PDFs have become the document type of choice at high schools and universities around the world. PDFs are the most versatile file type around and are made to ensure consistency when opened by any type of device. However, the downside of PDF functionality is that they require a third-party editing tool to make effective and clean changes to a particular document.

The good news is that there is a wealth of free PDF editors out there that make editing PDF files a snap. We sifted through dozens of potential contenders to compile our definitive list of the 4 Best Free PDF Editors for 2021. If you’re looking for an intuitive and easy-to-use PDF editor that won’t cost you a dime, these are the best of the best.

1) SmallPDF

This lightweight free PDF editor attaches to any currently-supported browser across macOS, Windows, and Linus operating systems. It’s one of the simplest PDF editing experiences we’ve ever had, despite the impressive number of features and tools you can use.

One of its really cool features is the PDF to Word conversion editor that allows you to make more detailed textual changes in your document once it’s converted to Word format.

2) Apowersoft Online PDF Editor

This powerful free PDF editor works in any modern browser you can think of, regardless of whether you’re using Windows, Linus, or macOS. The PDF editor functions as a browser add-on and opens up PDF files in a separate window for editing.

You can edit text pretty easily with this gem of a free PDF editor, especially if you get comfortable working with the program’s text box size and alignment settings. There are plenty more impressive editing tools to work with and all PDFs exported from the program are sans watermark. That’s huge.

3) PDFescape

Keeping with the theme, this is a fantastic browser-based free PDF editor that works across all operating systems with the help of an internet connection. There is a premium upgrade service available, but the wealth of features on the free side of things makes it unnecessary to upgrade unless you need to edit existing text.

PDFescape gives you the option to drag and click photos and media from your personal files and embed them into the PDF document. That’s a really cool add-on that opens up a lot of possibilities.

4) Sejda

Make it four for four as Sejda also is a browser add-on free PDF editor that works across Linus, macOS, and Windows operating systems. The sheer amount of editing tools is utterly impressive and will come in major handy when making tweaks to your documents.

The cloud storage function has a great layer of added security to it as files uploaded to the server are automatically deleted after five hours of inaction. That added boost of privacy was enough for us to slide Sejda in over several other potential free PDF editor options.

Closing Thoughts

PDFs are the present and the future of cross-platform document files. If you’re a college student, you’re likely going to be required to submit many of your assignments as PDFs. With that being said, a powerful free PDF editor is going to be your best friend when making last-minute changes to your work. Download one of the 4 editors above as soon as you can and you’ll be in fantastic shape going forward.