If you’ve ever tried to edit a PDF and hit a paywall, you know how frustrating it can be. Whether you’re updating a contract, rearranging pages, adding your signature, or converting files, a good free PDF editor can make a world of difference.
We’ve rounded up the top 5 PDF editors available for free in 2025, including a powerful newcomer — Indigo PDF — that’s quickly gaining popularity for its professional-grade tools.
5. PDF-XChange Editor (Free Version) — Advanced Features for Windows Users
Why it stands out:
PDF-XChange Editor offers some of the most advanced tools available in a free PDF editor. It supports OCR, annotations, and even basic form editing. The free version does most tasks very well, with only a few premium features marked with a watermark.
Key Features:
- Add comments, notes, and highlights
- Built-in OCR to recognize scanned documents
- Edit existing text layers in PDFs
- Lightweight and responsive interface
- Custom stamps and measurement tools
Limitations:
- Free version adds a watermark to certain advanced tools
- Windows only
- No batch automation in the free tier
4. LibreOffice Draw — Open-Source PDF Editing Option
Why it stands out:
LibreOffice is a powerful open-source office suite, and its Draw module can open and edit PDF files. It’s a solid option for those who want a free tool without any proprietary lock-ins. While not as refined as dedicated PDF software, it’s surprisingly capable for text-based PDFs.
Key Features:
- Edit text and images inside PDF documents
- Add shapes, annotations, and simple graphics
- Completely open-source and free to use
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Limitations:
- Editing layout-heavy or scanned PDFs can be difficult
- No OCR or batch processing features
- Not as fast or intuitive as tools designed specifically for PDFs
3. Smallpdf (Free Web Version) — Fast and Easy PDF Tools Online
Why it stands out:
Smallpdf is one of the most popular online tools for editing PDFs. It has a clean, user-friendly interface and covers the most common needs like converting, compressing, and signing documents. You don’t need to install anything — just drag and drop your file into your browser.
Key Features:
- Web-based access from any device
- Tools for compressing, merging, rotating, and signing PDFs
- Integration with Google Drive and Dropbox
- Secure, encrypted file handling with auto-deletion
Limitations:
- Free version has daily usage limits
- Some tools are locked behind a paid plan
- Not ideal for editing sensitive or confidential documents
2. PDF24 Creator — Lightweight, Full-Featured Desktop Tool
Why it stands out:
PDF24 Creator is a long-standing favorite for Windows users. It offers a complete suite of tools within a small installer, all fully offline. It’s great for merging, splitting, compressing, and performing basic edits to PDF files without needing an internet connection.
Key Features:
- Merge and split PDF files quickly
- Add, remove, or reorder PDF pages
- Convert images and documents into PDF format
- Simple annotation and form-filling features
- No watermarks or forced ads
Limitations:
- Only available for Windows
- Limited support for scanned PDF enhancement or OCR
- No cloud sync or collaboration tools
1. Indigo PDF — Best All-in-One Free PDF Editor for Desktop
Why it stands out:
Indigo PDF is a privacy-focused desktop application that allows you to edit PDFs without uploading files to the cloud. Unlike many web-based tools, Indigo works completely offline and doesn’t restrict you with watermarks, usage limits, or hidden fees. It’s perfect for professionals, freelancers, and anyone working with sensitive documents.
Key Features:
- Merge, split, rotate, crop, and rearrange PDF pages with a visual editor
- Convert documents from Word, Excel, HTML, and images into PDF (and vice versa)
- Built-in OCR for scanned documents and image-based PDFs
- Batch process multiple files for actions like watermarking, conversion, and renaming
- Tools to compress, sanitize, extract images, repair broken PDFs, and auto-rename files
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Coming Soon: Form creation, annotations, certified digital signatures, and custom automation workflows.
Download link: Indigo PDF Editor
Official site: Indigo PDF
Comparison Table: Free PDF Editors 2025
| Editor | Works Offline | Batch Tools | OCR Support | Conversion | Best For |
| Indigo PDF | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Professional document workflows |
| PDF24 Creator | Yes | No | No | Basic | General office use on Windows |
| Smallpdf (Web) | No | No | No | Yes | Quick online tasks |
| LibreOffice Draw | Yes | No | No | No | Open-source desktop users |
| PDF-XChange Editor | Yes (Windows) | No | Yes | Limited | Annotation & OCR power users |
If you’re just looking to merge a few pages or sign a form, most tools will get the job done. But if you want full control over your PDFs—without ads, file size limits, or privacy concerns—Indigo PDF is one of the most robust and professional-grade editors available for free today.
Unlike cloud-based tools, it gives you full offline access and powerful batch automation, making it ideal for business users and anyone handling confidential documents.
