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Top Desktop Applications for Editing PDFs in 2025

Discover the best PDF editors tailored to your needs, whether free or premium.

PDF editor software interface

Key Takeaways

  • Comprehensive Features: Adobe Acrobat Pro remains the gold standard, offering extensive tools for professional PDF editing.
  • Budget-Friendly Options: Free editors like PDF24 Creator and LibreOffice Draw provide robust functionalities suitable for everyday tasks.
  • Platform Compatibility: Choose editors based on your operating system and specific requirements, ensuring seamless integration and performance.

Introduction to PDF Editing

Portable Document Format (PDF) has become the universal standard for document sharing and presentation. Whether it's for professional reports, academic papers, or personal records, the ability to edit PDFs efficiently is crucial. With advancements in technology, numerous desktop applications have emerged, catering to a variety of editing needs—from basic text modifications to complex form creations and secure document handling.

Free PDF Editors

For users seeking cost-effective solutions without compromising essential features, several free PDF editors stand out in 2025.

1. PDF24 Creator

A Windows-only freeware that offers a comprehensive suite of tools for PDF manipulation.

  • Features: Editing, merging, converting, and creating PDFs with ease.
  • Best For: Users needing a versatile tool for various PDF tasks without a financial commitment.

2. LibreOffice Draw

Part of the LibreOffice suite, this open-source tool provides basic PDF editing capabilities.

  • Features: Adding or deleting text and images, annotation capabilities.
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Best For: Users who require a free solution for simple edits in a familiar office suite environment.

3. Microsoft Word

While primarily a word processor, Microsoft Word offers basic PDF editing functions.

  • Features: Opening, editing, and saving PDFs, especially effective for text-heavy documents.
  • Platforms: Windows and macOS.
  • Best For: Users already subscribed to Microsoft Office seeking occasional PDF edits.

4. PDFgear

A free PDF editor matching the features of many premium counterparts.

  • Features: Text editing, annotations, and form filling.
  • Best For: Users needing a free tool with capabilities similar to paid versions.

5. PDF Candy Desktop

A versatile tool available for Windows that offers both desktop and online editing.

  • Features: Basic editing, conversion, and page manipulation.
  • Best For: Users who require flexibility between desktop and online environments.

6. PDF-XChange Editor

A lightweight and fast editor for Windows users.

  • Features: Annotating, text editing, and format conversion.
  • Best For: Users seeking a quick and efficient tool for basic PDF tasks.

7. Sejda PDF Editor

Available both as a browser-based and desktop application.

  • Features: Editing text and images, form filling, and document signing.
  • Best For: Users who appreciate an intuitive interface with some free capabilities.

8. Preview (macOS Only)

The built-in PDF editor for macOS, offering essential editing tools.

  • Features: Annotating, merging, splitting PDFs, form filling, and adding signatures.
  • Best For: Mac users needing quick, no-install PDF edits.

Paid PDF Editors

For advanced functionalities and professional-grade tools, premium PDF editors provide comprehensive solutions for intricate PDF tasks.

1. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

The industry standard for PDF editing, renowned for its extensive feature set.

  • Features: Full text and image editing, OCR, form creation and editing, document security, e-signatures, cross-device syncing.
  • Platforms: Windows and macOS.
  • Cost: Approximately $12.99/month for individuals.
  • Best For: Professionals requiring a comprehensive toolkit for diverse PDF tasks.

2. Foxit PDF Editor

A powerful alternative to Adobe Acrobat, offering robust editing tools.

  • Features: Full suite of editing tools, annotations, e-signatures, advanced security options like encryption, mobile and cloud integration.
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, and mobile devices.
  • Cost: Approximately $129.99/year or $14.99/month.
  • Best For: Businesses and enterprises needing collaboration tools and advanced security features.

3. ABBYY FineReader PDF

Known for its superior OCR capabilities, facilitating easy editing of scanned documents.

  • Features: AI-enhanced OCR, PDF creation and conversion, text editing.
  • Platforms: Windows and macOS.
  • Cost: Approximately $149.99 for a lifetime license.
  • Best For: Users frequently working with scanned documents requiring accurate text recognition.

4. Kofax Power PDF 5

A robust alternative to Adobe Acrobat with a similar feature set at a more affordable price.

  • Features: Comprehensive editing tools, secure document handling, form creation.
  • Platforms: Windows and macOS.
  • Cost: Generally lower than Adobe's pricing, offering better value for comprehensive features.
  • Best For: Users seeking advanced PDF functionalities without the premium price tag.

5. pdfFiller

A browser-based editor complemented by a desktop application.

  • Features: Editing, securing, sharing PDFs, with collaboration tools.
  • Platforms: Web-based and desktop.
  • Cost: Pricing varies based on subscription tiers.
  • Best For: Teams requiring collaborative PDF editing and sharing capabilities.

6. EaseUS PDF Editor

A budget-friendly option offering a range of editing features.

  • Features: Text and image manipulation, annotation, form creation.
  • Platforms: Windows and macOS.
  • Cost: More affordable than some competitors, providing good value.
  • Best For: Users needing a balance between cost and comprehensive features.

Comparative Analysis of PDF Editors

Feature Adobe Acrobat Pro DC Foxit PDF Editor ABBYY FineReader PDF PDF24 Creator LibreOffice Draw
Platform Compatibility Windows, macOS Windows, macOS, Mobile Windows, macOS Windows Windows, macOS, Linux
Price $12.99/month $129.99/year or $14.99/month $149.99 (lifetime) Free Free
OCR Capability Yes Yes Advanced AI-enhanced OCR Basic No
Advanced Editing Tools Yes Yes Yes Limited Basic
Form Creation Yes Yes Yes No No
Security Features Advanced Advanced Standard Basic Basic

Key Considerations When Choosing a PDF Editor

Selecting the right PDF editor hinges on several factors tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Below are critical aspects to evaluate before making a choice:

1. Feature Requirements

Assess the range of functionalities you need. Basic editing tasks like text modifications and annotations can be handled by free tools. However, if you require advanced features such as OCR, form creation, or document security, investing in a premium editor like Adobe Acrobat Pro or Foxit PDF Editor is advisable.

2. Budget Constraints

Your financial resources play a significant role in determining the appropriate editor. Free editors are excellent for cost-conscious users, while premium tools offer broader capabilities at a higher price point. Consider subscriptions versus one-time purchases based on your budget flexibility.

3. Platform Compatibility

Ensure the PDF editor is compatible with your operating system. While most paid editors support both Windows and macOS, some free editors may be limited to one platform. Additionally, consider mobile support if you require editing on the go.

4. User Interface and Ease of Use

A user-friendly interface enhances efficiency and reduces the learning curve. Tools like Sejda PDF Editor and PDFgear are known for their intuitive designs, making them suitable for users of all technical backgrounds.

5. Frequency of Use

If you edit PDFs regularly, investing in a premium editor with robust features and reliable performance is beneficial. For occasional edits, free or freemium options may suffice, offering necessary tools without ongoing costs.

6. Security and Privacy

For sensitive documents, prioritize editors that offer advanced security features like encryption, redaction tools, and secure sharing options to protect your data integrity and confidentiality.

7. Support and Updates

Reliable customer support and regular software updates ensure your PDF editor remains functional and secure. Premium editors typically offer better support services compared to free alternatives.


Conclusion

Choosing the right desktop PDF editor in 2025 involves balancing your specific needs, budget, and platform compatibility. For those requiring comprehensive features and professional-grade tools, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC stands unrivaled. Alternatives like Foxit PDF Editor and ABBYY FineReader PDF provide robust functionalities suitable for businesses and advanced users. On the other hand, free solutions such as PDF24 Creator and LibreOffice Draw offer significant capabilities for everyday editing tasks without financial investment. By carefully assessing your requirements and considering the key factors outlined above, you can select a PDF editor that enhances your productivity and meets your document management needs effectively.


References


Last updated January 19, 2025
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