List of 8 Easy to Use PDF Editors

Finding an easy-to-use PDF editor can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—most tools are either overloaded with features or require a tech manual to navigate.

Whether you’re just trying to merge a few PDF files, sign a form, or make quick changes on the go, the right program should be simple, fast, and intuitive.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best PDF editors that prioritize clarity without sacrificing functionality. Perfect for students, professionals, or anyone tired of clunky software.

Icecream PDF Editor

  • Platform: Windows

Ideal for users who want a lightweight, best free PDF editor to manage routine tasks such as updating documents, reviewing forms, rearranging pages, and more, without learning advanced software.

Feature Overview

ToolDescription
Text & Object EditingModify existing PDF text, insert new boxes, and adjust layout with formatting tools.
AnnotationsHighlight passages, underline, strikethrough, or add comments, shapes, and stamps.
Page ManagementInsert, delete, rotate, or rearrange pages; merge documents or split into sections.
Form HandlingFill out both interactive and static forms; insert signatures by drawing on PDF, typing, or image.
Security OptionsApply passwords, restrict printing/editing, and control user permissions.
Tabbed InterfaceOpen and manage multiple PDF files within a single window, improving navigation.
Edit a PDF using Icecream PDF Editor

Pros:

  • PDF editor designed to minimize confusion and maximize efficiency.
  • Covers the essentials without overwhelming users with rarely-used features.

Cons:

  • No compatibility with macOS or mobile operating systems.

PDF-XChange Editor

  • Platform: Windows

PDF-XChange Editor is a versatile and powerful tool for those looking to manage and edit PDF files with precision. Whether you're working on detailed changes, adding annotations, or securing documents, this PDF software provides a broad range of features to suit both casual and professional needs.

Feature Overview

ToolDescription
ModificationsEdit PDF text, images, and other content with ease, using a variety of formatting options.
AnnotationsAdd highlights, underlines, comments, stamps, and shapes to enhance your PDFs.
Page ManagementCombine documents, rearrange pages, delete PDF pages, or rotate content efficiently.
Form HandlingFill out pre-existing forms, create new fields, and sign documents electronically.
Security FeaturesProtect your files with encryption, passwords, and restricted permissions to control changes and printing.
Advanced ToolsIncludes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to convert scanned images into editable text.
Edit a PDF using PDF-XChange Editor

Pros:

  • Comprehensive feature set including OCR and form creation tools.
  • A wide array of options for PDF annotation and editing, suited for detailed tasks.
  • Smooth performance, even with large projects or complex documents.

Cons:

  • The free version has limitations and places watermarks on exported files.

Foxit PDF Editor

Platform: Windows, macOS, Mobile (iOS, Android)

Foxit PDF Editor feature set is designed for both individual and team use. It offers a wide range of tools for editing PDFs, commenting, and collaboration. Ideal for anyone who requires fast, secure PDF handling.

Feature Overview

ToolDescription
Text & ObjectEasily edit and add text to PDF, images, and other content, adjusting format and layout.
AnnotationsHighlight, add sticky notes, shapes, or stamps to mark up.
Page ManagementMerge, reorder, split, or rotate pages within a file effortlessly.
Form HandlingFill in or design interactive forms, and add digital signatures.
Security FeaturesProtect sensitive documents with passwords, encryption, and permissions.
CollaborationShare files, track changes, and control access for teams.
Edit PDF for free using Foxit PDF Editor

Pros:

  • Comprehensive PDF editing and safety capabilities.
  • Smooth workflow for teams with cloud integration.
  • Cross-platform compatibility for both desktop and mobile devices.

Cons:

  • Some advanced features require a paid subscription.

Smallpdf

  • Platform: Web-based

Smallpdf provides an accessible online platform for editing PDFs, perfect for those who need quick tools for managing, converting, and compressing documents. Its easy-to-navigate design makes it ideal for non-technical users.

Feature Overview

ToolDescription
AnnotationsEdit PDF with highlights, comments, and shapes to make notes or suggestions.
Page ManagementMerge, split, rotate, or reorder pages with a few clicks.
Form HandlingFill out and submit forms, convert scanned ones into text.
Cloud IntegrationAccess and manage files from Google Drive or Dropbox.
File ConversionConvert to other formats, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Free online PDF editor by Smallpdf

Pros:

  • Simplified interface that’s easy for beginners.
  • Quick file conversion and PDF editing tools.
  • Cloud access for convenience and file storage.

Cons:

  • Free users are restricted by daily limits.

Wondershare PDFelement

  • Platform: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Wondershare PDFelement offers a full suite of tools, ideal for those who need more than basic PDF editing. It’s especially helpful for professionals who require powerful features like batch processing and advanced form handling.

Feature Overview

ToolDescription
ConversionChange PDFs into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other formats.
Batch ProcessingApply conversions or watermarking to multiple files at once.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)Extract text from scanned documents and images.
Form CreationMake fillable forms or edit existing ones with ease.
AnnotationAdd sticky notes, highlight text, and draw on PDFs to mark them up.
Edit PDF for free using Wondershare PDFelement

Pros:

  • Versatile editing, PDF creation, and conversion tools.
  • Efficient batch processing for bulk document work.
  • PDF editor with clean and intuitive interface.

Cons:

  • Many features are behind a paywall.
  • Some users may need time to fully grasp the more advanced capabilities.

Nitro PDF Pro

  • Platform: Windows, macOS

Nitro PDF Pro is designed for people who need to handle more complex tasks such as reviewing, converting, and securing PDFs. It's ideal for teams and professionals who need to streamline workflows while maintaining document integrity.

Feature Overview

ToolDescription
PDF EditingChange text, images, and objects easily with a drag-and-drop option.
Document ComparisonCompare two PDFs and automatically highlight the differences.
SignaturesApprove documents with a secure, legally binding digital signature.
Forms ManagementCreate, edit, and fill out PDF forms directly within the page.
Batch ProcessingConvert multiple files to and from PDF in one go.
Edit PDF using Nitro PDF Pro

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface with robust tools.
  • Efficient document comparison features for legal and business work.
  • Secure digital signatures and PDF form filling.

Cons:

  • Full version requires purchase.
  • Some features may be overkill for casual users.

PDF Candy

  • Platform: Web-based

PDF Candy offers a no-fuss solution for basic needs. It’s perfect if you want quick and easy access to PDF editing tools without installing software.

Feature Overview

ToolDescription
Basic InstrumentsEdit text in PDF, add shapes, and insert images directly.
ConversionChange format to Word, JPG, or Excel in seconds.
Merging & SplittingCombine PDFs to a single file or split them into smaller sections.
CompressionReduce the document size without sacrificing quality.
Best online PDF editor by PDF Candy

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use interface for basic tasks.
  • Free version of online PDF editor available with solid features.

Cons:

  • The desktop version is currently available only for Windows.

PDFsam Basic

  • Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

PDFsam Basic is an open-source, free PDF editor focused on simple operations such as merging, splitting, and rotating documents. It’s ideal for users who need a lightweight tool for simple file manipulation.

Feature Overview

ToolDescription
MergingCombine multiple PDFs into one with ease.
SplittingSplit large PDF documents into smaller files based on pages or bookmarks.
Page RotationRotate individual pages to adjust orientation.
ExtractionPull specific pages from a PDF for further sharing.
Open-SourceCompletely free and customizable for personal or business use.
Edit PDF using PDFsam Basic

Pros:

  • No cost and open-source PDF editor.
  • Simple for basic tasks like merging and splitting.
  • Lightweight and free of unnecessary features.

Cons:

  • Lacks advanced editing features like form creation or OCR.
  • Interface can be too simple for some people.

Tips to edit PDF files efficiently

Managing documents smoothly requires a blend of good tools and practical strategies. Below are some handy advice that can help streamline your workflow.

1. Master Shortcuts

Using keyboard shortcuts can speed up your PDF editing tasks significantly. Here are some common ones to keep in mind:

ActionWindowsMac
Open PDFCtrl + OCommand + O
Close PDFCtrl + WCommand + W
Save PDFCtrl + SCommand + S
Undo ActionCtrl + ZCommand + Z
Redo ActionCtrl + YCommand + Shift + Z
Zoom InCtrl + +Command + +
Zoom OutCtrl + -Command + -
Select AllCtrl + ACommand + A
Search in DocumentCtrl + FCommand + F

2. Compress Before Sharing

Large PDF files can be difficult to send, especially when you're emailing them or uploading them to cloud services. Compression reduces the size while maintaining most of the content's quality.

3. Storing Safely

Once you've finished editing your PDFs, it's important to save them correctly, especially if they contain sensitive information. Here are a few ways to keep your files secure:

  • Cloud: Upload to services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. These often provide additional encryption.
  • Password: Add a code to your PDFs, ensuring that only authorized users can access them.
  • Backup: Make regular copies of important documents, especially if they are tied to ongoing projects or confidential information.

A simple external hard drive or a dedicated cloud service can make all the difference.

Conclusion

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to work efficiently with PDFs.

The programs we’ve highlighted are designed for simplicity, whether you’re operating at home, in the office, or on the move. From free options to more robust tools with trial periods, there’s an easy PDF editor for every need and budget.

Choose one that fits your workflow and experience the difference stress-free editing can make.

Tamal Das

Expert Tech Writer

Tamal is a tech writer at Icecream Apps. After completing his MS in Science, he joined reputed IT consultancy companies to acquire hands-on knowledge of IT technologies. Now, he’s a professional content writer of B2B and B2C software products and also a meticulous software reviewer whose reviews on applications and web apps have been published in reputed technology websites. He has already been published on such reputable sites like MakeUseOf, Geekflare, AddictiveTips. When he’s not writing, he researches the internet and technology journals to stay updated about the latest happenings in the SaaS industry.
5 min read
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