The 6 Best PDF (Portable Document Format) Editing Apps in 2025

A PDF (Portable Document Format) is a versatile file type that preserves formatting across devices, making it ideal for sharing contracts, reports, and forms. By 2025, editing PDFs is no longer a digital chore, but a seamless experience powered by AI. Whether you're a professional streamlining documents, a student annotating research, or signing forms on the go, the right PDF editor saves you time and hassle. After testing over 20 tools, we've selected the 6 best PDF editors dominating the market in 2025, offering unmatched features, intuitive design, and excellent value for money.

PDFs are universal, but they're no longer static. Modern editors let you edit text, images, and forms, convert files to Word or Excel, and collaborate in real time. Here's what defines a top-notch PDF editor today:

• AI-powered features: Tools that summarize, translate, and proofread PDFs, reducing the chaos of switching between applications.

• Advanced OCR: Optical character recognition that accurately converts scanned documents into editable text.

• Real-time collaboration: Cloud-based tools that allow teams to edit and comment without worrying about version control.

• Security: robust encryption, redaction, and e-signature options for sensitive documents.

![Infographic: The evolution of PDF editing, from basic text changes to AI-powered document management]

1. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC - The industry leader

Price: starting at $19.99/month

Adobe Acrobat remains the gold standard for power and sophistication. It's kind of the Swiss Army knife of PDFs: versatile and reliable for complex workflows.

• Notable features: Full editing, e-signature integration, and AI assistant for document summarization and Q&A.

• Why it stands out: A redesigned interface simplifies navigation, and cloud sync supports multi-device workflows.

• Best for: Legal teams, businesses, and power users who need every tool imaginable.

• Downside: The subscription cost may seem high for occasional users.

2. PDFelement by Wondershare — The affordable all-rounder

Price: Starting at $79.99/year

PDFelement offers professional-grade features at a very affordable price, making it ideal for individuals and small teams.

• Notable features: AI-powered editing, translation, and proofreading via a ChatGPT-driven sidebar.

• Why it stands out: Intuitive, word processor-like interface and affordable price.

• Best for: Freelancers, students, and small businesses looking for good value without sacrificing features.

• Downside: Advanced AI features require an additional subscription.

3. Foxit PDF Editor - The king of collaboration

Price: Starting at $129.99/year

Foxit stands out for teams with its innovative text editing and collaboration tools, making it a favorite among businesses.

• Notable features: Text editor with paragraph linking for seamless editing and ConnectedPDF for real-time collaboration across teams.

• Why it stands out: AI-assisted writing and 150 GB of cloud storage enhance security and scalability.

• Best for: Businesses that prioritize teamwork and advanced text manipulation.

• Downside: Longer learning curve for users unfamiliar with the technology.

4. PDF Expert - The jewel of the Apple ecosystem

Price: Lifetime license for $139.99

PDF Expert is a sleek, Apple-exclusive editor that integrates seamlessly with macOS and iOS.

• Notable features: Clean interface, OCR, and lifetime license for unlimited use.

• Why it excels: Designed for the Apple ecosystem, it's intuitive and visually stunning.

• Best for: Mac, iPad, and iPhone users who value design and simplicity.

• Cons: Doesn't support Windows or Android.

5. UPDF - The AI pioneer

Price: starting at $35.99/year

UPDF combines affordability with cutting-edge AI, making it a rising star for budget-conscious users.

• Notable features: AI-powered summarization, translation, and OCR for editing scanned documents.

• Why it stands out: Lightweight and cross-platform, it offers robust features at an affordable price.

• Best for: Individuals and teams who need AI tools on a budget.

• Downside: Fewer professional features than Adobe or Foxit.

6. PDF24 Creator - Free power

Price: 100% free

PDF24 Creator proves that you don't have to spend a dime to get a robust PDF editing tool, especially for basic needs.

• Notable features: Comprehensive editing, OCR, and conversion tools with no hidden fees.

• Why it stands out: Windows software with an online version for multi-device access.

• Best for: Budget-conscious users and small businesses with occasional PDF needs.

• Cons: Lack of advanced AI and collaboration features.

AI revolution

AI is no longer just a gimmick. Editors such as UPDF and PDFelement use AI to summarize documents, translate text, and even answer questions about your files, streamlining search and editing.

OCR breakthroughs

By 2025, AI-powered OCR will be a game-changer, offering near-perfect accuracy for scanned documents. Adobe and Foxit are leading the way, easily turning handwritten notes into editable text.

Accelerated collaboration

Cloud-based collaboration, as seen in Foxit's ConnectedPDF and Adobe's Document Cloud, allows teams to edit documents in real time, reducing version conflicts and increasing productivity.

Mobile editing

PDF Expert and Adobe's mobile apps let you add annotations and make minor edits on the go, syncing seamlessly with desktop versions.

Feature

Free options (e.g., PDF24)

Paid options (e.g., Adobe)

Best value

Free editors such as PDF24 are great for occasional use, but paid options offer superior OCR, AI, and collaboration features for professionals.

Sensitive data requires robust security. Look for:

• Password protection and redaction: Foxit and Adobe excel at securing and redacting content.

• Electronic signatures: Adobe and PDFelement offer legally binding signatures.

• Cloud encryption: Ensures secure storage and sharing.

• Windows: PDF24 Creator, EaseUS PDF Editor

• Mac: PDF Expert, Apple Preview (built-in)

• Multi-platform: Adobe Acrobat, PDFelement, Foxit

Pro tip: Check built-in tools first — Mac's Preview is surprisingly powerful for basic edits.

1. Decisions based solely on price: Cheap tools often waste time with clunky interfaces.

2. Ignoring file size limits: Free editors are often limited to 50 MB, which is problematic for large files.

3. Neglecting collaboration testing: Make sure team features save changes in real time.

4. Neglecting mobile devices: Choose editors with robust mobile apps or cloud access.

AI is set to dominate the market, with intelligent data extraction and automated formatting on the horizon. The PDF editor market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 11.5% to reach $4.1 billion by 2032, driven by demand for efficient workflows.

• Occasional users: PDF24 Creator or built-in tools such as Apple Preview.

• Professionals: PDFelement for its affordable price and AI.

• Enterprises: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC for its unmatched features.

• Apple users: PDF Expert for seamless integration.

• Low-budget AI needs: UPDF for highly affordable AI tools.

• Team collaboration: Foxit for real-time editing.

Choose based on your needs: all PDF editors read and edit any PDF, so let ease of use and features guide your decision.

In 2025, PDF editing has become a seamless and intuitive experience, powered by AI, real-time collaboration, and enhanced security. Whether you're a professional optimizing workflows, a student annotating research, or a casual user signing forms, the six PDF editors we've featured—Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, PDFelement, Foxit PDF Editor, PDF Expert, UPDF, and PDF24 Creator—offer solutions for every need and budget. Advanced features such as accurate OCR, revolutionary AI tools, and cloud-based collaboration options transform PDFs into dynamic, universal tools.

Choose the editor that fits your priorities, avoid common pitfalls such as free tool limitations, and dive into the document revolution. Make 2025 the year you master PDFs with power and simplicity!

What is the difference between a PDF reader and a PDF editor?

Readers (e.g., Adobe Reader) allow you to view and annotate files, while editors (e.g., PDFelement) allow you to edit text and images.

Can I edit PDFs for free?

Yes, PDF24 Creator offers free and robust editing features, but with limitations on AI and collaboration.

Is OCR reliable in 2025?

AI-based OCR is very accurate, especially in Adobe and Foxit, for scanned and handwritten documents.

Are cloud-based editors secure?

Reputable editors (e.g., Adobe, Foxit) use encryption and redaction, but avoid lesser-known free online tools.

Best for collaboration?

Foxit's ConnectedPDF and Adobe's Document Cloud are leaders in real-time team editing.

Subscription or one-time purchase?

Subscriptions (Adobe, Foxit) guarantee updates; lifetime licenses (PDF Expert) may become obsolete but are cost-effective at purchase.