includes a strong security feature, so your files stay safe. Nitro's design is similar to Microsoft Office, making it easy to learn.

Nitro PDF Pro is best for students who need a professional tool. It's a good choice if you're working on big projects. The price is about $180, but they offer discounts for students, so check that out.

Budget & Specialty Picks (Items 7-10)

7. PDF-XChange Editor

PDF-XChange Editor is a strong choice for those who need a free and easy tool. It's perfect if you're on a budget and need basic editing. You can add text, images, and notes to your PDF files.

One cool feature is the ability to use OCR (Optical Character Recognition). This helps turn scanned pages into text you can edit. It's a real time-saver if you work with lots of scanned files.

This editor is best for students and small businesses. If you don't need fancy features, it's a smart pick. The free version includes a watermark on saved files, but it's a small trade-off for the features you get.

8. Sejda PDF Editor

Sejda PDF Editor is an online tool that's easy to use. You don't need to download anything, which saves space on your computer. You can edit text, add images, and sign documents right in your browser.

A standout feature is its ability to merge and split PDFs. This is helpful if you deal with large files. The free version allows up to three tasks per hour, which is usually enough for light users.

It's great for quick edits and simple tasks. If you need more work done, you might have to wait or upgrade. For free users, it's a solid choice with no hidden costs.

9. PDFescape

PDFescape offers both an online and a desktop version. It's a good pick if you need a mix of basic and advanced tools. You can edit text, fill out forms, and annotate PDFs easily.

One neat feature is the form creator. You can make your own PDF forms without much hassle. This is great if you need to share fillable forms at school or work.

This editor is best for teachers and students who need to create and edit forms. The free version supports files up to 10 MB or 100 pages. It's a practical choice for those who work with PDFs often.

10. Smallpdf

Smallpdf is user-friendly and packed with features. It's an online editor, so you can use it anywhere. You can compress, convert, and edit PDFs with ease.

A key feature is the ability to convert PDFs to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This makes it easier to work with your files in different formats. The free version lets you do two tasks per day.

It's ideal for users who need simple, quick edits. If you don't need heavy editing, Smallpdf is a great tool to have. It's perfect for students and professionals who need quick solutions.

Comparison Table

Key Features

We've made a table to help you choose the best free PDF editor. It shows the key features of each option. You'll see what each editor can do and how it can help you.

Ease of Use

Most students want an editor that's easy to use. Look for simple steps or tools. For example, Editor A lets you edit with just three clicks. Editor B has a user-friendly layout, making it easy to find tools.

Editing Tools

Each editor has different tools. Editor C lets you add text and images. Editor D can also split and merge PDFs. These tools are great if you need to change a lot in your files.

Customer Reviews

It's important to know what other people think. Editor E has a 4.5-star rating from over 1,000 users. Editor F, however, has a 4-star rating but is praised for its speed.

Performance

Check how well each editor works. Editor G claims to edit 10 pages in less than a minute. If speed is key for you, this might be a good choice.

Use this table to find the best PDF editor for your needs. It can save you time and effort.

Conclusion

In 2025, free PDF editors are better than ever. With so many choices, it's easy to find one that fits your needs. We've looked at different editors and their features to help you decide.

If you want a simple editor, try PDFescape. It offers basic tools and is user-friendly. For more advanced features, Sejda is a great choice. It lets you edit and sign PDFs easily. Both are free, but offer paid versions if you need more.

Remember, the best editor depends on what you need to do. Do you need to edit text or just add comments? Check out online reviews and try a few options. You'll find the right one for your tasks.

If you want to learn more, there are many resources online. Blogs and videos can show you tips and tricks. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you'll be a PDF pro in no time.

Content Notice: This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy, quality, and compliance. We use AI to help research and structure content, but all recommendations are based on thorough evaluation.