- Abi Djanogly
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
Wixel sets the standard for what a great PDF editor should be, letting you edit text, manage pages, add signatures and create fillable forms without slowing you down or forcing you to jump between tools.
Finding the best PDF editors today can feel overwhelming. Between expensive subscriptions, bloated interfaces and tools that only handle half the job, it’s hard to know which editor is actually worth your time.
This guide breaks down the 10 best PDF editors available right now, from all-in-one platforms to fast, browser-based solutions. Whether you’re updating a downloadable guide, signing contracts or managing business documents, there’s a PDF editor here that fits your workflow.
Wixel is a PDF editor that lets you edit text, add annotations and insert signatures without switching tools. Wixel also includes a PDF converter that turns Word, JPG, and other file types into PDFs in seconds, plus a PDF merger that combines multiple files into one clean, shareable document.
TL;DR: best PDF editors at a glance
We've rounded up a mix of heavy-duty software and quick online fixes. Check out this snapshot to find the one that matches your needs.
Name | Key feature | Best for |
Wixel PDF editor | Built-in website & document management | Website owners, small businesses |
Foxit | Secure collaboration tools | Teams & enterprises |
PDF Expert | Fast, native Apple experience | Mac & iOS users |
Sejda | Simple, task-based editing | Occasional users |
PDFescape | Quick browser-based edits | One-off, basic tasks |
DocFly | Cloud document management | Remote teams |
PDFelement | Advanced features at lower cost | Budget-conscious businesses |
Xodo | Real-time annotation & syncing | Collaboration & review |
Soda PDF | Full editing with OCR | Growing businesses |
PDF Buddy | Online PDF editing and signatures | Quick edits |
Looking for more editing software as you build your new website? Check out all the tools available with the Wix website builder.
What is a PDF editor?
A PDF editor is software that allows you to modify PDF files instead of just viewing them. With a PDF editor, you can edit text and images, rearrange pages, add digital signatures, create fillable forms and convert files to and from other formats.
Because PDFs were originally designed to be read-only, editing them requires specialized tools, making the choice of PDF editor especially important.
Discover more: everything you need to know about PDF files.
10 best PDF editor examples
Ready to take control of your documents? Here are the top tools that make editing PDFs easy and efficient.
01. Wixel
Wixel combines PDF editing with seamless web-based document management. Instead of treating PDFs as standalone files, Wixel lets you create, edit update and publish documents directly in a single workflow, which is ideal for businesses that rely on downloadable content.
You can quickly fix text, update pricing, replace visuals and keep documents aligned with your website content without exporting files between platforms.
The Wixel platform also offers a PDF converter to turn images into PDFs so they’re compressed, shareable and uneditable.
Why it works: Wixel removes friction: everything lives in one place, which means fewer tools, fewer errors and faster updates, especially for website owners and growing businesses.
Pricing: Wixel pricing ranges from a free plan to paid plans starting at $9/month (billed annually).
Learn more: how to make a PDF.
02. Foxit
Foxit is an enterprise-ready PDF editor known for its speed and security. It offers advanced editing tools, strong encryption and collaborative features that let teams review and manage documents together.
Why it works: It’s built for professional environments where document control, permissions and compliance matter.
Pricing: Free Foxit PDF editor and advance features with Foxit PDF Editor+ ($159.99 per year).
Learn more: how to combine a PDF easily.
03. PDF Expert
Designed exclusively for Apple devices, PDF Expert delivers a smooth, native experience on Mac and iOS. It’s fast and lightweight, making it great and for annotation, editing and reading large documents.
Why it works: It feels like part of macOS, not a third-party add-on, perfect for Apple-first users.
Pricing: Paid yearly plan ($79.99) or Lifetime plan ($139.99 one-time payment).
Learn more: how to make a PDF fillable.
04. Sejda
Sejda is ideal for quick, no-friction PDF edits. Its task-based interface lets you jump straight into editing, merging or compressing without navigating complex menus.
Why it works: Simple, fast and powerful for occasional editing needs.
Pricing: Weekly ($5 one-time payment), Monthly ($7.50 per month) or Yearly ($63 per year) payment options.
Learn more: how to compress a PDF without losing quality.
05. PDFescape
PDFescape is a lightweight, browser-based PDF editor designed for fast, simple edits. It allows users to add text, annotations, form fields and basic shapes without installing software.
Why it works: It’s ideal for quick fixes. If you need to tweak a PDF, fill out a form or add notes without committing to a full-featured platform, PDFescape gets the job done with minimal friction.
Pricing: Free, Premium ($2.99/month) and Ultimate ($5.99/month) plans available.
Learn more: how to split a PDF.
06. DocFly
DocFly combines PDF editing with cloud storage, making it useful for users who want to organize and manage documents online. It also includes form creation tools.
Why it works: It doubles as both an editor and a lightweight document hub.
Pricing: Free plan available, plus DocFly Pro Monthly ($7.99 per month) and DocFly Pro Annual ($3.99 per month).
Learn more: how to make a PDF editable.
07. PDFelement
PDFelement offers advanced features like OCR, form automation and data extraction for both Mac and Windows. Its interface is modern and beginner-friendly.
Why it works: Strong features, adaptable for both Windows and Mac.
Pricing: For Windows, 1 or multiple PC options, starting at $77.49 per year, or $119.99 for Lifetime plan. For Mac OS X, 1 or multiple Mac options, starting at $72.49 per year, or $112.99 for Lifetime.
08. Xodo
Xodo stands out for real-time collaboration. Multiple users can annotate and edit PDFs simultaneously, making it great for distributed teams.
Why it works: Built for teamwork and cross-device editing.
Pricing: Web - Online ($9.99/month, PDF Studio - Desktop ($9.99) and Document Suite - All-in-one ($14.99/month) pricing plans available.
09. Soda PDF
Soda PDF is a versatile PDF editor available both online and as desktop software. It covers everything from text and image editing to OCR, form creation and secure file sharing.
Why it works: Soda PDF's flexibility allows you to switch between cloud-based editing and offline work, making it a solid option for businesses that need both convenience and control.
Pricing: Standard, Pro and Business plans available, all as either monthly or yearly options (check platform for current pricing).
10. PDF Buddy
PDF Buddy is a browser-based PDF editor that lets you edit text, fill forms and add signatures without installing software. It works entirely online, so you can manage documents from any device.
Why it works: Its simplicity and accessibility make quick edits easy for anyone, without the need for complicated tools.
Pricing: Free or Pro ($7.99/month) plans available, as well as pay-as-you-go credits.
How to create editable PDFs
Turning a static PDF into an editable document is easier than you might think. Follow these four simple steps to unlock and update your files.
01. Choose your editing tool
Start by selecting a PDF editor that supports full text and form editing. Look for features like OCR (Optical Character Recognition) if you’re working with scanned documents, as this will convert images of text into editable content. Tools like Wixel and other modern PDF editors handle this automatically.
Turn your images into a PDF file using these PDF converter tools from Wixel:
02. Upload and analyze your PDF
Upload your PDF to the editor. The software will scan the file structure to determine whether it’s text-based or image-based. If the PDF is scanned, the editor will analyze the content and prepare it for OCR so text, images and layouts can be edited accurately.
03. Enable editing features
Once the file is processed, activate the editing tools. This may include text editing, image replacement, page reordering or form field creation. For scanned PDFs, enable OCR to unlock the text layer and make individual words and sections selectable.
04. Make your changes and save
Edit your text, adjust formatting, add fields or annotations, then save the updated file. Most editors let you export the PDF with changes preserved or download a new version, ensuring it’s ready to share, sign or publish. Finally, open the PDF in a browser to ensure everything works correctly.
You may also be interested in how to combine PDFs.
Please note: All information in this article is correct as of 20th January, 2026.
Best PDF editors FAQ
Can I edit a PDF for free?
Yes. Some PDF editor tools offer free versions, but they usually include limits on file size, daily tasks or advanced features.
Why can't I edit text in my PDF?
The PDF is likely a scanned image. You’ll need an editor with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to convert it into editable text.
Are online PDF editors safe?
Most reputable tools use encryption and automatically delete files after a short time. For highly sensitive documents, offline editors provide extra control.
