A PDF, or portable document format, is one of the most widely used file formats today. PDF documents are utilised in emails, contract sharing, and even white papers and press releases. Anyone with a computer and an internet connection can use PDF documents.
Adobe Acrobat may immediately come to mind if you are looking for an open source PDF editor that allows complete flexibility when loading and editing PDF files. If you’re looking for an Adobe Acrobat replacement, there are a plethora of open-source PDF editors to evaluate and consider.
The Top 7 Free and Open Source PDF Editors
Whether you create PDF documents for work or you require an open-source PDF editor to help you edit a file, the list below contains today’s top open-source PDF editing tools. We have compiled a list of the best PDF editors that are not only easy to use and accessible, but also have the most features and capability of any open-source PDF editor available today.
1. Inkscape
Inkscape is an open source PDF editor that is excellent not just for altering PDFs but also for other types of graphics and animations. Inkscape is a free open-source vector, PDF, and graphics editor for the Windows operating system.
Not only can you add and remove text from PDF files with Inkscape, but you can also create additional graphical elements within each of your PDF documents. In addition to typical text editing, you may use scripting plugins to add extra features and capabilities based on your PDF-editing needs. Inkscape is highly recommended if you enjoy making graphics or dealing with huge files that include graphics and photographs. Although Inkscape was created with the intention of altering vectors and other visuals, it has subsequently evolved into a well-known application for editing and updating PDF documents.
2. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is one of the most well-known open source PDF editor solutions on the market today, suitable for both personal and business use. LibreOffice is simple, uncomplicated, and intuitive to use, making it ideal for anyone who are comfortable with editing PDFs or using advanced computer tools. You may start editing PDF files with LibreOffice as soon as you download and install the software to your hard disc.
3. PDFsam Basic
Consider PDFsam Basic if you want a traditional PDF editor that does not require the usage of the cloud. PDFsam Basic is a free and open source PDF editor with an attractive user interface. Even if you are new to or inexperienced with PDF editing, PDFsam Basic allows you to get started quickly. PDFsam Basic is a highly adaptable application that is available for Mac, Linux, and Windows systems.
4. Apache OpenOffice Draw
Apache OpenOffice Draw runs on a variety of platforms, including Linux, Windows, and macOS. It is similar to using other word processing tools, such as Microsoft Word, to use Apache OpenOffice Draw. If you are familiar with the setup and structure of Microsoft Word, learning Apache OpenOffice Draw should be a breeze.
Although Apache OpenOffice Draw is primarily known as a graphics creator and/or editor, it may also be highly useful for editing PDF files, particularly when time is of the essence.
5. Okular
Okular is yet another current open source PDF editor that is similar to other editors such as Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat. Okular excels as an Adobe Acrobat replacement. Enjoy a very fleshed-out interface with Ocular, which is ideal for authoring books, organising massive projects, and editing several PDF files or pages within a PDF document at the same time.
6. PDFedit
Look no further than PDFedit if you need both a PDF reader and a PDF editor. PDFedit is a classic free and open source PDF editor that is entirely supported by donations. PDFedit is a cross-platform PDF editor that supports Unix, Windows CE, and Windows32/64 operating systems. Simply open a PDF file and use PDFedit to read, update, and even extract content and specific information.
7. Skim – iOS
It can be difficult to locate an open source editor that is just available for Mac users. Skim, on the other hand, is an exception. Skim iOS is only accessible for Mac and iOS users. It is currently one of the most popular iOS PDF editors available. Skim’s Adobe Acrobat replacement for Mac provides all of the capabilities and functions you didn’t think you needed.
Conclusion
The best open source PDF editor for you will be determined by the type of PDF file(s) you intend to edit as well as the type of modifications you require. With so many alternatives available, it can be difficult to select just one PDF editor for the job. We’ve highlighted some of our favourite features and functionality to utilise with the open-source PDF editors listed below. We hope that this list helps you select a PDF editor that actually fulfils the needs of your projects.
Consider LibreOffice if you merely need an open source PDF editor to update text rapidly and without any other features or capabilities.
Choose Inkscape as your open source PDF editor if you want to freely modify all sections and elements of a PDF document, including graphical aspects.
If you are using a Mac or do not have access to a device running Windows or Linux, use Skim. Consider utilising PDFedit to password-protect your PDF files and the PDF documents you’re working on.
Okular is one of the greatest open source PDF editor tools for managing and editing major PDF-based projects, such as books and manuals.
Look no further than Apache OpenOffice Draw if you need a PDF editor that also includes a vector and graphic editor.
PDFsam Basic is one of the best choices available for Windows, Linux, and Mac devices if you need a PDF editor that is ideal for splitting and combining PDF files.
We hope that our list of the best 7 open source PDF editors has helped you become more acquainted with your options and the possibilities accessible for download right now. We hope that this list can assist you in finding a PDF editing solution that has all of the features and capabilities that you require, whether you are interested in making minor modifications to a PDF document or if you utilise PDF files on a regular basis.