12 Best Free PDF Editors 2026: Top Tools Without Watermarks

PDFs have become the universal format for sharing documents, whether it’s assignments, invoices, contracts, or eBooks.

But editing a PDF isn’t always simple—most tools lock essential features behind a paywall. This is why many users search for the best free PDF editor that lets them make changes without restrictions.

A good editor should allow you to edit text and images in PDFs, annotate files, and fill forms. It should let you sign documents and even merge, split, or compress PDFs.

While plenty of tools claim to be free, many leave watermarks or limit usage unless you pay for a subscription. That’s where this guide comes in.

Here, we’ve reviewed the top completely free PDF editors across Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and online platforms.

You might need a free PDF editor without watermark. Perhaps you are looking for an online PDF editor. Maybe you need a tool with OCR capability to edit scanned PDFs. Whatever your needs, we’ve got you covered.

What Makes a Good Free PDF Editor?

Not all free PDF editors are the same. Some offer only basic tools, while others give you almost everything you need without charging. A good free PDF editor should:

• Let you edit text and images inside the PDF.
• Allow merging, splitting, or compressing files easily.
• Provide tools for highlighting and adding notes.
• Support filling out forms and adding digital signatures.
• Include OCR (so you can edit scanned documents).
• Work across devices like Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and the web.
• Be free from watermarks or hidden restrictions.

With these features, you can handle most of your PDF editing tasks without needing paid software.

Best Free PDF Editors for Windows

Windows users often struggle to find a completely free PDF editor that offers powerful features without hidden charges. Luckily, there are some reliable programs that make editing, annotating, merging, and converting PDFs much easier. Here are the best free PDF editors for Windows you can try in 2026.

1. PDF24 Creator

PDF24 Creator is a versatile and user-friendly PDF editing program for Windows that works offline. It offers an all-in-one solution for editing, creating, merging, splitting, and compressing PDF files. Unlike many free tools, PDF24 is completely free. It has no watermarks or time limits. This makes it one of the most trusted PDF editors for personal and professional use. Its lightweight design ensures smooth performance even on older PCs. The tool also includes advanced features like OCR, which allows you to edit scanned PDFs. If you’re looking for a reliable and secure offline solution, PDF24 Creator is a strong choice.

Features

• Create and edit PDFs offline
• Merge and split PDF documents
• Compress files to reduce size
• Add text, images, and annotations
• Convert files from Word, Excel, and more to PDF
• OCR support for scanned documents
• Secure with password protection and encryption
• Print and export options
• Simple drag-and-drop interface
• 100% free, no hidden costs

Pros

• Completely free with no limitations
• Works offline without internet connection
• Easy-to-use interface suitable for beginners
• Supports OCR for scanned PDFs
• Regular updates and stable performance
• No watermarks added to edited documents
• Lightweight software, doesn’t slow down PCs

Cons

• Interface looks outdated compared to modern tools
• Limited advanced editing for images
• No real-time collaboration features
• Windows-only, no Mac or mobile version
• Can be confusing for first-time users due to many tools
• Lacks cloud storage integration

PDF24 Creator is one of the most complete and trustworthy free PDF editors for Windows. If you want a free PDF editor without watermark that works offline and includes OCR, this tool is a must-have.

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2. PDF Candy

PDF Candy is a powerful and flexible free PDF editor available both online and as a Windows desktop app. It is especially known for its wide range of tools, from editing and converting to OCR and password protection. Unlike many online tools, PDF Candy provides strong privacy because the desktop version works offline. With its clean interface and all-in-one toolkit, users can manage PDFs without worrying about restrictions. It is designed for students, professionals, and businesses who want an easy yet powerful editor.

Features

• Edit PDFs online or offline
• OCR support for scanned documents
• Merge, split, and compress PDFs
• Convert to/from Word, Excel, JPG, and more
• Add or remove watermarks
• Protect files with passwords
• Extract images and text from PDFs
• Reorder or delete pages
• Works across multiple devices
• Free desktop version available

Pros

• Wide range of editing and conversion tools
• Offers both online and offline versions
• Easy-to-navigate interface
• OCR works well for scanned documents
• No watermarks in the free version
• Supports multiple file formats
• Works on both Windows and web

Cons

• Free version has limited daily tasks online
• Advanced features locked in premium plan
• Desktop version only available on Windows
• Slower performance for large files online
• Lacks real-time collaboration features
• No dedicated mobile apps

PDF Candy is a flexible tool for anyone who needs both online and offline PDF editing. It offers features like OCR, format conversion, and password protection. It’s one of the most reliable free PDF editors for Windows users.

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3. Smallpdf

Smallpdf is one of the most popular PDF editors worldwide, known for its clean design and easy-to-use features. It offers both online and desktop applications for Windows, covering essential tasks like editing, compressing, and converting PDFs. While the free version has some daily limits, it remains one of the best tools for quick editing and sharing. Smallpdf integrates with cloud platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox, making it ideal for professionals who handle PDFs regularly.

Features

• Edit text, add images, and annotate PDFs
• Merge and split documents
• Compress large PDFs
• Convert between multiple formats
• Sign and fill PDF forms
• Integrates with Google Drive and Dropbox
• Easy drag-and-drop functionality
• Works online and offline (desktop app)
• Secure with encryption and privacy features
• User-friendly interface

Pros

• Clean and modern interface
• Works across devices and browsers
• Desktop version for offline use
• Cloud integration for easy sharing
• Reliable file security and encryption
• Wide range of tools for free users

Cons

• Free version limits daily usage
• Some advanced features require a subscription
• Watermarks may appear on certain edits
• Slower with very large PDFs
• No OCR in the free plan
• Requires sign-in for extended use

Smallpdf is perfect for users who need a lightweight and convenient PDF editor. Its cloud integration and modern design make it one of the best free PDF editors for quick and simple tasks.

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4. Sejda PDF Editor

Sejda PDF Editor is a browser-based tool. It also has a desktop version. The tool offers one of the most generous free PDF editing plans available. Unlike many free editors, it lets you edit existing text in PDFs without adding watermarks. Sejda also provides features like signing, merging, splitting, and compressing files. With its simple design and cross-platform availability, it has become a favorite among students and professionals. Although there are some daily limits, its free features are more than enough for regular use.

Features

• Edit existing text and images in PDFs
• Merge, split, and compress files
• Add signatures and fill forms
• Works online and offline (desktop app)
• Convert PDFs to Word, JPG, and more
• Protect files with passwords
• Reorder or delete pages
• No watermarks in free version
• Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Drag-and-drop editor interface

Pros

• No watermark on free edits
• Works both online and offline
• Supports text editing in existing PDFs
• Cross-platform availability
• User-friendly design
• Secure with strong privacy policy

Cons

• Free plan limited to 3 tasks per day
• Some advanced tools locked in premium plan
• Slow processing for large files
• Desktop version requires installation
• Lacks real-time collaboration
• Limited OCR support in free plan

Sejda PDF Editor is one of the best choices if you want a free PDF editor without watermarks. With both online and offline versions, it’s perfect for users who need flexibility across different platforms.

Best Free PDF Editors for MAC

Mac users don’t always need to spend money on premium PDF software. There are excellent free PDF editors available that cover essential tasks like annotating, signing, form filling, and even advanced editing. Some are built-in tools, while others are third-party apps designed to give Mac users flexibility. Here are the best free PDF editors for Mac.

5. Preview

Preview is Apple’s built-in PDF viewer and editor that comes pre-installed on every Mac. While it may look like a simple tool, Preview is surprisingly powerful for everyday PDF tasks. It allows you to annotate documents, highlight text, fill out forms, add digital signatures, and even merge or rearrange pages. Since it’s free and integrated into macOS, you don’t need to install extra software. For students, professionals, and casual users, Preview provides a reliable editor. It does not have fancy features. It is one of the best free PDF editors available for Mac users.

Features

• Annotate and highlight text in PDFs
• Add digital signatures
• Fill out forms easily
• Merge and split PDFs
• Reorder or delete pages
• Basic image editing tools
• Export files in multiple formats
• Built-in and free for all Mac users
• Secure file handling with macOS integration
• Easy drag-and-drop interface

Pros

• Comes pre-installed on all Macs
• Completely free with no restrictions
• Simple and user-friendly
• Supports annotations and signing
• Integrates seamlessly with macOS
• Lightweight and fast performance

Cons

• Limited advanced PDF editing features
• No OCR support for scanned documents
• Lacks advanced form creation tools
• Not suitable for complex editing needs
• Cannot directly edit existing text in PDFs
• Lacks collaboration features

Preview is a great choice for Mac users who need a simple and free PDF editor for daily use. While it doesn’t offer advanced tools, it’s perfect for annotations, signatures, and quick edits.

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6. Skim

Skim is a free, open-source PDF editor and viewer for Mac that is especially popular among academics and researchers. It was originally developed to make reading and annotating scientific papers easier. However, it is also effective for other PDF documents. Skim allows you to add notes, highlight text, and view your annotations in an organized way. The simple interface makes it easy to use. Additionally, the powerful annotation features make it ideal for students and professionals dealing with research papers, eBooks, and lecture notes.

Features

• Highlight and annotate PDFs
• Add notes and bookmarks
• Easy navigation with table of contents
• Export notes as text
• Presentation mode for lectures
• Sync with external apps like LaTeX
• Free and open-source
• Lightweight and fast on Mac
• Supports AppleScript for automation
• Clean, minimal interface

Pros

• Designed for academic and research work
• Powerful annotation and note-taking tools
• Free and open-source
• Lightweight and fast performance
• Exports annotations separately
• Simple and distraction-free design

Cons

• Limited to annotation, no text editing
• Outdated interface compared to modern apps
• No OCR support
• Lacks advanced features like form filling
• No built-in cloud integration
• May feel basic for professional users

Skim is perfect for students, researchers, and teachers who need a lightweight, free PDF annotation tool on Mac. While it lacks advanced editing, it’s excellent for reading and organizing notes.

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7. LibreOffice Draw

LibreOffice Draw is part of the free LibreOffice suite and is a powerful open-source alternative to premium PDF editors. Unlike Preview and Skim, LibreOffice Draw allows you to edit text and images inside PDFs. It is one of the few free options that offer real editing capabilities on Mac. It supports annotations, page management, and exporting in different formats. Although its interface may feel a bit old-fashioned, it’s packed with features and works across platforms, including Windows and Linux. For users who want true free editing power, LibreOffice Draw is a strong choice.

Features

• Edit text and images in PDFs
• Add annotations and shapes
• Merge, split, and rearrange pages
• Export to multiple file formats
• Open-source and completely free
• Cross-platform support (Mac, Windows, Linux)
• Compatible with other LibreOffice apps
• Supports password-protected files
• Insert graphics and charts
• No watermark on edits

Pros

• Real PDF editing, not just annotation
• Completely free and open-source
• Works across multiple platforms
• Can handle large documents
• Supports multiple file types
• No watermarks on edits

Cons

• Interface feels outdated
• Slower performance for complex files
• Learning curve for beginners
• No built-in OCR feature
• Limited form-filling support
• Can be heavy on system resources

LibreOffice Draw is one of the best free options for Mac users who need real PDF editing. While the design isn’t modern, its editing capabilities make it stand out from most free tools.

Best Free Online PDF Editors

Online PDF editors are a great option when you don’t want to install heavy software on your computer. They are fast, accessible, and work directly in your browser. These tools let you edit, annotate, sign, and convert PDFs. You can do this without any installation. They are perfect for quick fixes or light document editing. Let’s explore some of the most popular free online PDF editors you can start using today.

8. Sejda Online PDF Editor

Sejda Online PDF Editor is extremely user-friendly. It lets you handle documents directly in your browser. It offers features like editing, signing, merging, and splitting PDFs without requiring installation. It’s designed for both casual users and professionals looking for quick PDF edits.

Features

1. Edit text directly in PDFs.
2. Add signatures and annotations.
3. Merge and split PDF files.
4. Add links and images.
5. Convert PDFs to Word or Excel.
6. Secure with password protection.
7. Compress PDF files.
8. Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux via browser.
9. Supports drag-and-drop functionality.
10. Free tier with daily usage limits.

Pros

• Easy to use with a clean interface.
• No software installation required.
• Works across multiple platforms.
• Wide range of editing tools.
• Supports file conversion.
• Cloud-based and secure.

Cons

• Limited free usage (per hour/day).
• File size restrictions on free plan.
• Requires internet connection.
• Some advanced features are premium-only.
• Slower on large documents.
• Not ideal for offline work.

Sejda is excellent for quick and versatile PDF editing. While the free version has limits, it’s one of the most reliable online PDF editors for daily use.

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9. PDFescape

PDFescape is a browser-based PDF editor that allows users to edit, annotate, and fill forms online for free. It’s a lightweight option perfect for students, teachers, and professionals who want quick PDF editing without downloading any software.

Features

1. Edit text and images in PDFs.
2. Annotate with highlights and comments.
3. Fill PDF forms online.
4. Add shapes, arrows, and freehand drawings.
5. Password protection for documents.
6. Supports PDF printing.
7. Split and merge tools.
8. Cross-platform access from any browser.
9. Upload PDFs up to 10MB for free.
10. No installation required.

Pros

• Completely free for small PDFs.
• Easy to access and use.
• Supports form filling.
• No software download needed.
• Works in all major browsers.
• Great for annotations.

Cons

• Limited file size support.
• Lacks advanced editing tools.
• Ads in the free version.
• Not suitable for heavy users.
• File upload speed can be slow.
• Limited offline functionality.

PDFescape is ideal for quick edits and form filling. It’s not the most powerful editor, but it’s convenient for students and professionals with lightweight editing needs.

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10. DocHub

DocHub is an online PDF editor with deep integration with Google Drive and Dropbox. It’s widely used for editing, signing, and sharing PDFs online. Its collaboration tools make it a top choice for teams working remotely.

Features

1. Edit text, images, and links.
2. Sign documents digitally.
3. Annotate with comments and highlights.
4. Cloud storage integration (Google Drive, Dropbox).
5. Fill and create forms.
6. Merge multiple PDFs.
7. Share and collaborate in real-time.
8. Works on all devices via browser.
9. Document version history.
10. Secure document encryption.

Pros

• Strong collaboration features.
• Google Drive integration.
• Real-time sharing and editing.
• Easy document signing.
• Free plan available.
• Cross-device accessibility.

Cons

• Free plan has storage limits.
• Requires account signup.
• Advanced tools locked behind premium.
• Slower on large PDFs.
• Must be online to use.
• Privacy concerns for sensitive files.

DocHub is perfect for users who rely on Google Drive or need collaboration features. The free version is limited, but it’s still a strong option for online PDF editing.

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11. iLovePDF

iLovePDF is a comprehensive web-based tool for managing and editing PDFs. It offers an all-in-one platform with editing, converting, compressing, and organizing features. Its simple interface makes it a popular choice among casual users and professionals alike.

Features

1. Edit and annotate PDFs.
2. Merge and split documents.
3. Compress PDF files.
4. Convert PDF to Word, PowerPoint, Excel.
5. Add watermarks and page numbers.
6. Rotate and reorganize pages.
7. Mobile app available.
8. Cloud storage support.
9. Batch processing.
10. Free and premium plans.

Pros

• Wide range of features.
• Easy to use and intuitive.
• Mobile app support.
• Fast file conversion.
• Supports batch processing.
• Integrates with Google Drive & Dropbox.

Cons

• Free version shows ads.
• Limited daily usage in free plan.
• Requires internet connection.
• Some tools require premium upgrade.
• File size restrictions.
• Privacy concerns with sensitive documents.

iLovePDF is a great all-in-one PDF editor for casual and professional use. Though the free version is limited, it’s still one of the most versatile online PDF tools.

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12. Soda PDF Online

Soda PDF Online is a browser-based editor designed for editing, viewing, and collaborating on PDF files. With features comparable to desktop apps, it’s a powerful tool for professionals and businesses that prefer online solutions.

Features

1. Edit text, images, and links.
2. Annotate and highlight content.
3. Merge and split PDFs.
4. Convert PDFs to multiple formats.
5. Create and fill forms.
6. Secure with encryption and passwords.
7. Cloud storage integration.
8. Collaboration tools.
9. Mobile-friendly interface.
10. Free and paid versions.

Pros

• Professional-grade features online.
• Easy collaboration and sharing.
• Cloud integration for easy access.
• Works across devices.
• Supports document security.
• Similar functionality to desktop apps.

Cons

• Requires signup for full features.
• Free plan has limited tools.
• Ads in free version.
• Larger files may lag.
• Advanced features are premium.
• Limited offline use.

Soda PDF Online is an excellent option for business users who want powerful PDF editing without installing software. It combines convenience with professional features, though the free version is limited.

PDF Editors Without Watermarks & Subscriptions

One of the biggest frustrations when using free PDF editors is running into hidden restrictions. These include watermarks, page limits, or forced subscriptions. Many so-called “free” tools offer only partial access and push you to upgrade for full functionality. However, some editors are genuinely free to use. They do not add watermarks or lock features behind a paywall.

a. Sejda PDF Editor

Sejda is one of the most popular editors available online and on desktop. It does have daily usage limits on the free plan. You can edit up to 3 tasks per day or PDFs under 200 pages. However, it never adds watermarks to your documents. This makes it ideal for light users who need occasional, clean edits.

b. PDF24 Creator

PDF24 Creator is a Windows-based PDF editor that is completely free and doesn’t add watermarks. It offers a wide range of tools, including editing, merging, splitting, compressing, and converting PDFs. Unlike most free tools, there are no hidden premium upgrades—you get a full package without restrictions.

c. LibreOffice Draw

LibreOffice Draw is an open-source PDF editor that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It allows you to open and edit PDF documents like any other file, making changes to text, images, and layout. Since it’s open-source, it’s 100% free, without subscriptions or watermarks.

Limitations of Other PDF Editors

While many free editors look attractive at first, they often come with hidden restrictions. For example:

• Some tools only allow editing a limited number of pages.
• Others insert watermarks on every exported PDF.
• Premium-only upgrades are common for advanced features like OCR or batch processing.

If you want a completely free solution without watermarks or subscriptions, Sejda, PDF24, and LibreOffice Draw are your best options. They give you reliable editing features while ensuring your documents remain clean and professional.

Great Here’s the FAQs (People Also Ask section) with simple, SEO-friendly answers enriched with semantic keywords:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Best Free PDF Editor 2026

Conclusion

Choosing the best free PDF editor depends on your device and editing needs. For Windows users, tools like PDF24 Creator and PDF Candy provide powerful offline editing. On Mac, the built-in Preview app and LibreOffice Draw are excellent free options.

If you prefer online PDF editors, platforms like Sejda, Smallpdf, and ILovePDF offer quick access without installation. For mobile, Xodo PDF Reader and Adobe Acrobat Reader (free version) work well on Android and iOS.

The best editors are those that remain completely free without watermarks. They support OCR for scanned PDFs.

They also include features like merging, splitting, signing, and annotations. Each tool has its strengths and limitations.

It’s smart to try a few tools to find the one that fits your workflow. Whether you’re editing contracts or assignments, use these tools for eBooks as well.

These free PDF editing tools will save time and money. They also keep your documents professional.