Free PDF Editor Apps: 7 Tools for Editing PDFs Without Paying

The best free PDF editor apps depend on what you need to change. PDFgear is a strong starting point for editing PDF text, PDF24 is useful for page management and everyday document tasks, and Sejda works well for occasional edits in a web browser. Mac users can also use Preview for basic PDF markup without installing another app.

Before choosing an editor, check one important distinction: adding text over a PDF is not the same as changing the text already inside it. Some free apps support both, while others focus on annotations, signatures, or document conversion.

Best Free PDF Editor Apps at a Glance

Features and pricing can change, so verify the current free tier before committing to a tool.

1. PDFgear — Best Overall Starting Point

PDFgear is worth considering if you want a free PDF editor for everyday document work. Its product lineup includes desktop and mobile apps, alongside browser-based PDF tools.

What you can do:

• Edit PDF text and images using supported desktop features.

• Add signatures and annotations.

• Merge, split, or reorganize PDF pages.

• Convert documents between supported file formats.

• Use selected AI-assisted PDF tools.

Best for: Students, office workers, and anyone who regularly works with PDFs across different devices.

What to check: Desktop, web, and mobile versions may not offer identical functionality. Confirm that the feature you need is included in the version you plan to use.

Official website: https://www.pdfgear.com/

2. PDF24 — Best for Everyday PDF Tools

PDF24 offers a collection of PDF utilities for tasks such as adding text or shapes, combining files, splitting documents, and converting formats. Its online editor is free to use without registration.

What you can do:

• Add text, drawings, and shapes to PDF pages.

• Combine or separate PDF documents.

• Compress and convert files using available tools.

• Use PDF24 Creator for desktop workflows on Windows.

Best for: Users who need practical PDF utilities without paying for a premium subscription.

What to check: Its browser tools process documents on remote servers. PDF24 states that uploaded files are automatically deleted after one hour. For confidential documents, consider an offline editor instead.

Official website: https://www.pdf24.org/

3. Sejda — Best for Quick Online Editing

Sejda is a convenient option when you need to make a small change without installing desktop software. It supports PDF editing and other common document tasks through its online tools, with desktop options also available.

What you can do:

• Make supported changes to existing text.

• Add text and annotations.

• Fill forms and sign documents.

• Perform common PDF management tasks.

Best for: Occasional edits to documents when installing an application is inconvenient.

What to check: Sejda's free usage is limited. Its published terms have included a limit of three tasks per day, with additional restrictions on file size and page count. Check the current terms before editing a large document.

Official website: https://www.sejda.com/

4. iLovePDF — Best for Combining Editing and Conversion

iLovePDF is useful if your workflow involves more than changing document text. It provides browser-based tools for merging, splitting, compressing, converting, and managing PDF files.

What you can do:

• Merge several PDFs into one document.

• Split a document into separate files.

• Compress large PDFs.

• Convert PDFs to and from supported formats.

• Use available editing and signing tools.

Best for: Students and professionals who frequently prepare documents for submission, sharing, or printing.

What to check: Free usage allowances vary by tool and plan. If you need to replace existing text rather than add annotations, confirm that the specific editing function supports it.

Official website: https://www.ilovepdf.com/

5. Adobe Acrobat Reader — Best for Reading, Commenting, and Signing

Adobe Acrobat Reader is a familiar choice for opening and reviewing PDF documents. Its free functionality is useful for reading, adding comments, highlighting content, and working with supported form and signature features.

What you can do:

• Read and search PDF documents.

• Highlight text and add comments.

• Fill out supported forms.

• Add signatures using available features.

• Review documents before sharing them.

Best for: People who primarily read, review, and sign PDFs rather than rewrite their contents.

What to check: Acrobat Reader is not the same as the paid Acrobat editor. Editing existing PDF text and accessing some advanced document tools requires paid functionality.

Official website: https://www.adobe.com/acrobat.html

6. Apple Preview — Best Free Option for Mac Users

Apple Preview is built into macOS and provides useful PDF tools without requiring a separate subscription. It is particularly convenient for straightforward document tasks.

What you can do:

• View PDFs and navigate between pages.

• Highlight and annotate content.

• Add text boxes and signatures using supported markup tools.

• Rearrange, rotate, or remove pages.

• Export documents in supported formats.

Best for: Mac users who need basic PDF markup, signing, and page organization.

What to check: Preview is not designed to replace arbitrary text inside an existing PDF as a full-featured PDF editor would. If you need substantial text changes, use a dedicated editing application.

Official information: https://support.apple.com/guide/preview/welcome/mac

7. LibreOffice Draw — Best for Offline PDF Editing

LibreOffice Draw is a desktop application that can import and edit many PDF documents. It is part of the free, open-source LibreOffice suite.

What you can do:

• Edit supported text and graphic elements.

• Move or resize objects.

• Adjust simple document layouts.

• Export edited work back to PDF.

Best for: Users who prefer desktop software and want to edit straightforward PDFs without relying on an online editor.

What to check: Importing a PDF into an editable layout can change fonts, spacing, or page positioning. Complex documents may not retain their original appearance.

Official website: https://www.libreoffice.org/

How to Choose the Right Free PDF Editor

The quickest way to find the right app is to match it to your actual task.

Three Questions to Ask Before Installing

1. Can it edit existing text?

Look for explicit support for replacing text already embedded in the document. An app that only adds text boxes may not solve your problem.

2. Is the feature genuinely free?

Check whether the free plan imposes file-size limits, daily task caps, watermarks, account requirements, or paid upgrades for downloading edited documents.

3. Where does it process your file?

A browser-based editor may upload documents to a remote server. For contracts, financial records, identification documents, or other sensitive files, prefer an application that processes them locally and verify its privacy behavior.

FAQ

What is the best free PDF editor app?

PDFgear is a good starting point for general editing, PDF24 is useful for everyday document operations, and Preview is convenient for basic tasks on a Mac. The best choice depends on your device and whether you need to change existing text or simply annotate a document.

Can I edit PDF text for free?

Yes. Some free editors support changing existing text, although capabilities vary by app and platform. Before installing one, confirm that text replacement is included in its free version.

Are free PDF editor apps safe?

They can be, but safety depends on the software and how it handles documents. Download desktop apps from official websites, review permissions, and check whether online tools upload files to external servers. Do not assume a service is private simply because it is free.

Can I edit a PDF on my phone?

Yes. Some editors offer Android and iPhone apps, while others work through a mobile browser. Basic tasks such as signing, highlighting, and filling forms are generally easier than changing the layout of an existing document.

Do I need to pay to remove text from a PDF?

Not always. Some free tools support direct text editing, while others only cover or annotate content. If the information is sensitive, use a proper redaction tool that permanently removes the underlying content rather than simply placing a white box over it.