Quick answer: The Best Open Source PDF Editor in 2024 is iTop PDF!
When talking about PDF editors, many people are used to premium editors that let you add images, edit/add text, or even insert your own elements.
However, premium editors can be very expensive, and most of the time, they’re not worth the price if you’re not editing PDF documents every day.
The good news is that there are open-source PDF editors that can do almost the same for you. The best open-source PDF editors are free, so you won’t have to pay a single dollar, yet, they can edit PDF documents with no hassle and provide a satisfying experience.
But since they’re not as popular, I decided to do some research and found that lots of them that are worth mentioning. Needless to say, in today’s article, I’ll present them to you, analyze each of them, and tell you more about their pros and cons to give you a better insight.
Before I divulge my list, let me give you a quick disclaimer. Open-source PDF editors are free, which means that they lack some features of premium editors like Adobe Acrobat or PDFpen. As such, I want to clarify that you shouldn’t have very high expectations in terms of their possibilities.
If you need a somewhat basic PDF editor with a few useful extras in some cases, I think you’ll find these open-source choices pretty good. But if you need a top-grade, feature-rich editor… well, you’re going to need to pay for one.
Without further ado, here’s my list of the top 9 free PDF editors
iTop PDF is a versatile PDF viewer and editor software, offering a range of functionalities that can be a good alternative to more well-known applications like Adobe Acrobat Reader. However, it’s important to note that iTop PDF is not an open-source tool. Despite this, it still offers features that can be beneficial for both personal and professional use. Here’s a look at why iTop PDF stands out:
Ease of Access: iTop PDF integrates with the right-click contextual menu in Windows, enabling users to open PDF files directly with the application, enhancing convenience.
Document Conversion Capabilities: The software allows users to convert PDF files to Docx, PowerPoint (PPTs), and Excel formats, and vice versa. This feature is particularly useful for converting documents across different formats for various uses.
Editing and Customization Features: iTop PDF provides options for editing existing text in PDF documents and adding new content. Users can also add signatures to documents, an essential feature in professional and business environments.
Image to PDF Conversion: The ability to convert images to PDF format is particularly useful for students and professionals who deal with scanned notes or image-based documents.
Document Merging: The software can combine multiple PDF files into a single document, facilitating easier sharing and organization.
Security Features: iTop PDF allows users to secure their PDF documents with passwords, adding a layer of security for sensitive information.
Pros:
Convenient ‘Open with iTop PDF’ option in the contextual menu.
Multiple format conversion capabilities.
Ability to merge PDFs and convert images to PDF.
Features for adding signatures and custom watermarks.
PDF file compression to reduce file size.
Cons:
Limited font options for text editing within PDFs.
Lack of functionality for adding comments directly on text, unlike platforms like Google Docs, which may limit collaboration.
In summary, while iTop PDF is not open-source, it offers a comprehensive set of features that make it a strong contender in the PDF viewer and editor category. Its user-friendly interface and array of functionalities, including document conversion, editing, merging, and security, make it suitable for a variety of users. However, potential users should consider the limitations in font options and commenting features based on their specific needs.
PDF Candy offers a comprehensive suite of PDF editing tools and is known for its versatility, especially as a browser-based solution. Here’s a breakdown of why PDF Candy is a strong choice, particularly as a free PDF editor:
Platform Compatibility: Being a browser-based editor, PDF Candy is compatible with various web browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, and Edge, ensuring accessibility across different devices and operating systems.
Wide Range of Features: PDF Candy boasts an impressive array of 44 different functions. These include the ability to edit, merge, compress, split, and convert PDFs to Word, making it suitable for various PDF manipulation needs.
OCR Functionality: One of its standout features is OCR (Optical Character Recognition), allowing users to convert images into editable PDF documents. This functionality is particularly useful for digitizing text from scanned documents or images.
Customization Options: Users can add custom watermarks and rotate PDFs, which is beneficial for personalizing documents and correcting orientation issues.
Versatility in File Conversion: Besides converting PDFs to Word, it can also handle PNG to PDF conversions, enhancing its utility for different file formats.
Desktop and Web Versions: While the web version is free, PDF Candy also offers a desktop application, providing an option for those who prefer a standalone software experience.
Pros:
Extensive editing options with 44 different PDF-related functions.
Convenient OCR feature for creating documents from images.
Capabilities for document protection and adding signatures.
Free to use for the web version, making it accessible to a wide user base.
Cons:
The desktop application is not free; it requires a one-time payment of $99 for the lifetime plan.
In summary, PDF Candy is a versatile and feature-rich PDF editor suitable for a wide range of PDF editing tasks. Its OCR functionality, combined with a variety of editing tools, makes it a valuable tool for both personal and professional use. While the desktop version comes at a cost, the web version’s accessibility and extensive feature set make PDF Candy an excellent choice for those seeking a robust, no-cost PDF editing solution.
LibreOffice Draw stands out as a robust open-source PDF editor, particularly for users familiar with Microsoft Office’s interface. Here’s a closer look at why it’s a good choice for PDF editing:
User-Friendly Interface: The interface of LibreOffice Draw resembles Microsoft Word, making it instantly familiar and easy to navigate for those accustomed to Microsoft’s suite. This minimizes the learning curve for new users.
Editing Capabilities: While it may not be as feature-packed as some other editors, LibreOffice Draw covers essential PDF editing needs. Users can easily add, remove, or modify text, images, and other elements in PDF documents.
Text Customization: The software allows for text color changes and the insertion of bullet points, offering some level of document customization.
Signature Addition: Users can add signatures to PDF documents, an essential feature for business and official documents.
Document Management Tools: LibreOffice Draw enables users to delete entire pages from a PDF, which is useful for condensing or refining documents.
Format Conversion: The tool offers the flexibility to convert between Docx and PDF formats, enhancing its utility for various document management tasks.
Portability: The availability of a portable version of the app adds to its convenience, allowing use on different machines without needing installation.
Pros:
Easy-to-use, Word-like interface.
Basic yet effective PDF editing tools.
Ability to rotate and delete PDF pages.
Format conversion features.
Free and open-source, with a portable version available.
Cons:
Limited capabilities with very large PDF documents.
The interface, although user-friendly, might feel somewhat outdated compared to more modern PDF editors.
In summary, LibreOffice Draw is a solid option for those seeking a straightforward, no-cost PDF editing tool. Its familiar interface and essential editing features make it suitable for general PDF document handling. While it may not be ideal for extensive professional-grade editing, especially with larger files, its ease of use and format conversion capabilities make LibreOffice Draw a valuable tool for basic PDF editing tasks.
Apache OpenOffice Draw is a part of the Apache OpenOffice suite, a well-known open-source office software collection. It includes a PDF editor alongside its graphics editing capabilities, making it a versatile choice for various editing needs. Here’s why Apache OpenOffice Draw is a commendable open-source PDF editor:
Integrated Graphics and PDF Editing: Draw combines graphics editing with PDF manipulation, allowing users to seamlessly add and edit graphics within PDF documents.
User-Friendly Interface: Although not the most modern in design, the interface of Apache OpenOffice Draw is straightforward and easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of different skill levels.
Basic Editing Functions: The software provides essential PDF editing capabilities, such as adding, editing, or removing text and images, similar to operations in Microsoft Word.
Spell-Checking Tool: A handy feature for editing text-heavy PDFs, the spell-checking tool helps identify and correct grammatical errors, ensuring the accuracy of the document’s content.
Customization of Headers and Footers: Users have the ability to edit the headers and footers in PDF documents, offering additional customization for professional or personal documents.
Drag-and-Drop Functionality: This feature simplifies the process of adding images to PDFs, enhancing the overall ease of use.
Pros:
Ability to edit both graphics and PDFs within the same application.
Intuitive user interface suitable for various user levels.
Basic but effective PDF editing capabilities.
Built-in spell-checking tool for error-free editing.
Cons:
Lacks OCR (Optical Character Recognition) functionality, limiting its use for digitizing scanned documents.
Performance issues with larger PDF documents, which can slow down the app.
Occasional bugs reported by users, indicating potential stability issues.
In summary, Apache OpenOffice Draw is a solid open-source option for users needing basic PDF editing capabilities along with graphic editing tools. Its user-friendly interface and essential editing features make it suitable for straightforward PDF editing tasks. While it may lack advanced features like OCR and might struggle with larger files, its integration of graphics editing and the convenience of spell-checking and header/footer customization make it a useful tool for personal and basic professional PDF editing needs.
Inkscape, predominantly recognized as a robust SVG editor, also doubles as a valuable open-source PDF editor. This unique combination makes it a versatile tool for those who need to handle both vector graphics and PDF documents. Here’s a detailed look at why Inkscape is a good choice for basic PDF editing:
Dual Functionality as SVG and PDF Editor: Inkscape’s ability to work with SVG files and PDF documents makes it a versatile tool for graphic designers and anyone who needs to work with these file types.
Text Editing in PDFs: Inkscape supports basic PDF text editing tasks like adding or removing text, making it suitable for minor modifications in PDF documents.
Hyperlink Addition: The capability to add hyperlinks to the PDF text is particularly useful for creating interactive documents, such as adding references or external links in academic papers or reports.
PNG to PDF Conversion: Inkscape can convert PNG images to PDF format, which is beneficial when you want to include image-based content in a PDF without needing to rewrite or reformat it.
PDF Splitting and SVG Integration: The software allows you to split PDF documents and add SVG elements, offering more creative control over the content layout and design within PDF files.
Pros:
Capable of handling both SVG and PDF file formats.
Basic PDF text editing and hyperlink addition capabilities.
Converts PNG images to PDF format.
Active community support for learning and sharing experiences.
Cons:
Limited to basic editing features, may not be suitable for complex PDF editing tasks.
The interface is more optimized for SVG editing, which may not be the most intuitive for PDF editing tasks.
In summary, Inkscape is a good option for those who need a free, open-source tool for basic PDF editing, especially if they are also working with SVG files. Its ability to handle text editing, add hyperlinks, and convert PNG to PDF, combined with SVG capabilities, makes it a unique tool in the open-source space. However, for more advanced PDF editing needs or for users who prioritize an intuitive PDF-focused interface, other specialized PDF editors might be more suitable.
PDFescape presents itself as a practical and user-friendly PDF editor, especially suitable for users who need basic editing and annotation features without any cost. Here’s a breakdown of its key attributes and functionalities:
Free Browser-Based Option: PDFescape provides a convenient, no-cost browser-based option for PDF editing, which is easily accessible without any software installation.
Basic Editing Functions: The platform enables you to perform basic PDF editing tasks such as adding text and annotating documents, making it suitable for quick and straightforward edits.
Strong Focus on Annotation: PDFescape excels in its annotation capabilities, offering various tools to create form fields, fill out forms, and make notes on the document.
Image Addition and Removal: Users have the flexibility to add or remove images, rotate documents, and highlight text, enhancing the tool’s utility for document customization.
Sticky Notes Feature: The sticky notes functionality is particularly useful for adding reminders or comments to documents, aiding in collaboration and personal organization.
Password Protection: PDFescape allows you to password-protect your files, adding a layer of security to prevent unauthorized editing or access.
Online Document Sharing: The ability to share documents online directly from the app is a convenient feature for business users and those who collaborate frequently.
Pros:
Offers basic but effective PDF editing and annotation tools.
User-friendly interface suitable for quick edits and annotations.
Password protection for enhanced document security.
Limited to handling PDF files up to 10 MB in size and 100 pages, which may not be sufficient for larger or image-heavy documents.
Limited range of PDF editing tools compared to more advanced editors.
Font limitations in the signature feature, which can affect the aesthetics of signed documents.
In summary, PDFescape is a solid choice for users seeking a free, browser-based PDF editor with basic editing and annotation features. Its user-friendly interface and practical functionalities like sticky notes, password protection, and online sharing make it suitable for everyday document handling tasks. While it may not be the best fit for more complex editing requirements or larger files, PDFescape provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for straightforward PDF editing and annotation needs.
Sejda PDF Editor is a valuable tool for those needing a straightforward and versatile PDF editing solution. Its free version offers ample features for basic editing tasks without watermarking, making it suitable for both casual and professional use. Here’s why Sejda stands out:
Cross-Platform Availability: Sejda is available as both a browser and desktop version, and it even supports mobile platforms, ensuring accessibility across various devices.
Create or Modify Existing Documents: You can either create new PDF documents within the app or upload existing ones from your storage or other online sources, adding to its convenience.
Variety of Fonts for Text Editing and Signing: A decent selection of fonts is available, allowing for flexibility in adding text and creating signatures that suit your style.
Page Management Features: Sejda enables you to delete pages or insert new blank pages into your document, offering essential tools for document structuring and organization.
Image Addition and Redaction Tools: The ability to add images and redact sensitive information broadens the scope of document customization and security.
Easy Document Sharing with Auto-Deletion: Sejda’s document sharing feature, where a link is generated for shared editing and the document is automatically deleted after two hours, enhances privacy and security.
User-Friendly Interface: The interface is intuitive and doesn’t require previous experience with PDF editors, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Pros:
Free solution without watermarking.
Supports creation and editing of PDF documents.
Various fonts for diverse text editing needs.
Auto-deletion of edited documents for enhanced security.
Cons:
Limited to PDF documents under 50 MB and 200 pages.
Can edit only 3 documents per hour in the free version.
The premium plan may be relatively expensive for some users.
In summary, Sejda PDF Editor is a great choice for users seeking a no-cost, easy-to-use tool for basic PDF editing tasks. Its cross-platform availability, page management features, and security-focused sharing options make it a practical choice for various PDF editing needs. While it has limitations in terms of document size and the number of edits per hour, its user-friendly interface and range of functionalities offer a solid balance for routine PDF editing requirements.
Smallpdf is a user-friendly and basic PDF editor that caters to users who need straightforward and uncomplicated editing tools. While it may not be the best fit for advanced editing tasks, it offers useful features for everyday PDF handling. Here’s a breakdown of its attributes:
21 Smallpdf Tools in Free Version: The free version grants access to 21 different tools, offering a range of functionalities for basic PDF editing and conversion tasks.
Edit Limitation: The free version allows you to edit up to 2 documents per day, which might be sufficient for casual users but limiting for those with heavier editing needs.
Web and Mobile Application: Smallpdf’s availability as both a web and mobile application enhances its accessibility and convenience for users on the go.
Conversion Capabilities: It supports conversion between PDF and other formats like JPEG, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, making it versatile for different document management needs.
No File Size Limit: Unlike some other free PDF editors, Smallpdf does not impose a file size limit, allowing you to work on large documents without hassle.
Basic Editing Process: The editing capabilities are minimal; you can add new text or images but cannot edit existing text. This makes it suitable for simple additions rather than comprehensive editing.
Custom Shapes and Drawings: The ability to add custom shapes and drawings adds a level of creativity to document editing, although it lacks features like text highlighting and annotations.
Limited Font Options: While several fonts are supported, the range is not extensive, but the tool does enable adding visually appealing signatures.
Pros:
User-friendly interface suitable for basic editing needs.
Good range of conversion options between PDF and other file formats.
No limit on the file size of the documents being edited.
Useful for adding custom drawings and shapes to PDFs.
Cons:
Limited to editing only 2 documents per day in the free version.
The premium plan may not offer enough value compared to alternatives like Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Lacks advanced editing features such as text highlighting and detailed annotations.
In summary, Smallpdf is a decent option for users looking for a simple, no-frills PDF editor with basic functionalities and conversion capabilities. Its accessibility and ease of use make it appealing for casual or infrequent PDF editing tasks. However, for more complex editing requirements or frequent use, the limitations of the free version and the cost of the premium plan might prompt users to consider more feature-rich alternatives.
PDFSam Basic is a robust open-source PDF editor known for its simplicity and effectiveness in handling PDF documents. It’s a great option for users who need to perform basic PDF manipulations without the need for more advanced features like conversion or encryption. Here’s an overview of why PDFSam Basic stands out:
Cross-Platform Compatibility: PDFSam Basic is compatible with Linux, Windows, and macOS, making it accessible to a wide range of users regardless of their operating system.
Intuitive User Interface: The software has an intuitive interface, which makes it easy to navigate and use, even for those who are new to PDF editing software.
Versatile Editing Tools: PDFSam Basic offers essential editing tools, such as adding or removing text, inserting images, rotating pages, splitting documents, and merging multiple PDFs into one.
Page Extraction and Merging: The ability to extract specific pages from PDF files and merge two pages into one is particularly useful for organizing and condensing information, as well as preparing documents for printing.
No Document Size Limit: Unlike some other PDF editors, PDFSam Basic does not impose any limits on the size of the documents you can edit, allowing you to work with large files without restrictions.
Pros:
Free and open-source, making it a cost-effective solution.
Suitable for basic PDF editing tasks.
Can handle multiple documents without size limitations.
User-friendly, suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
Cons:
Lacks advanced features like document conversion and OCR, which are available in the Enhanced version.
May experience performance issues with very large documents (e.g., documents over 50 pages).
In summary, PDFSam Basic is an excellent choice for users looking for a free, straightforward solution to manage and edit PDF documents. Its range of basic editing tools and user-friendly interface make it ideal for everyday PDF tasks. While it may not offer the advanced features of its Enhanced counterpart or other premium PDF editors, it is more than capable for users with basic editing needs. For those requiring more complex functionalities like conversion or OCR, exploring other options or considering the Enhanced version of PDFSam might be beneficial.
FormSwift serves as a unique option in the realm of open-source PDF editors, especially for users who frequently work with business and legal forms. While it may not offer extensive editing capabilities like some other tools, its focus on form-related functionalities sets it apart. Here’s a detailed look at FormSwift’s offerings:
Focus on Business and Legal Forms: FormSwift specializes in providing an array of business and legal forms that users can fill out online. This feature is particularly beneficial for professionals and individuals who regularly deal with such documents.
Form Conversion and Printing: The ability to convert these forms into PDF or Word formats and then print them for offline use adds to the tool’s practicality in professional settings.
Downloadable Blank Forms: Users can download blank forms to fill out on their mobile device or computer, offering flexibility and convenience.
Basic PDF Editing Features: FormSwift allows basic PDF editing, such as adding text, images, annotations, and signatures. These features are sufficient for quick edits and minor modifications.
File Size Limitation: The tool supports PDF files up to 10 MB, which may be adequate for text-heavy documents but limiting for larger files with images.
Pros:
Useful for filling out and managing business and legal forms.
Easy drag-and-drop interface for uploading and editing PDFs.
Provides the functionality to add signatures and annotations, enhancing document customization.
Cons:
Limited font options (only 4 fonts), reducing flexibility in document styling.
Inability to edit existing text in the PDF, which can be a significant limitation for some users.
The 10 MB file size limit may not be sufficient for image-intensive documents.
In summary, FormSwift is a good choice for users who primarily need a tool for handling business and legal forms, along with performing basic PDF edits. Its simplicity and focus on form-related features make it suitable for specific professional use cases. However, for those seeking more comprehensive PDF editing capabilities, particularly the ability to edit existing text or work with larger files, other PDF editors might be more suitable. For quick, form-centric tasks, FormSwift offers a straightforward and efficient solution.
2.1 What is a great free alternative to Adobe Acrobat?
If you find Adobe Acrobat too expensive, you can check our best open-source PDF editors. While not as great as Acrobat, these are your only free alternatives to this program. PDF Candy is my favorite free alternative to Adobe Acrobat but all other choices on the list can serve you well.
That is if you’re fully aware of their limits and you need basic or slightly above basic editing tools.
2.2 How to use a PDF editor?
Using a PDF editor is very simple, but that depends on the editor itself. Usually, you’ll need to upload a PDF document which you can edit by adding text, images, signatures, or annotations. However, this all depends on the app layout but the same principle applies to all editors.
Some editors aren’t as intuitive, so finding particular options can be harder. On the other hand, easier editors won’t take much time to get used to and they’ll provide a better experience
2.3 Can I convert PDF to Word?
Yes, you can do that with almost every open-source editor on this list. In fact, you can even convert a Word document to PDF if you want or turn a PNG image into PDF successfully.
Marcus is a cybersecurity analyst with a focus on VPN and proxy services. As the founder and driving force behind a prominent VPN and proxy website, Private Proxy Guide, Marcus has emerged as a trusted authority in the digital realm. With a passion for staying ahead of evolving cyber threats, he has played a pivotal role in educating and empowering individuals and businesses to safeguard their online presence.
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