Want to read PDFs? You can do it on your browser. However, if you want to tweak it, add to it or sign on it, you need a PDF editor.
If you ask me about one file format that is often overlooked and underappreciated yet is among the most highly functional ones, it is a portable document format (PDF).
While being easy to share and aesthetically beautiful than a .docx file, I wonder why we do not have more PDF editors online.
In fact, while creating this list, I was strapped for good options but then again, how can I complain? I was for FREE PDF editors after all.
The following PDF editors are judged on the basis of their features, performance, and ease of use. So, let’s jump right in without further ado.
Apowersoft Online PDF Editor (5 out of 5 stars)
https://www.apowersoft.com/pdf-editor
Features: 5 out of 5 stars
Performance: 5 out of 5 stars
Ease of use: 4 out of 5 stars
Let’s debunk the fact that this is not really an online PDF editor, as in you cannot open your browser and start using it. It needs to be launched through a “launcher”. I use the online version and not the free version because the free version puts in an ugly watermark at the time of saving (not ideal!). Now, that’s out of our way, what about the rest?
It is a very advanced PDF editing tool that recognizes almost immediately everything that’s inside the document. Even quirky fonts except a few, deeply layered images or headers and footers. But what it can’t is let you create a completely altered PDF document — you cannot create something new; you can only edit the old.
Also, since it uses American paper sizes, you have to set the size of A4 PDF manually. Again, not ideal. But hey, it’s free. So, enjoy what you are getting.
PDF-XChange Editor (4 out of 5 stars)
https://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-editor
Features: 3 out of 5 stars
Performance: 4 out of 5 stars
Easy of use: 3 out of 5 stars
Let’s start with the good point first. It has a really powerful text editor (even stronger than that of Apowersoft). In my test, I could change a few complex text elements that I could not with the one mentioned above.
Apart from that fact, it has a ‘Microsoft Office program’-type appearance. So, even when you are learning the grips of this PDF file editor, you will not be groping in the dark. The interface is not that hard to figure out.
But then comes the bad points. You will not be able to manipulate images, add new pages or such. And if you do, the result will have a big watermark sign on it. Not ideal.
Moreover, it is quite hard to resolve which features are free and which are not but by hovering on each of the features one by one. Not ideal again.
If you don’t want to put up with this hassle, be ready to shell out £34 out of our pocket to get the Golden Standard that you expect.
Sejda PDF Editor (4 out of 5 stars)
https://www.sejda.com/pdf-editor
Features: 2 out of 5 stars
Performance: 4 out of 5 stars
Ease of Use: 4 out of 5 stars
Okay, so sometimes we might have minimal edits, say, rectifying a little typo in your otherwise “perfect” PDF document. Don’t you think a full-fledged PDF editing tool might be overkill in this circumstance? Yes, and that’s where Sejda PDF editor comes in.
But, don’t make the mistake of thinking it is limited. It can let you add extra pages or images, or even block out a complete section in the document. When it comes to the text editor, it is able to detect most fonts and edit the text in place.
So, what’s negative about it? It is not powerful enough to let you work with fancy fonts, and yes, while editing complex documents (read, highly customized PDF file documents), the result might not be that professional as you would expect it to be.
However, in times of emergency, this online browser-based PDF editing app can let you bypass the rigmarole of downloading and installing yet another heavy PDF editing software on your PC. Sejda is built for speed!
Bonus 3 Free PDF Editing Software Mentions
While the above three are the ones I actually prefer, these bonus three PDF editors are worth a mention.
They are not my go-to tools but when it comes to PDF editing, where one tool does a job better than the rest, having a lot of options never hurts.
So, the first one of these three is…
Icecream PDF Editor
https://icecreamapps.com/PDF-Editor/
When it comes to this PDF editing app, what I like is the simplicity of use. Just click on a particular element and change it. It does most of the simple tasks, just like Sejda.
However, one particular problem crops up at the time of saving the PDF document. Occasionally, it does not maintain the right fonts and adopts the default font of the Windows version instead. Not ideal!
Apart from that, it is a pretty decent PDF editing tool — worth a look.
PDF Filler
This one is another PDF editing application you find online. What’s good about it is the upper limit of the PDF file it lets you add. A whopping 25 Mb! (This lets me edit my bigger documents I could not do elsewhere.)
However, don’t expect anything fancy from this one. If the document uses any custom style or any stylish fonts, this PDF editor might not be able to handle it. If it was a person, you would call him Mr. Functional-But-Not-Advanced.
The price is free. So, nothing to whine about.
PDFescape
https://www.pdfescape.com/windows/
Alright, the last one is a bit “weird” in my opinion. Why? Because if we measure in terms of features, it would probably get 1 out of 5 stars.
Why? It does not let you change anything in the document unless you upgrade to the paid version. So, forget about altering the text or an image unless you fill the owner’s pockets. Not ideal!
But, it does let you add new elements like text, images or forms. That is probably enough for many sporadic users who just need to edit a PDF document once in a blue moon.
The quality is not bad per se and this is why it exists in this list.
So, there you go.
These are the free PDF editing tools that I have found online — that suits my daily purpose. I am not a heavy user but I do use them regularly. And in case you are curious, I prefer Apowersoft.
Psst! 