Windows has two free ways to edit a PDF without extra software. Microsoft Edge adds highlights, drawings, comments and basic forms. Word converts a duplicate of the file into editable text. PDF24 Tools, LibreOffice Draw and Xodo handle merging, splitting and heavier edits. Choose by task and back up the original first.
You need to fix a typo, sign a form or merge two files. Most search results lead to tools that stamp a logo on your file or hide the save button behind a paywall.
This guide starts with the editors already on your PC. It then adds three free tools for jobs that Edge and Word can't do.
What is the Best Free PDF Editor for Windows?
It depends on the task. Edge handles notes, highlights and forms. Word handles text edits. Dedicated tools handle merging, splitting and layout changes.
| Tool | Best For | Free Limit | Where It Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Edge | Highlights, drawings, comments and basic forms | No editing of existing text | Built into Windows 10 and 11 |
| Microsoft Word | Changing the text of a PDF | Layout can shift after conversion | Needs Word installed |
| PDF24 Tools | Merging, splitting and converting | Web tools upload files to PDF24 servers | Browser or Windows desktop app |
| LibreOffice Draw | Editing page layout and objects | Complex pages can shift | Windows desktop app |
| Xodo | Annotating, filling and signing | Web version shows a daily free use limit | Browser or Windows desktop app |
What can Microsoft Edge Edit in a PDF?
Microsoft Edge opens PDF files in a built in viewer. Microsoft documents highlighting, drawing, comments on selected text, basic form filling, printing and Read Aloud. See Microsoft documentation for the PDF reader in Edge.
- Highlight text. Select the text and choose a highlight color from the menu.
- Draw on the page. Ink notes with a mouse, pen or finger and adjust the color and stroke width.
- Add a comment. Attach a text note to selected text and a comment icon appears.
- Fill a form. Basic forms work. Forms built with JavaScript or XFA don't work.
Microsoft lists no signing tool for Edge. You can sign by drawing your signature with the ink tool. Edge does not edit the existing text of a PDF.
How do You Edit PDF Text in Word?
Word opens a PDF by converting a duplicate into an editable document. Microsoft says your original file remains unchanged. See Microsoft guide to editing a PDF in Word.
- Select File then Open and choose the PDF.
- Select OK when Word warns that it will convert the file.
- Edit the text.
- Select Save As and save the result as a Word document or a PDF.
Microsoft states that the result works best for PDFs that are mostly text. Lines and pages can break in different places than in the original.
Is PDF24 Tools Free for Merging and Splitting?
PDF24 Tools is a free collection of PDF tools for merging, splitting, compressing and converting files. Its website states that you need no registration or installation for the web tools.
Web tools upload your file to PDF24 servers. PDF24 states that transfers are encrypted and files are deleted after a short time. PDF24 Creator is the Windows desktop version and processes files on your PC.
When should You Use LibreOffice Draw?
LibreOffice is free and open source office software. Draw is its drawing and page layout application. Draw opens a PDF so that you can edit text and objects on a page.
Expect some layout shifts on pages with many fonts or columns. Check every page after you export the result to PDF.
What is Xodo Good for?
Xodo Web is a browser based tool for annotating, filling, signing and converting PDFs. Xodo PDF Studio is a desktop editor for Windows.
Xodo's website shows a daily free use limit and a trial offer. Test one file before you plan a larger job.
How do You Choose a Free PDF Editor?
- Mark up a file. Use Edge for highlights, drawings and comments.
- Edit text. Use Word or LibreOffice Draw and check the layout afterward.
- Merge or split. Use PDF24 Tools and prefer the desktop app for private files.
- Sign a form. Draw your signature in Edge or test Xodo with one file first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Free PDF Editor for Windows?
It depends on the task. Microsoft Edge marks up PDFs for free with highlights, drawings and comments. Word edits text. PDF24 Tools merges and splits files.
Can Microsoft Edge Edit a PDF?
Partly. Edge highlights text, draws on a page, adds comments to selected text and fills basic forms. Edge does not edit the existing text of a PDF.
Can I Sign a PDF for Free on Windows?
Yes. Draw your signature with the ink tool in Microsoft Edge. Xodo also lists a sign tool for PDFs.
Can Word Open a PDF?
Yes. Select File then Open and choose the PDF. Word converts a duplicate into an editable document and the original remains unchanged.
Is PDF24 Tools Safe for Private Files?
Web tools upload your file to PDF24 servers. PDF24 states that files are deleted after a short time. Use the PDF24 Creator desktop app for private files so they remain on your PC.
Why does My PDF Look Different After Editing?
Word and LibreOffice Draw rebuild the page from the PDF so lines and pages can break in different places. Check every page and duplicate the original first.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft Edge marks up PDFs with highlights, drawings and comments but does not edit existing text.
- Word converts a duplicate of a PDF into an editable document and works best with mostly text files.
- PDF24 Tools merges and splits PDFs and its desktop app processes files on your PC.
- LibreOffice Draw and Xodo handle heavier layout edits and annotation.
- Back up the original PDF before every edit.
Sources and References
This guide draws on Microsoft documentation. PDF24, LibreOffice and Xodo details come from their official sites.
- PDF Reader in Microsoft Edge (Microsoft Learn) learn.microsoft.com
- Edit a PDF (Microsoft Support) support.microsoft.com