Best free PDF editors that made my document workflow 3x times easier

Photo by Joy Real on Unsplash

I’m a writer, and my job requires me to work directly with PDFs. Sometimes I need to make edits directly in the PDF to avoid breaking the layout.

There are also times when I extract sections from multiple PDFs and compile them. Sure, I can copy and paste directly from the PDF. But more often than not, I had to deal with the formatting loss.

To simplify my workflow, I started searching for free PDF editors.

The problem with free PDF editors

I’m not sure if I was being overly wishful. But I wanted a free PDF editor that lets me rewrite texts, annotate, and e-sign documents. Technically, those are the things I struggle with most when dealing with PDF files.

So, I started searching around and found plenty of free PDF editors. But that’s where I run into another challenge.

Many of those free PDF editors aren’t exactly free. Most are limited in certain ways. For example,

• Watermark on the saved files.
• Intrusive ads that pop up over the document.
• An editor that freezes when editing large PDF files.
• Features are paywalled with an expensive subscription.

And more.

Still, I managed to find several free PDF editors that are worth trying.

Apple Preview: Great for basic edits

I was surprised that Preview, which is natively installed on Mac, is quite a decent PDF editor.

Preview covers all the basic editing tools. Because it’s hosted directly on Mac, I’d trust it with sensitive documents.

Saves time with: Preview lets me highlight text, rearrange pages, insert a signature, and scribble on the PDF file.

Where it lacks: Not a ‘true’ editor in the strictest sense. You can add text overlays, but not edit the original text.

Nitro PDF Pro: Merge large files effortlessly

Next, I tried Nitro PDF Pro. While it isn’t exactly ‘free’, it offers a 7-day free trial that lets you use all premium features without paying. However, if you’re only looking to process a single file without buying the software, Nitro PDF is an excellent option.

Nitro PDF Pro solves my PDF woes with a powerful set of tools. It covers all the basics (annotation, rearrangement, form-filling), plus allows PDF edits. I tried opening a 200+ page guide in Nitro PDF Pro, and there was no lag.

Apparently, Nitro PDF Pro has been improving its PDF editing tools over the past few months, according to TechRadar. Previously, users struggled with line spacing when editing text, but the issue is fixed.

Saves time with: The highlight is its OCR tool. I’m amazed by its accuracy. And how easily it is to turn a flattened page into a PDF that lets me search text. Plus, it’s very close to the Mac-style user experience.

Where it lacks: Took me a while to familiarize myself with the controls. It’s great for enterprise uses, but might be overkill for casual users.

PDF Escape: Minimal ads but with upload limits

For someone on a tight budget, PDF Escape is one of the best free PDF editors online. It works directly from the browser, and lets you edit, annotate, and realign pages in the PDF.

While you can download the edited PDF without a watermark (which is quite rare for a free editor), it only supports files up to 10 MB. For larger files, you’ll need to sign up for a paid plan.

Saves time with: The Whiteout tool lets you cover entire sections with blank space, where you can add new text. It’s a quick fix for making minor revisions.

Where it lacks: Unless you signed up for premium, you’ll have to put up with the ads (it’s quite minimal, though). Plus, the free version comes with an upload size limit. Let’s not forget it’s the online tool, so you always need an internet connection to use it.

Which free PDF editor do I recommend?

If I’m adding notes on learning materials, I use Preview. I’ll turn to Nitro PDF Pro if I have hundreds of pages that need serious editing. Sometimes, I need to quickly change some text or sign a PDF on the go, and that’s where PDF Escape comes in handy.

Bottom line is, free PDF editors are hard to come by, especially those that are generous with editing tools.

Hope you found the tools I shared useful. And if you have other recommendations, I’d like to hear from you!