Have you ever found yourself facing a PDF document that you needed to edit, sign, or simply convert to another format, and you didn't know where to start? PDF files They are a constant in everyday life, both in professional and personal environments, but manipulating them has not always been easy. Today there is a wide variety of programs, both free and paid, designed to cover all the needs of editing, converting and managing PDFs in Windows.However, choosing the best editor can be a daunting task given the number of options and variety of features they offer.
In this article, I propose a very complete and updated guide for 2025 in which we break down the best programs to edit PDF on Windows, both free and paid, with their advantages, disadvantages, and a clear comparison so you can make the best decision based on your profile. Whether you're looking for something simple and fast or need professional features: here's the most detailed and natural overview, in Spanish, of Spain, and with illustrative images!
Why do you need a PDF editor on Windows?
The PDF format It is the most widely used standard for sharing and presenting digital documents without losing the original format, regardless of the device or operating system from which it is opened. However, one of its major drawbacks is precisely its resistance to change: Editing them is not as easy as with Word or Excel.. Having a PDF editor is almost essential on any computer., whether for studies, work or daily tasks at home.
Some of the most common tasks when working with PDFs include:
- Modify text and images in the PDF itself.
- Add, delete, or rearrange pages.
- Sign documents electronically.
- Fill out and create interactive forms.
- Convert PDF to other formats (Word, Excel, image, etc.).
- Protect documents with a password or specific permissions.
- Compress, merge, or split PDFs for easier handling and sending.
Having the right PDF editor saves you time, prevents frustration, and allows you to work with documents professionally, securely, and efficiently..
Types of PDF editing software: online, desktop, and cross-platform
Before diving into the comparison, it is essential to differentiate the types of editors available:
- Desktop programs: These are applications that are installed on Windows and allow you to work with PDFs without an Internet connection. They tend to be more powerful and safer, ideal if you manage sensitive documents or need all the features.
- Online PDF editors: Tools that work directly from the browser. The main advantage is that they don't require installation and are perfect for occasional use, although caution is advised if uploading confidential documents, as they are processed on external servers.
- Mobile and cross-platform apps: Many suites allow you to edit PDFs on both your mobile and PC, sharing files in the cloud and keeping changes synchronized.
Depending on your workflow, you'll want to choose one option or the other. Most professional programs offer versions for desktop, web, and mobile browsers.
What features should the best PDF editor have?
Not all PDF editors are created equal. Choosing the right one will depend on what you need to do with your documents.However, there are certain features that make a difference and are often essential:
- Direct editing of text and images: Change, delete, or add content without losing formatting.
- Two-way conversion: Allows you to transfer documents to and from PDF to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG, etc. without errors.
- Digital signatures and protection: Electronically sign, add passwords, and manage permissions.
- OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Extract text from images or scanned PDFs for editing.
- Merging, splitting, and organizing pages: Merge multiple PDFs, separate chapters, reorder, or delete pages.
- Creating and editing forms: To fill out, validate, or export information from interactive PDFs.
- Annotations and comments: Highlight, underline, add notes or free draw.
- Cloud Compatibility: Integration with services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or your own storage.
- Friendly interface: It should be intuitive, easy to use, and fast, regardless of your knowledge.
Not all programs offer the same things. Free programs tend to focus on basic features, while paid and professional versions include virtually everything mentioned above, plus technical support, updates, templates, AI, and more.
Top Free and Paid PDF Editing Software for Windows (2025)
After analyzing the latest and most verified information from specialized articles and guides, we conduct a comprehensive review of the most recommended PDF editors, clearly separating the free and paid options and highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.
Best Free PDF Editors for Windows
Don't want to spend anything and are looking for a reliable option? Here are the programs that are truly worthwhile for editing PDFs without spending a single euro. Remember that advanced features are usually reserved for premium versions, but in many cases the basics are more than enough.
PDFgear
PDFgear It has established itself as one of the leading free PDF editors for Windows.. It provides features that other editors only offer for a fee: it allows you to edit text, images, make annotations, underline, highlight, add comments, and even integrate AI tools like ChatGPT to summarize or search for key information within the document. It supports Free OCR for scanning non-editable PDFs, batch processing and electronic signature, without watermarks or registration.
- Completely free, without limitations, without ads.
- No need to create accounts or download annoying extensions.
- Versions for Windows, macOS, and mobile devices.
- Ideal for students and users who want to annotate, highlight, and edit PDFs without complications.
Of course, if you're looking for hyper-advanced features like complex interactive forms or professional cloud integration, you'll need to look into paid alternatives.
PDF24Creator
If you are looking for an a free PDF editor that installs on Windows and works offline, PDF24Creator It's a Swiss Army knife. It lets you edit, merge, split, compress, extract pages, and even add OCR to convert images to text. The interface may look dated, but it's very functional, especially on older or low-resource computers.
- 100% free and without restrictions.
- Suitable for Windows (all modern versions).
- Includes virtual PDF printer, full screen functionality, and conversion between formats.
- It lacks very advanced professional features, but it is more than adequate for home, student, and small business use.
PDF-XChange Editor
Another classic among free editors for Windows is PDF-XChange EditorFast, lightweight, and packed with features for editing, annotating, signing, and manipulating PDFs, even creating files from scanned images. It has a free version with over 60% of the features unlocked, although some professional tools require payment.
- Works on any Windows PC.
- Customizable interface very similar to Microsoft Office.
- Includes OCR, highlighting tool, drawing, annotation and basic editing.
- The free version falls a bit short if you want to take full advantage of all the features, but for everyday use it's an excellent and very agile option.
LibreOffice Draw
Did you know that the suite LibreOffice includes a tool called Draw With which you can open and edit PDFs just like you would a Word or PowerPoint document? That's right: LibreOffice Draw Convert PDFs for easy editing, allowing you to change text, add images, and even reorganize the document structure.
- Totally free and open source.
- Perfect for users already using LibreOffice or looking for a lightweight alternative.
- It is not a specialized PDF editor, so some advanced features may be limited or formatting may be lost when exported.
STDU Viewer, Sumatra PDF and Slim PDF Reader
These alternatives are very useful for reading PDFs easily, quickly, and without complications. STDU Viewer allows you to open almost any type of document and create bookmarks, while Sumatra PDF y Slim PDF Reader They stand out for their minimalism and speed.
- They are not editors as such, but rather readers with basic annotation options.
- Ideal for older devices or when you simply need to view PDFs without extra features.
PDFsam Basic
If your main need is split, merge or reorder pages within PDF documents, PDFsam Basic It's one of the best free, cross-platform solutions. It allows you to merge multiple files, separate chapters, rotate and merge pages, and even define the output PDF version.
- 100% free and open source.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux.
- It doesn't allow editing text or images, but it's perfect for structural management of PDFs.
Edge, Firefox and other browsers
Did you know that both Microsoft Edge , the Mozilla Firefox (and to a lesser extent Chrome) allow Read, highlight, add notes, and draw on PDFs without installing anything elseIf you don't have any special requirements, the browser itself can be your best ally for quickly managing PDF documents.
- Integrated into Windows and other operating systems.
- They allow you to read aloud, sign, highlight text and make small notes.
- The editing functions are very basic, perfect for everyday use but insufficient if you're looking for something more advanced.
Best Paid PDF Editors for Windows: Professional Features for Every Need
If you are going to use PDFs intensively or are looking for more powerful options, opt for professional paid software It may be the best investment, especially if you need:
- Complete editing of text, images and structure.
- Lossless conversion of complex formats.
- High precision OCR.
- Integration with AI, automated workflows, and business templates.
- Technical support, secure storage, and automatic updates.
Below we detail the paid programs that enjoy the best reputation and compatibility in 2025:
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
Undoubtedly, the great reference and standard worldwide In PDF management, it's Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. It offers every imaginable feature: full editing, conversion to any format, digital signature, advanced protection, form management, professional OCR, cloud integration, and mobile access.
- Available for Windows and Mac.
- It offers a 7-day free trial, after which you must subscribe (around €18/month, only available as a subscription).
- Modern interface, access to templates, seamless conversion, and official support.
The main drawback is the price, which is somewhat high for casual users. It's a safe bet for businesses, work teams, and those seeking maximum reliability and stability.
Foxit Phantom PDF
Direct alternative to Adobe and increasingly established. Foxit Phantom PDF It offers a multitude of advanced features for editing, protecting, and converting PDFs, and even securely signing them electronically. Highly valued by businesses and professional users, it offers annual plans and a free trial version. For more details, you can visit our section on .
- Available for Windows and MacOS.
- Interface similar to Microsoft Office, with tutorials included.
- Competitive prices and the option of a one-time purchase or annual subscription.
It may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but it's one of the most flexible and robust solutions on the market.
Nitro Pro
Nitro Pro has gained a lot of ground due to its excellent value for money and its focus on Office compatibility, productivity, and electronic signature management. It stands out for its integration with cloud storage services and its ability to convert between PDF, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with virtually no formatting loss. For more information, check out our article on .
- Perpetual license (one-time payment) or subscription, available only for Windows.
- 14-day free trial.
- Simple, Office-like interface.
- Ideal for professionals who need to constantly edit, convert, sign, and secure PDFs.
Wondershare PDFelement
PDF element It is the great professional alternative that is growing the most thanks to its combination of ease of use, integration with AI, free templates, competitive pricing, and the ability to cover both basic and advanced tasks. For more information, you can check out our full review of .
- Available for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.
- Free trial version and paid plans from €29,95 to €119 for perpetual licenses.
- Modern and intuitive interface.
- Highly oriented to both students (with discounts) and companies and professionals.
It is a balanced option if you are looking for a tool all in one and a reasonable price without giving up cutting-edge options.
ABBYY FineReader PDF and Kofax Power PDF
If OCR is a priority in your workflows (for example, to digitize scanned documents or manage paper files), ABBYY FineReader PDF It is unbeatable in terms of precision and functionality. Kofax PowerPDF It stands out for its business focus and the ability to convert paper forms into digital forms, as well as its one-time purchase without subscriptions. To get them, visit our dedicated section.
- Both available for Windows and Mac.
- Annual subscription models or one-time purchases, with prices ranging from €100 to €200 depending on the version.
- Ideal models for professional environments, administrations, offices, and companies that require maximum reliability in digitalization.
Other professional alternatives: Master PDF Editor, PDF Architect, Drawboard PDF, PDF Expert, Soda PDF
There are lesser-known but very effective programs, such as Master PDF Editor (economical and powerful), PDF Architect (modular and customizable), Drawboard PDF (oriented to annotation on touch screens) or PDF Expert (a benchmark in the Apple ecosystem). For more details, be sure to visit our guide on .
- Variety of prices, models and availability for different systems.
- Most include trial versions and educational discounts.
- Focused on advanced users or those with specific needs.
The best online and cross-platform PDF editors for Windows
In addition to the classic desktop programs, today Online tools have become very popular due to their speed and ease of use.. You don't need to install anything; you just need a browser and an Internet connection.
iLovePDF
Possibly the best-known online publisher in Spain and Latin America. iLovePDF It offers a multitude of features to edit, convert, merge, compress, and protect PDFs from any browser, even on your mobile device. Most basic features are free, although there are limitations that disappear with the premium version.
- No registration required for basic operations.
- Compatible with Google Drive and Dropbox.
- Allows you to edit text, add watermarks, combine/split files, convert PDFs, etc.
- Free version with limits on file size and number of files processed per day. Advanced features available for a fee.
Smallpdf
Very similar to iLovePDF, Smallpdf It offers even more options from the browser, with a modern, fast, and very intuitive interface. It allows you to edit, convert, compress, merge, extract, sign, and protect PDFs, as well as integrate with cloud storage.
- Free basic edition, extra features via subscription.
- Paid desktop version with free trials.
- Ideal for users who seek immediacy and don't want to complicate their lives with installations.
A meeting
Another highly valued option in the field of online PDF editing. A meeting It stands out for allowing you to edit text directly from the browser, as well as fill out, sign, merge and convert documents.
- Allows you to work with files up to 50 MB in the free version.
- Very complete functions.
- Desktop app available.
PDFescape
Free online editor perfect for simple tasks: adding text, filling out forms, inserting images, pages, and comments. It has a paid premium desktop version with advanced tools, but its online version covers almost everything you need for merge multiple PDFs into oneThe interface is very simple and fast, ideal for beginners.
- Free for files up to 10 MB or 100 pages.
- It does not require installation and the interface is extremely simple.
- Advanced features only in the premium version.
PDF Candy
An online editor that impresses with its wealth of tools: editing, conversion, protection, unlocking, OCR, and combining and extracting images and text. Some features are limited in the free version or require registration, but it's a very comprehensive option for quick tasks.
- More than 40 different tools from a single portal.
- Very affordable price on their premium plan.
Comparison of the main PDF editors for Windows: summary table
| Editor | Use cases | Compatible OS | advanced functionality | Approximate price | Free trial version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDFgear | Free (desktop/web) | Windows, Mac, iOS | Media (OCR, annotations, AI) | Free | Unlimited |
| PDF24Creator | Free (desktop) | Windows | Basic | Free | Unlimited |
| Adobe Acrobat Pro DC | Payment | Windows, Mac | Very advanced | From 18 € / month | 7 days |
| Foxit Phantom PDF | Payment | Windows, Mac | Very advanced | From € 79 / year | 14 days |
| Nitro Pro | Payment | Windows | Advanced | From €159 (single payment) | 14 days |
| Wondershare PDFelement | Payment | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | High (AI, OCR, cloud) | From 29,95 € | 14 days |
| iLovePDF | Online Training | Our partners | Basic/Intermediate | Free / €4/month | Limited |
| Smallpdf | Online/Desktop | Our partners | Basic/Advanced | Free / €7 per month | Limited |
| A meeting | Online/Desktop | Our partners | Media | Free / €8,50 per month | 3 tasks a day |
| PDF-XChange Editor | Free/Paid | Windows | High average | Free / €42 (Plus) | Limited |
| LibreOffice Draw | Free | Windows, Mac, Linux | Basic/Intermediate | Free | Unlimited |
Which PDF editor should you choose in 2025? Tips based on your profile
After all the comparison, the editor's choice will depend on the actual use you are going to give itHere are some quick recommendations:
- For basic and specific tasks: PDFgear, PDF24 Creator, Edge, PDFsam or PDFescape do more than enough and are free.
- For frequent, professional or business editing: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is the standard, while Foxit, Nitro Pro, and Wondershare PDFelement offer excellent alternatives at a better price and without compromising on features.
- If you are looking for the cheapest and just need to read or write down: STDU Viewer, Slim PDF Reader, Sumatra PDF or even your web browser.
- To digitize scanned documents or images (OCR): ABBYY FineReader PDF or Kofax Power PDF are leaders in optical recognition, and you can find more information on their official pages.
- For use in education: Most programs offer special discounts, and PDFgear, Edge, or Drawboard PDF are very student-oriented.
- If you prefer to avoid installations: iLovePDF, Smallpdf, PDF Candy, and Sejda cover almost everything on the web.
Factors to consider before choosing your PDF editor
- Compatibility: Do you only use Windows or do you also use Mac, Linux or mobile devices?
- Budget: There are free, one-time, and subscription options. Consider how often you use them.
- Privacy: If you handle sensitive data, it's best to use desktop programs and avoid online editors.
- Easy to use: The learning curve is significant, especially if you are not an office expert.
- Advanced features: Consider whether you'll need OCR, complex forms, AI integration, cloud storage, etc.
- Updates and technical support: Essential for businesses and professionals.
- Rating from other users: Find recent reviews, comparisons, and opinions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Editing PDFs on Windows
- Does Windows 10/11 come with a built-in PDF editor? Not exactly. Microsoft Edge allows for basic reading and annotation, but it doesn't allow for actual content editing. For advanced editing, you'll need to install additional software. To expand your knowledge, check out our article on .
- Can I edit PDF for free on Windows? Yes, there are many free options (PDFgear, PDF24, PDFsam, LibreOffice Draw, Edge, etc.), although professional features require a fee.
- Are online editors safe? For non-confidential documents, yes, but for sensitive content, it's better to opt for desktop programs.
- Which editor offers the best value? If you're looking for the most comprehensive solution, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. If you prioritize cost, PDFelement, Nitro Pro, and Foxit offer all the essentials at more affordable prices and often with a one-time payment option.
- Can I edit PDF on mobile? Yes, most major publishers have mobile apps (PDFelement, PDFgear, Adobe, Foxit, etc.).
The world of PDF editors on Windows has evolved significantly in recent years, adapting to all needs and budgets. From free and simple options for everyday use to professional suites that cover every imaginable scenario, there are solutions for everyone. Whether you're editing a word in a form, merging scanned PDFs, or setting up a scanning workflow in your company, choosing a PDF editor won't be a problem now.