The Ultimate All-in-One PDF Editor
Edit, OCR, and Work Smarter.
The Ultimate All-in-One PDF Editor
Edit, OCR, and Work Smarter.
8 Best Open Source PDF Editor & Reader - Adobe Acrobat Alternative
I'm looking for an open-source PDF editor, but most solutions I find are paid. Any Adobe Acrobat alternatives?
Editing PDFs used to be a hassle, you’d have to recreate files in Word, make edits, and save them again. Thankfully, open source PDF editor have changed the game. They let you edit text, forms, and even convert PDFs into .docx, .xlsx, and .txt formats with ease.
While Adobe Acrobat is widely used, it’s a paid solution. After testing many tools and asking colleagues for their favorites, here’s a carefully curated list of the 7 best open source PDF editor you can trust.
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Part 1. What to Consider When Choosing an Open-source PDF Editor
When selecting an open-source PDF editor, consider these key factors:
- Features: Text and image editing, form creation, OCR, annotations.
- Platform Compatibility: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile devices.
- Community Support & Updates: Active forums, frequent updates, and troubleshooting resources.
- Security & Trustworthiness: Download from official sources and verified developers.
- Usability & Reliability: Easy to use for your workflow and professionally maintained.
Part 2. Comparison Table of All Open Source PDF Editors
Please swipe to view
Open Source PDF Editor
Best For Functions
Supported Systems
PDF/PostScript processing, printing, conversion
Windows, macOS, Unix/Linux, VMS, embedded
Note:
For users who want a hassle-free PDF editing experience without worrying about font issues or complex setups, Tenorshare PDNob offers a full-featured solution. Its free trial has no expiration, and the free functions are enough for most editing tasks. Whether you need to modify text, images, annotate, or manage pages, PDNob combines the power of professional PDF software with ease of use.
Part 3. 8 Best Open Source PDF Editors for Windows/Mac/Linux
1. LibreOffice Draw
LibreOffice Draw is a versatile opensource PDF editor that is part of the LibreOffice suite. It allows users to edit PDF open source easily, offering tools to manipulate text, images, and vector graphics.
With Draw, you can create anything from simple sketches to complex technical diagrams, brochures, or posters. It supports exporting your work in multiple formats, including PDF, ensuring professional-looking, well-structured documents.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Core Features:
- Edit text and images directly in PDF files
- Create and fill interactive forms
- Vector graphics editing (shapes, diagrams, 3D objects)
- Page management: merge, split, rotate, reorder
- Export PDFs and other formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)
- Annotation tools: comments, highlights, and stamps
- Supports large page sizes (up to 300cm × 300cm)
- Extensible with add-ons and templates
User Experience: LibreOffice Draw has a clean interface with extensive customization options. Its strong community support and regular updates make it one of the best open source PDF editors for both beginners and advanced users.
2. Inkscape
Inkscape is primarily a vector graphics editor, but it also functions as a powerful free open source PDF editor. It allows you to edit PDF open source by importing PDF files and modifying text, shapes, and images.
Inkscape is ideal for designers, illustrators, and anyone needing precise control over PDF content with high-quality graphic editing. Its wide file compatibility makes it easy to work with various document types.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Core Features:
- Import and edit PDFs with full vector support
- Advanced vector drawing tools (Bezier curves, spiro curves)
- Text editing with font and style control
- Shape, image, and path manipulation
- Export to PDF, SVG, PNG, and other formats
- Supports layers and object grouping
- Annotations and graphic design capabilities
- Strong file format compatibility (Affinity Designer, Vectornator, EPS, AI)
User Experience: Inkscape provides a flexible interface with powerful tools for both creative and technical PDF editing. Its active community and continuous updates make it a reliable open source PDF editor for professionals and hobbyists alike.
3. PDFedit
PDFedit is a dedicated open source PDF editor designed to edit PDF open source on multiple platforms. It provides a GUI for PDF manipulation along with a library and command-line tools.
PDFedit is especially suitable for users familiar with scripting, as it allows automation of tasks and extensive customization of PDF editing workflows. The editor is lightweight and supports essential PDF operations like text editing, metadata modification, and page rearrangement.
Supported Platforms: Windows, Linux, Unix, Windows CE
Core Features:
- Edit PDF text, images, and metadata
- Command-line tools for automation and batch processing
- GUI editor with scripting and plugin support
- PDF manipulation library for developers
- Page management: insert, delete, reorder pages
- Extract and modify PDF content programmatically
- Lightweight and fast on multiple platforms
- Open-source under GNU GPL v2
User Experience: PDFedit offers a functional interface for users who prefer technical control over PDFs. While it may have a steeper learning curve than graphical editors, it is highly versatile and one of the top open source PDF editor Windows options for developers and advanced users.
4. Stirling PDF
Stirling PDF is a modern open source PDF editor online that allows users to edit PDF open source directly in their browser or via self-hosting. It is designed for developers, businesses, and privacy-conscious users who want complete control over their documents.
Unlike traditional desktop editors, Stirling PDF offers an online interface, giving users the flexibility to manage PDFs from anywhere while keeping data secure. Its open-source nature ensures full transparency and allows anyone to inspect or modify the code.
Supported Platforms: Web-based (runs in any modern browser), Docker for self-hosting
Core Features:
- Edit text, images, and form fields in PDFs
- Merge, split, and rearrange PDF pages
- Annotation tools: highlights, comments, and stamps
- Export PDFs and images in multiple formats
- Self-hosting option for maximum data control
- Inspectable open-source code for security
- Active development with frequent updates and bug fixes
User Experience: Stirling PDF provides a clean, intuitive interface that works online or self-hosted. Its performance is smooth even with large documents, and the software’s GitHub community ensures strong support and continuous improvements.
Users appreciate its combination of professional PDF editing tools with the flexibility of a web-based platform.
5. PDFsam Basic
PDFsam Basic is a free, multi-platform tool designed to open source modify PDF files and is widely regarded as one of the best open source PDF editor free download options. It focuses on essential PDF tasks such as splitting, merging, rotating, and extracting pages.
With all operations running locally on your computer, PDFsam Basic ensures that your documents remain private, making it ideal for both personal and professional use.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (32-bit and 64-bit), portable versions available, command-line interface
Core Features:
- Split and merge PDFs efficiently
- Rotate pages or remove sections from PDF files
- Mix and reorder PDF pages
- Extract, insert, or create bookmarks and tables of contents
- Merge AcroForms and handle PDF metadata
- Automate multi-step workflows (pipeline actions)
- Fully offline operation to ensure document privacy
User Experience: PDFsam Basic is simple to use, with a clear interface for both beginners and advanced users. The software performs reliably even on large PDFs, and frequent updates maintain security and compatibility. Its offline functionality and broad platform support make it a highly trusted free open source PDF editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
6. Xournal++
Xournal++ is a versatile edit PDF open source application that allows users to take handwritten notes, annotate PDFs, and create diagrams across platforms. It is an enhanced, modern rewrite of the original Xournal program, offering improved speed, flexibility, and functionality.
With Xournal++, users can draw freely using pressure-sensitive stylus support and customize their writing tools, making it ideal for students, educators, and professionals who want to open source modify PDF documents with ease.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, beta mobile version available
Core Features:
- Handwriting support with stylus and drawing tablets
- Layers for complex annotations and notes
- Highlighter, pen, and eraser tools customizable by user
- Insert images, shapes, and LaTeX formulas
- Record and embed audio in notes
- Page previews and organization tools
- Export to PDF for sharing or archiving
User Experience: Xournal++ delivers a smooth, responsive interface that mimics real handwriting on paper. Its layer management and annotation tools allow for detailed note-taking and PDF editing.
Users appreciate the flexibility, speed, and cross-platform support, making it a strong open source PDF editor for educational and professional use.
7. PDFtk-java (PDF Toolkit)
PDFtk-java is a command-line best open source PDF editor free download tool for manipulating PDFs efficiently. It is a Java port of the original PDF Toolkit, enabling users to split, merge, rotate, and fill PDF forms with ease.
Particularly popular among developers and power users, PDFtk-java offers scripting capabilities for automated PDF processing and remains a highly reliable open source PDF editor Windows option.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux; pre-built JARs and standalone binaries available
Core Features:
- Merge and split PDFs
- Rotate, stamp, and encrypt PDF files
- Fill PDF forms and replace fonts
- Command-line automation for batch processing
- Compatible with third-party GUIs like PDF Chain
- Supports integration into Java programs or scripts
User Experience: PDFtk-java is optimized for command-line usage, making it fast and efficient for bulk PDF operations. While not visually rich, its reliability, automation features, and cross-platform support make it an essential open source PDF editor for developers and advanced users who need precise PDF control.
8. Ghostscript
Ghostscript is a powerful, versatile best open source PDF editor and PostScript interpreter widely used for PDF processing, printing, and conversion.
Known for its high performance and small footprint, Ghostscript can handle raster and vector outputs, color management, and workflow automation. It is ideal for developers, printing professionals, and anyone looking for a robust open source PDF editor Windows solution.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Unix/Linux, VMS, and embedded systems
Core Features:
- PostScript and PDF interpretation
- Conversion between PDF, PCL, XPS, and raster formats
- Advanced color management and screening
- OCR support for converting scanned images to searchable PDFs
- PDF compression and optimization
- SDK integration and command-line automation
- Overprint simulation and output device emulation
User Experience: Ghostscript excels in high-performance PDF processing, making it suitable for enterprise-grade tasks like printing, PDF generation, and workflow automation.
Its command-line interface may require technical knowledge, but it provides unmatched flexibility and speed for professionals. Ghostscript is a reliable open source PDF editor for both Windows and other platforms.
FAQs of Open-source PDF Editor
1. Is there an open-source alternative to Adobe Acrobat?
Yes, there are several open-source alternatives to Adobe Acrobat, including LibreOffice Draw, Inkscape, and Stirling PDF. These tools let you edit, annotate, and manage PDFs without paid software.
2. What is the best free open-source PDF editor?
The best free open-source PDF editor depends on your needs. LibreOffice Draw is ideal for text and image editing, Inkscape for graphics-heavy PDFs, and Stirling PDF for OCR and batch processing.
3. Can I edit PDF text and images with open-source software?
Yes, tools like LibreOffice Draw, Inkscape, and PDFedit allow you to edit PDF text, replace images, and modify layouts directly.
4. Are open-source PDF editors safe to use?
Most open-source PDF editors are secure and privacy-friendly, as their source code is publicly available. Examples include LibreOffice Draw (GPLv3) and Stirling PDF.
5. Can I split, merge, or rearrange PDF pages with open-source tools?
Yes, PDFsam Basic, PDFtk-java, and GhostScript let you merge, split, and reorder PDF pages efficiently. Some tools also support batch processing.
6. Do open-source PDF editors support multiple platforms?
Most open-source editors support Windows, macOS, and Linux. Some, like Stirling PDF, can also be deployed on Docker or Linux servers.
7. Are open-source PDF editors free for commercial use?
Generally yes. Tools like LibreOffice Draw, Inkscape, PDFsam Basic are released under GPL/AGPL licenses, which allow free personal and commercial use. Always check each tool’s license terms.
8. Can open-source PDF editors handle scanned PDFs or OCR?
Yes, Stirling PDF supports OCR for scanned PDFs, while most others require text-based PDFs. Tools like GhostScript can help with low-level processing.
Conclusion:
Editing PDFs has never been easier with the right tools. The open source PDF editor options like LibreOffice Draw, PDFsam Basic, and Xournal++ let you edit, merge, and annotate PDFs for free across multiple platforms. For a smoother, feature-packed experience, Tenorshare PDNob comes highly recommended, combining power and simplicity for all your PDF needs.
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By Jenefey Aaron
2025-08-29 / PDF Editor