10 Best Free PDF Editors for Mac: Our Top Recommendations 2025

Find the Right PDF Editor for Mac in Just 1 Minute

Whether you are a student, a professional, or an enterprise user, the most important factors when choosing a PDF editor are price, features, ease of use, and security. The quick decision table below will help you pinpoint the tool that best fits your needs in just one minute.

✅ How to Select Your Best Mac PDF Editor? My Summary

• For lightweight office work and occasional use: The built-in Preview app on Mac is fast and efficient and free, fully capable of handling basic viewing and annotation tasks.
• If you are on a budget but still want an all-in-one PDF solution: We highly recommend Tenorshare PDNob. With a one-time purchase option and no subscription concerns, it excels in core functions such as text editing, form handling, and document security - making it a cost-effective and efficient choice for individuals and professionals.
• For professionals or enterprise users who need advanced features: Adobe Acrobat and Foxit PDF Editor remain the most reliable choices in the industry, thanks to their strong security and advanced collaboration tools.
• For users prioritizing convenience over security: Online PDF tools like Smallpdf are installation-free and perfect for quick one-off tasks such as merging or converting files.

Part 1: 6 Best PDF Editor for Mac（Desktop）

1. Mac Preview Review - Best Free PDF Editor for Mac

If you have used a Mac, you probably know, like me, that the first time you double-click a PDF file, it automatically opens in Preview. It is a free app built into macOS, and it launches extremely quickly - basically ready to use immediately, which is much faster than many third-party Mac PDF editors.

In my daily work, I often use Preview to sign contracts or annotate papers. For example, when I receive a PDF contract, I can insert a handwritten signature with just a few clicks, without needing to download any extra plugins or software. For students and professionals, this “ready-to-go” experience is very convenient.

However, when I want to edit PDF text on Mac, I immediately hit a limitation: Preview does not support text editing. For scanned documents, it also lacks OCR functionality and cannot recognize text from images. At this point, to process PDFs in depth, you need professional tools like Tenorshare PDNob PDF Editor or Adobe Acrobat.

In terms of security, Preview gives me a very good impression. It allows you to encrypt PDFs with a password without needing an internet connection, which is reassuring for handling sensitive documents. Compared to some online PDF editors that upload files to third-party servers, this keeps your privacy safer.

💡 My Experience Summary

• Price: Completely free, included with macOS.
• Learning Curve: Zero barrier, ready to use out of the box. No complex menus, Mac users barely need to learn anything.
• Performance: Launches and operates very quickly, almost no lag.
• Basic Features: Annotation, signature, page reordering, and encryption all work well.
• Limitations: Cannot edit text, lacks OCR, no team collaboration features.
• Future Ecosystem: From 2025, Preview will extend to iOS 26 / iPadOS 26, meaning it will work not only on Mac but also on iPhone and iPad, with smoother cross-device sync. Annotation and signature features will be available anytime, anywhere.

Who is Mac Preview for?

• Students/Teachers: Annotate textbooks or papers directly. Preview allows quick addition of text boxes, highlights, circles, and lines on PDFs, simple and intuitive. No extra software is needed; just open the document and start annotating - perfect for class or home study.
• Budget-conscious users needing only basic operations: Preview is free and included with macOS, letting you perform daily PDF tasks at no cost. If you don't need advanced text editing, OCR, or team collaboration, this tool offers excellent value.

Who Might Not Need Mac Preview?

• Users who need to edit PDF text on Mac: Preview cannot directly modify existing text; it can only add annotations. If you need real text editing, such as updating contract clauses, paper content, or report data, a professional Mac PDF editor is required.
• Users dealing with scanned PDFs or requiring OCR: Preview lacks OCR, so it cannot recognize text in scanned documents or convert scanned PDFs into editable text.
• Team collaboration or enterprise users: Preview does not support simultaneous annotations, real-time document sharing, or batch processing.

⭐ My Conclusion

Preview is the best free PDF editor for mac. It is like a free "Swiss Army knife": not professional, but extremely handy when you need it. It can cover about 70% of daily PDF tasks. If you only occasionally annotate or sign PDFs, there's no need to spend money. However, if you require real PDF editing (text modification, OCR, batch processing), Preview is not sufficient.

Preview allows you to quickly add text boxes, highlight, circle, and draw lines on PDFs with simple and intuitive operations. No additional software is needed - just open the document and start annotating, which is very convenient for class or home study.

✏️How to Edit PDF for Free on Mac with Mac Preview

• 1. Open Your PDF with Preview. Find the PDF file you want to edit. Double-click it. It will automatically open in Preview. Or, right-click the file, select "Open With" and choose "Preview".
• 2. Open the Markup Toolbar. This is where all the editing tools are. Click the Markup Toolbar icon in the top-right corner of your Preview window. It looks like a pen tip inside a circle. Then you can add text, shapes or rearrange pages.
• 3. Save Your Changes Preview automatically saves your changes as you work.

2. Adobe Acrobat Review - Ideal for Enterprise & Team Users

If you frequently work with PDFs, especially contracts, reports, or large volumes of scanned documents, you are surely familiar with Adobe Acrobat. As the "industry leader" in PDFs, it offers nearly every function you can imagine in a professional Mac PDF editor.

I have been using Acrobat for years, from everyday annotation to document merging, OCR scanning, and generating secure forms - everything is smooth and reliable. Especially in 2025, Adobe updated Acrobat to make the Mac experience more seamless, OCR more accurate, and AI-assisted annotation more convenient. For anyone looking for the best Mac PDF editor for professionals, Acrobat remains a strong choice.

💡 My Experience Summary

• Comprehensive Features: Text editing, image processing, OCR, batch operations, signatures, encryption, and form creation - everything you need in a powerful Mac PDF editor.
• Cross-platform and Strong Collaboration: Supports Mac, Windows, iPad/iPhone, allowing teams to share documents, annotations, and comments, greatly improving efficiency. This makes Acrobat an excellent Mac PDF editor for enterprise teams.
• AI and Smart Tools: Automatically recognizes tables, intelligently extracts content, quickly generates fillable PDFs - perfect for professional users who need an AI-powered Mac PDF editor.
• Professional Security: Offers password protection, permission management, and digital signatures, making it suitable for corporate and legal documents.

Limitations and User Experience

• High Price: Adobe Acrobat is mainly subscription-based, with no lifetime purchase option. The Standard version costs $155.88 per year, and the Pro version costs $239.88 per year, which may not be friendly for individuals on a tight budget compared with lighter Mac PDF editor alternatives. Learn more about Adobe Acrobat One Time Purchase: Is It Still Available.
• Learning Curve: Packed with features, Acrobat requires some time to get familiar with its interface and workflow for first-time users of a Mac PDF editor.
• Resource Usage: Launching and opening large files on Mac may feel slightly heavy, especially on older devices.

Who is Adobe Acrobat for?

• Enterprise or Team Users: Ideal for teams that need collaboration, document sharing, and permission management, making it one of the best Mac PDF editor solutions for businesses.
• Professionals: Lawyers, accountants, and researchers who require editing, OCR, form generation, or batch processing of PDFs will find Acrobat a reliable Mac PDF editor for professionals.
• Users with High Security Requirements: Those handling sensitive documents, requiring encryption or digital signatures.

Who Might Not Need Adobe Acrobat?

• Personal Users Needing Basic Functions: If you only occasionally view PDFs, add simple annotations, or sign documents, Acrobat's powerful features may feel overly complex compared to lightweight Mac PDF editor options.
• Users Without Enterprise-Level Needs: Advanced features like batch processing, form generation, team collaboration, and permission management may go unused, making the software feel bloated for personal use.
• Budget-Conscious Users: Acrobat is subscription-based, so the long-term cost is higher. Compared to one-time purchase options like Tenorshare PDNob or PDF Expert, subscriptions may feel less cost-effective for individuals seeking a simple Mac PDF editor.
• Users Preferring Lightweight, Fast Operations: While feature-rich, Acrobat's interface and workflow are more complex. Tasks like opening PDFs, annotating, or signing may take more steps than Preview, occasionally slowing down efficiency.

⭐ My Conclusion

An extremely feature-rich, ideal for enterprise users and professionals Mac PDF editor is Adobe Acrobat, especially for those who need batch processing, OCR, form creation, or high-security document handling. For users with sufficient budget seeking a comprehensive PDF solution, it is almost irreplaceable.

Personal users or those who only need basic features may find it overkill and expensive, and can consider lighter alternatives such as Tenorshare PDNob or PDF Expert.

Adobe Acrobat PDF Editor Free Download

You may find that it's not easy to locate a direct download link for Adobe Acrobat on the official website. This is mainly due to several reasons:

• Emphasis on Subscription Model: Acrobat is now primarily offered as a subscription service (Adobe Acrobat Standard/Pro DC). The official site first directs you to register or sign in with an Adobe ID and purchase a subscription, rather than providing a standalone download package.
• Managed Through Adobe Creative Cloud: Official downloads usually require installation and updates via the Adobe Creative Cloud app. This ensures you are using a legitimate version and allows for unified management of licenses and updates.
• Security and Copyright Protection:Adobe does not provide standalone installers to prevent piracy, while ensuring that installations are officially verified and linked to your Adobe account.

But… but! After spending so much time, I finally found the Adobe Acrobat download link - I'm amazing! On Adobe Acrobat's support page, there is a download link.

✏️How to Edit PDF on Mac with Adobe Acrobat

• Double-click your PDF file to open it in Adobe Acrobat.
• Find the "Edit PDF" tool in the right-hand toolbar. If you don't see it, go to the Tools menu at the top, find "Edit PDF," and click "Open."
• When you are finished, go to File > Save or File > Save As to keep your edited PDF.

3. Tenorshare PDNob Review - All-in-One Mac PDF Editor

If you have ever been overwhelmed by choices of PDF editing and conversion tools, Tenorshare PDNob (2025 Edition) offers a lightweight and efficient solution. It supports basic PDF viewing and annotation, while providing practical features for OCR, PDF conversion, editing, and security. Targeted at individuals and small teams for long-term use, PDNob focuses on being easy to use, fast, and meet the needs of both professionals and individuals.

💡 My Experience Summary

• Easy to Use: Small installation package, fast startup, intuitive interface, almost zero learning curve.
• Text Editing and Annotation: Rich annotation and markup tools including highlight, underline, circle, text boxes, and handwritten notes. Suitable for students, teachers, and professionals. Supports text editing, image insertion, annotation, and highlighting, making it very practical for daily office and study materials.
• OCR Capability: Converts scanned or image-based PDFs into editable text, making handling paper documents easier.
• PDF Conversion and Compression: Supports conversion between PDF and Word/Excel/images, and provides effective file compression.
• Security and Privacy: Allows password protection and watermarking, so files are safe from third-party access.

Limitations and User Experience

• Limited Advanced Features: For complex forms, batch processing, or advanced editing, PDNob is not as powerful as Adobe Acrobat or Foxit.
• Limited Cross-Platform Support: Mainly supports Windows and Mac. Mobile and online collaboration features are still in development, expected to launch by the end of year 2025.

Who Is Tenorshare PDNob For?

• Students / Teachers: Quickly annotate textbooks, assignments, and papers without needing complex features.
• Office, Legal, and Accounting Users: Handle daily documents, simple contract signing, or PDF-to-Word conversion.
• Budget-Conscious Individuals: High cost-performance ratio, covers most daily PDF needs.

Who Might Not Need Tenorshare PDNob?

• Enterprise Users or Team Collaboration: Lacks multi-user real-time editing, permission management, and batch processing features.
• Mobile or Cloud-Dependent Users: Cross-device usage and online collaboration experience are not as good as Adobe or Foxit.

⭐ My Conclusion

Tenorshare PDNob is like a lightweight, practical toolbox: it can quickly handle daily PDF editing, conversion, annotation, and OCR needs. If you want high efficiency at low cost and do not need enterprise-level features, it is an excellent choice. However, for deep editing, team collaboration, or complex PDF document processing, it is not yet fully professional.

✏️How to Edit PDF with PDNob on Mac

• Open your PDF file in Tenorshare PDNob.
• Click the Edit icon on the above panel to enter edit mode.
• Click on the text you want to change or remove. A blue box will appear around it.

4. Nitro PDF Editor - Special for Professionals & Enterprises

If you have used multi-platform PDF editing tools, Nitro PDF Pro offers an "all-in-one" experience. It allows editing PDF text, handling scanned documents, and provides extensive batch processing capabilities-more advanced than Preview but still user-friendly for professionals.

In daily work, I often use Nitro to modify contract clauses, batch process PDF reports, or convert scanned documents into editable text. For example, when receiving a scanned contract, Nitro's OCR automatically recognizes text, allowing me to edit, annotate, or add signatures directly-very efficient for professionals who need deep PDF handling.

Nitro's interface is clear and intuitive; common functions are easy to find. Although slightly more complex than Preview, it is still easy to learn. Compared to Adobe Acrobat, Nitro's one-time purchase option is appealing-you don't need a subscription, while still receiving stable updates and professional support annually.

In terms of security, Nitro offers password protection, permission settings, and watermarking, suitable for handling sensitive contracts or business documents. For enterprise users, it also supports batch processing and cloud integration, making document sharing and management easier. Learn more about free download Nitro PDF.

💡 My Experience Summary

• Performance: Smooth overall; minor delay when processing large or complex PDFs, but acceptable.
• Feature Coverage: Text editing, annotation, signing, OCR, document merge/split, form filling.
• Limitations: Rich features may feel complex for users who only need occasional annotation; Mac interface has a slight “Windows feel” and may require adjustment.
• Eco-system Trend: Nitro PDF Pro continues to optimize cross-platform experience, future collaboration with Mac, iPad, iOS 26/27, and Windows will be smoother.

Who Is Nitro For?

• Office Users / Enterprise Employees: Nitro allows text editing, handling scanned documents, and batch operations, suitable for contract modifications, report organization, and team collaboration.
• Professionals: Lawyers, accountants, and researchers who need OCR, form handling, and document merge/split will find Nitro greatly improves efficiency.
• Users Who Prefer One-Time Payment: Nitro offers a one-time purchase option, suitable for budget-conscious users who need long-term PDF tools.

Who Might Not Need Nitro?

• Occasional Annotation or Signing Users: Simple comments or signing few files. Reason: Nitro's comprehensive features and interface may feel overly complex for occasional use.
• Users with Zero Budget for Paid Software: Nitro is not free. The lifetime version costs $270, though one-time payment is cheaper than a subscription.
• Heavy Apple Ecosystem Users Seeking Minimalism: Preview is built into Mac and ready-to-use, while Nitro's Mac interface has a Windows-like style that requires adjustment.

⭐ My Conclusion

Nitro PDF Pro is like an all-around assistant: you can edit text, handle scanned documents, perform batch operations, and ensure document security. It is suitable for professional office users and enterprises or individuals needing deep PDF handling, but for those who only occasionally annotate or sign, it may be overly complex.

✏️How to Edit PDF with Nitro PDF

• Launch Nitro PDF Pro and open your PDF file (File > Open).
• Click on the "Edit" tab in the left-hand sidebar. This will activate the editing tools. Click on any text block you want to change. A dashed box will appear. You can now type new text or delete the old text.
• Click on any image, shape, or object. You can then drag it to a new position or use the corner handles to resize it.
• When you're done, go to File > Save to save over the original file, or File > Save As to create a new edited PDF.

5. Foxit PDF Edit - Cost-effective Mac PDF Editor for Team Users

If you are looking for an efficient, feature-rich, and cost-effective PDF editor, Foxit PDF Editor (2025 edition) may be your ideal choice.

💡 My Experience Summary

• Comprehensive Features: Text editing, image processing, page organization, annotation, OCR, form creation, digital signatures, and more.
• Cross-Platform Support: Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Web for seamless use across devices.
• AI Assistant: Integrated AI tools provide intelligent document handling and automation for higher efficiency.
• Strong Security: Digital signatures, permission management, and encryption ensure document safety.
• High Cost-Performance: Compared to Adobe Acrobat, Foxit offers competitive pricing, ideal for budget-conscious users.

Limitations and Experience

• Electronic Signature Limitation: Basic version does not include e-signature; upgrade to premium is required.
• Learning Curve: Rich features may require some adaptation for first-time users.
• Resource Usage: Performance may drop when handling very large files.

Who Is Foxit For?

• Small to Medium Enterprises: Users who need efficient PDF document handling.
• Legal, Finance, and Other Professionals: Users who require strong document security and compliance.
• Budget-Conscious Users with Diverse Needs: Individuals or teams seeking comprehensive PDF editing without high costs.

Who Might Not Need Foxit?

• Users Who Only Need Basic PDF Viewing and Annotation: Foxit's features may feel overly complex.
• Users with High E-Signature Frequency: Basic version lacks e-signature; extra payment required.
• Users with Extreme Performance Requirements: Very large files may encounter performance limits.

⭐ My Conclusion

If you need a powerful and secure PDF editor, Foxit PDF Editor (2025 edition) is ideal for enterprises and professionals. It goes beyond basic viewing, offering text editing, OCR, form creation, digital signatures, and permission management, with strong focus on security and compliance. While it requires some learning and may have performance limitations on large files, its comprehensive functionality and cross-platform support make it the preferred choice for enterprise users. Casual users needing only basic reading or annotation may find it somewhat complex.

6. PDF Expert 2025 (Readdle) - Apple PDF Editor for Light Office Work

If you frequently handle PDFs on Mac or iPad, PDF Expert may be your most convenient choice. It focuses on the Apple ecosystem, offering smooth operation and a clean interface, ideal for light office work and professional annotation.

💡 My Experience Summary

• Smooth Native Apple Experience: PDFs open quickly on Mac, iPad, and iPhone, with nearly no lag when scrolling or annotating.
• Convenient File Management: Manage local and cloud PDFs directly, supporting tags, favorites, and folder organization-great for users with many documents.
• Signatures and Forms: Built-in signature tool, can fill and sign forms, suitable for contracts or reimbursement forms.
• OCR Support (Paid Version): Converts scanned documents into editable text, though lighter than Adobe Acrobat OCR.
• Cross-Device Sync: Supports iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc., offering excellent experience for Apple ecosystem users.

Limitations and Experience

• Limited Advanced Editing: Can edit text and images, but complex layouts or large tables are not as professional as Adobe Acrobat.
• Apple Ecosystem Only: Windows users cannot use it natively; requires iOS/Mac devices.
• Subscription Cost: Full features require subscription or one-time upgrade to Pro version, slightly more expensive than Foxit.

Who Is PDF Expert For?

• Students / Teachers: Annotating textbooks, papers, and class assignments.
• Office Users: Signing contracts, filling forms, handling daily PDF documents.
• Heavy Apple Ecosystem Users: Need seamless iPad + Mac + iPhone syncing and smooth experience.

Who Might Not Need PDF Expert?

• Windows Users: Cannot use natively on Windows.
• Advanced Enterprise Teams: Teams needing batch processing of large PDFs.
• Users Seeking Strong OCR or Complex Editing: PDF Expert's OCR and complex editing capabilities are limited.

⭐ My Conclusion

PDF Expert is like a "lightweight professional PDF assistant" for Mac/iPad-smooth operation, convenient annotation, and easy signing. Ideal for individuals or small teams within the Apple ecosystem. Heavy enterprise users or those needing advanced OCR and complex editing may find Adobe Acrobat, Foxit, or PDNob more reliable.

Part 2: Popular Online PDF Editor Reviews 2025(Trial)

Note:

Online PDF editors are generally suitable for light needs (merge, compress, sign), but drawbacks include:

• Almost all online editors do not support OCR.
• Privacy and security risks (uploading sensitive documents).
• Limited functionality (large files, OCR, batch operations often restricted).
• User experience not as smooth as local apps.
• Dependent on internet connection; editing or annotating online may risk losing data.

1. iLovePDF

My experience: compressing PDFs, signing, and OCR are convenient. Last time I worked remotely, I completed the whole contract workflow in the browser without installing any software.

• Pros: Cross-platform, batch processing convenient.
• Cons: OCR and advanced features require payment. OCR output may have lower clarity than original.
• Suitable for: light office users, students, remote workers.

2. SmallPDF

My experience: once I needed to merge several PDFs quickly. SmallPDF let me drag and drop files immediately, very simple and clear interface.

• Pros: No installation needed; works on mobile and desktop. Signing, compression, and conversion convenient.
• Cons: Free version limited to a few uses per day; frequent users need to upgrade. No OCR support, cannot convert scanned PDFs to searchable/editable format.
• Suitable for: temporary PDF handling, light office tasks, or cross-device users.

3. Sejda PDF

My experience: When handling larger files, Sejda is fast, batch operations are smooth, and security is good. Processed files are automatically deleted, so there's no risk of leakage.

• Pros: Available both online and as a desktop app; simple and intuitive operations.
• Cons: Free version has daily usage limits; advanced editing is somewhat limited.
• OCR only supports converting PDF to text.
• Suitable for: Individuals or small teams occasionally handling PDFs.

4. PDFescape

My experience: When I only need to change a few words or fill out a form, PDFescape is very convenient. Open and use immediately, no registration required.

• Pros: Fast loading, intuitive operation.
• Cons: Limited for large files or many pages; advanced features require payment.
• Suitable for: Students or occasional office users.

Part 3: Quick Mac PDF Editor Buying Guide

Q1: I only occasionally annotate or sign PDFs. Are free tools enough?

Yes! Mac's built-in Preview is sufficient. Quickly open PDFs, annotate, and insert signatures without extra downloads. However, Preview isn't ideal for editing text or handling scanned documents. For editing and OCR, I recommend Tenorshare PDNob.

Q2: I don't want subscriptions. Which tools offer one-time purchase?

PDF Expert (Readdle), Nitro PDF, and Tenorshare PDNob all offer one-time purchase options. They allow text editing, annotations, and document encryption. Upgrades are usually optional and paid.

Q3: Can AI help with PDFs now? Which Mac tool supports AI the most?

In 2025, Adobe Acrobat Studio introduced AI features such as “PDF Spaces” and a customizable AI Assistant that can summarize, search, and merge multiple documents into a smart knowledge hub. For advanced users, this allows you to effectively “converse with PDFs,” saving significant time.

Q4: Will AI summarizing PDFs leak my information?

For example, Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant clearly states that your documents are not used to train their AI, with clear privacy policies. Always check if an AI tool processes data locally or uses cloud encryption; this is very important.

Q5: I'm an enterprise user or lawyer. Which tool ensures high security and collaboration?

Adobe Acrobat and Foxit PDF Editor are top choices. They support permission management, digital signatures, team collaboration, and document encryption. For frequent signing and complex form handling, the subscription versions are more comprehensive.

Q6: Who should use online PDF editors?

Users with light PDF tasks or occasional edits who need no installation, quick access, and cross-device support. Always ensure privacy by using official HTTPS-secured platforms for sensitive documents.

Q7: I'm concerned about future upgrades and costs. How should I choose?

• One-time purchase tools: Low long-term cost, but major version upgrades may require payment.
• Subscription tools: Continuous updates and strongest features, but higher long-term costs.
• Free tools: Zero cost but limited functionality; suitable for light use.

Q8: I switch frequently between Mac, iPad, and iPhone. How to get seamless experience?

Choose PDF Expert, as it offers the best Apple ecosystem experience. Tenorshare PDNob is also good, but its iPad/iPhone versions are still under development.

Part 4: Summary and Recommendations

In summary, choosing a PDF tool on Mac depends on your specific needs:

• Lightweight needs: Preview / Online PDF Editors
• One-time purchase users: Tenorshare PDNob – comprehensive, cost-effective, ideal for long-term use.
• Professional & Enterprise: Foxit / Adobe Acrobat

We recommend making your final choice based on core usage frequency and feature requirements, to find the solution that best fits your workflow.

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