Six Good Tools to Help You Edit PDF for Free in 2024

Discover the power of free PDF editing and break free from expensive software or professional services. Whether you're a small business or an individual needing occasional edits, this guide answers your burning questions on where and how to edit PDFs for free in 2023. Unlock six incredible tools to transform your PDF editing experience.

Tool 1: WPS Office

Pros

• Cost-Effective Solution: WPS Office provides powerful PDF editing capabilities at no cost, saving you money on expensive software.

• Integration with Other Productivity Tools: WPS Office seamlessly integrates with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, allowing for efficient content transfer and collaboration.

• Customization Options for Personalization: WPS Office offers flexible customization options, allowing users to personalize the interface and settings to suit their preferences and work style.

• Advanced Search and Document Management: WPS Office includes advanced search functionality and efficient document management features, making it easy to find and organize PDF files for improved productivity.

Cons

• Limited Feature Set: While WPS Office provides basic PDF editing capabilities, it may lack some advanced features found in more specialized PDF editing software.

Steps

1. Launch the PDF file.

2. In the main toolbar, click the Edit button. This button may appear differently depending on your WPS version. It appears as a pencil symbol in certain versions.

3. Make the desired modifications to the PDF file. Text, photos, and pages can all be added or removed from the document.

4. Save the changes to the PDF file by going to the main menu bar and selecting File > Save. Alternatively, you may save the file by using Ctrl+S on your keyboard.

Tool 2: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Pros:

• Robust PDF Editing Capabilities: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC provides extensive features for editing and manipulating PDF files, including text editing, image insertion, page reordering, and more.

• Enhanced Security and Document Protection: The software offers advanced security options such as password protection, encryption, and digital signatures, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your PDF documents.

Cons:

• Cost and Licensing: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a commercial software with different subscription plans, which may be a disadvefitantage for users who are looking for free or more budget-friendly alternatives.

• Compatibility and Versioning Challenges: Working with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC can sometimes pose compatibility issues, especially when collaborating with users who have different versions or software platforms.

Steps

1. Open an Acrobat file.

2. In the right pane, select the "Edit PDF" tool.

3. Use the following Acrobat editing tools:

• Using the Format list, you may add new text, alter existing text, or update typefaces.

• Using the Objects list, you may add, change, move, or resize photos on the page.

• To further edit your PDF, use the additional tools. PDFs may also be watermarked and annotated.

4. Save your revised PDF as:

Give your file a name and then press the "Save" button. That's all.

Tool 3: Smallpdf

Pros:

• Wide range of editing tools: Smallpdf offers a variety of editing features, including text editing, image editing, merging and splitting PDFs, compressing files, and more.

• Multi-platform support: Smallpdf is available on multiple platforms, including web browsers, Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, allowing users to access and use the tool across different devices.

Cons:

• Free version limitations: The free version of Smallpdf has certain limitations, such as a restricted number of daily conversions and file size limitations, which may be inconvenient for users who require frequent or large-scale PDF operations.

• Limited advanced editing features: While Smallpdf provides basic editing functionalities, it may lack more advanced features found in other PDF tools, such as OCR (Optical Character Recognition) or form filling capabilities.

Steps

1. Upload the PDF that you want to modify.

2. Once you've selected the PDF you want to edit, you may alter it using the choices on the editing tool bar. You'll need to download the file again to your device.

3. You can alter the file name so that you know which file contains your changes.

4. Save the altered PDF wherever you can find it.

Tool 4: Sejda PDF Editor

Pros:

• Comprehensive editing tools: Sejda PDF Editor provides a wide array of editing features, including text editing, image manipulation, annotations, merging and splitting files, and more, giving users extensive control over their PDF documents.

• Batch processing: With Sejda, users can process multiple PDF files simultaneously, saving time and effort. The batch processing feature allows for efficient handling of large numbers of documents, such as applying the same operation to multiple files.

Cons:

• Dependency on third-party servers: Sejda PDF Editor operates through its servers, which means that users need an internet connection to access and use the tool. This reliance on external servers may lead to potential limitations in terms of privacy, security, and accessibility.

• Limited advanced features: While Sejda offers comprehensive editing tools, it may have certain limitations in terms of advanced features compared to more specialized PDF editing software. Users requiring advanced functionalities like OCR or advanced form filling may find Sejda's feature set lacking.

Steps

1. Please upload your files.

2. Text may be added to a PDF. Fill in the blanks on a PDF. Modify the text in the PDF

3. Make a backup of your modifications.To apply the changes, click the 'Apply changes' button, and then 'Download' your updated PDF document.

Tool 5: PDFescape

Pros:

• Form filling and creation: PDFescape allows users to easily fill out and create forms within PDF documents. This is especially useful for interactive forms that require input or signatures.

• File encryption: PDFescape offers the option to encrypt PDF files, providing an extra layer of security to protect sensitive information. This feature is beneficial for users who need to secure their documents from unauthorized access.

Cons:

• File size limitations: PDFescape has certain limitations on the file size that can be uploaded and edited. Large PDF files may need to be compressed or resized before they can be processed in PDFescape, which can be inconvenient for users working with extensive documents.

• Security concerns: As PDFescape is an online service, there may be potential security concerns regarding the privacy and confidentiality of uploaded files. Users should exercise caution when handling sensitive or confidential information.

Steps

1. Launch PDFescape in your web browser

2. Upload the PDF form

3. Customize your PDF such as text, font size, color, and alignment.

4. Save your change

Tool 6: PDFsam Basic

Pros:

• Split and merge PDFs: PDFsam Basic provides a convenient and straightforward way to split and merge PDF documents. Users can easily extract specific pages or combine multiple PDFs into a single file, which is useful for organizing and managing PDF content.

• Multi-platform support: PDFsam Basic is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. This cross-platform compatibility allows users to access and use the software regardless of their operating system.

Cons:

• No direct text editing: PDFsam Basic primarily focuses on PDF manipulation and does not offer direct text editing capabilities. Users looking to modify or make changes to the text content within PDFs may need to use additional software or tools.

• No cloud integration: Unlike some other PDF editors, PDFsam Basic does not have built-in cloud integration features. This means that users cannot directly access or save their PDFs from popular cloud storage services, requiring manual file management.

Steps

1. Go to https://pdfsam.org/downloads/ on your computer and download and install the version required for your PC.

2. Launch the application. divide, combine, rotate, extract, divide by size, split by bookmarks, or alternate mix will be available. Select the action you wish to take with your PDF.

Reason for recommendation

Free PDF editing may be a quick and cost-effective method to make changes to a document and interact with others without investing in costly software or services.WPS Office can give you with a free PDF editing service. Download and use it right away! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WPS completely free for PDF editing?

Yes, WPS has a free version that allows you to edit PDFs for free. WPS's free edition has a full range of PDF editing capabilities that allow you to adjust text, graphics, and other components inside your PDF documents. You may also use annotation tools, rotate pdf, add and delete pages, pdf drawer, and do basic formatting activities without paying a membership price.

Can I collaborate on PDFs in real-time using WPS?

WPS Office enables real-time collaboration on PDFs, allowing multiple users to edit and collaborate simultaneously. With advanced collaboration tools, users can invite others to read and modify PDFs in real time, fostering seamless teamwork. Real-time editing, commenting, text highlighting, and change tracking enhance communication and streamline cooperation among team members.

Does WPS support cloud storage services?

Yes, WPS Office integrates with popular cloud storage services, offering easy access and saving of PDFs across multiple devices. Connect to platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and more to sync and collaborate on your files. Access PDFs directly from your cloud storage within WPS, edit them, and save back seamlessly.

Summary

In conclusion, there are several free tools available in 2023 to help you edit PDF files effectively. Among these tools, WPS Office stands out as it provides a cost-effective solution with powerful editing capabilities, integration with other productivity tools, customization options, and advanced document management features. It offers a comprehensive and user-friendly experience for editing PDFs for free.