PDFs remain one of the most widely used file formats for sharing documents, whether for work, school, or personal use. However, finding the right tool to view, edit, or annotate PDFs without breaking the bank can be a challenge. Fortunately, 2025 brings a range of powerful free PDF editors and readers that cater to everyday needs. Whether you need to make quick edits, fill out forms, or simply read PDFs seamlessly, this guide covers the best free options available.
1. Best Free PDF Readers for 2025
If you primarily need a tool to view and annotate PDFs without extensive editing features, these free PDF readers are perfect for everyday use.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (Free Version)
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC remains the gold standard for PDF readers, offering a smooth and reliable experience. The free version allows you to:
- View, print, and annotate PDFs with highlights and comments.
- Fill out and sign forms electronically.
- Access cloud storage integration for easy file sharing.
While advanced editing features require a paid subscription, the free version is more than enough for basic reading and light annotation.
SumatraPDF
For users who prefer a lightweight and fast PDF reader, SumatraPDF is an excellent choice. It’s open-source, supports multiple formats (including ePub and Mobi), and launches almost instantly. Key features include:
- Minimalist interface with no bloatware.
- Portable version available for USB drives.
- Supports keyboard shortcuts for power users.
However, it lacks advanced annotation tools, making it ideal for those who just need a no-frills reader.
2. Top Free PDF Editors for Basic Modifications
If you need to make minor edits to your PDFs, these free editors provide essential tools without requiring a subscription.
PDFescape (Online & Desktop)
PDFescape offers both an online editor and a downloadable desktop version. The free plan includes:
- Basic text and image editing.
- Form filling and signing capabilities.
- Annotations like highlights, sticky notes, and shapes.
The online version has a 10MB file limit, while the desktop version removes this restriction, making it a versatile choice for quick edits.
Sejda PDF Editor
Sejda PDF Editor is a browser-based tool that feels like a desktop application. Its free version allows:
- Editing text and images directly in PDFs.
- Merging, splitting, and compressing PDFs.
- OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for scanned documents.
Note that the free version limits users to three tasks per day and files under 50MB, but it’s perfect for occasional use.
3. Advanced Free PDF Editors for Power Users
For those who need more robust editing capabilities, these free tools offer advanced features without a price tag.
LibreOffice Draw
Part of the LibreOffice suite, LibreOffice Draw is a powerful open-source tool for editing PDFs. It allows:
- Full editing of text, images, and vector graphics.
- Exporting PDFs back to editable formats.
- Creating and modifying complex PDF layouts.
While the interface isn’t as polished as dedicated PDF editors, its versatility makes it a favorite among power users.
Foxit PDF Editor (Free Version)
Foxit PDF Editor offers a feature-rich free version that rivals paid alternatives. Highlights include:
- Editing text, images, and pages with ease.
- Adding watermarks, headers, and footers.
- Batch processing for multiple files.
The free version includes ads, but the functionality is well worth it for those needing advanced PDF manipulation.
4. Mobile-Friendly Free PDF Editors and Readers
For users who need to work with PDFs on the go, these mobile apps provide excellent functionality.
Xodo PDF Reader & Editor
Xodo is a top-rated mobile app for Android and iOS, offering:
- Real-time collaboration and annotation.
- Form filling and signing capabilities.
- Smooth syncing with cloud services like Google Drive.
Its intuitive interface makes it a go-to choice for mobile PDF editing.
Adobe Scan (Free)
While not a traditional editor, Adobe Scan excels at turning paper documents into editable PDFs. Features include:
- OCR technology for scanned documents.
- Auto-crop and enhancement tools.
- Integration with Adobe Acrobat for further editing.
It’s perfect for digitizing receipts, notes, or business cards on the fly.
Conclusion
Whether you need a simple PDF reader, a basic editor, or advanced tools, 2025 offers plenty of free options to suit your needs. From Adobe Acrobat Reader DC for seamless viewing to LibreOffice Draw for deep editing, there’s a tool for every use case. Mobile users can rely on Xodo or Adobe Scan for on-the-go convenience. By choosing the right free PDF editor or reader, you can streamline your workflow without spending a dime.