“Editing a PDF” means different things. Adding a note or a signature is easy almost anywhere. Changing the words that are already in the PDF is harder, and it’s where most free tools stop. Here’s what each option can do.
Option 1: Microsoft Edge (built into Windows)
Edge opens PDFs and lets you draw, highlight, add text notes and fill in simple forms. Open the PDF in Edge, use the toolbar at the top, then save.
It’s good for quick markup. It can’t change the existing text, swap images, merge files or convert to Word.
Option 2: Microsoft Word (if you have it)
Word can open a PDF and convert it into an editable document: in Word, File, Open, and choose the PDF. Edit it, then File, Save As, PDF.
This works for simple, text-heavy documents. Layouts with columns, tables or graphics often shift during the conversion, so check the result carefully.
Option 3: Paperwing (free, edits the text in place)
Paperwing is a free, open-source desktop app for Windows 10 and 11. Its Edit text & images tool lets you click a paragraph in the PDF and type, with the text reflowing as you go, so the layout stays as it was.
- Download Paperwing and install it (or use the portable version, no install needed).
- Open your PDF: drag it onto the window or press Ctrl+O.
- Open All tools and choose Edit text & images.
- Click the text you want to change and type. Use the Format panel to change the font, size, colour or alignment. Click an image to move, resize or replace it.
- The edited PDF opens in a new tab. Press Ctrl+S to save, or Shift+Ctrl+S to keep the original too.
Paperwing runs on your PC, so your document is never uploaded. It also covers the jobs around editing: sign, fill forms, merge, compress and convert to Word, all free.
What about online PDF editors?
Online editors work, but your file goes to someone else’s server to be edited. For anything personal, like a contract, a tax form or a medical record, a desktop app that works offline is the safer choice.
If the PDF is a scan
A scanned PDF is a picture of a page, so there’s no text to edit yet. Run OCR first to recognize the text, then edit it.
Quick answers
Can I edit a PDF without Adobe Acrobat? Yes. Edge and Word cover basic cases, and Paperwing edits the text itself, for free.
Is it safe to edit a PDF online? It means uploading the document. For sensitive files, edit on your computer instead.
How do I edit a PDF that’s locked? If you know the password, unlock it first. Paperwing won’t remove passwords you don’t know.