How to Edit a PDF Without Adobe Acrobat
The widespread usage of PDF files occurs because these documents offer both compatibility and security features. Most users perceive Adobe Acrobat as the one and only method available to edit PDF files. This is not true. Multiple free and paid solutions are available which enable efficient modification of PDFs. This guide presents different approaches to edit PDFs when users lack access to Adobe Acrobat.
Why Edit a PDF Without Adobe Acrobat?
Adobe Acrobat provides a powerful solution but its expenses remain unaffordable to many users. You have multiple options to edit PDFs without needing Adobe Acrobat since both free online editors as well as built-in computer features available in macOS and Windows offer editing capabilities.
Methods to Edit a PDF Without Adobe Acrobat
- Using Online PDF Editors
An online PDF editor provides users with the simplest solution to modify PDF files without Adobe Acrobat. These tools enable PDF editing through a web-based interface that does not need any software installation process. Among the top online PDF editors we can find the following platforms:
Users can edit PDF texts and add images and signatures through Sejda PDF Editor.
Smallpdf – A user-friendly tool for quick modifications.
PDFescape serves users with free capabilities to edit texts and forms.
The ILovePDF service provides users with multiple PDF management utilities.
These tools let you upload your PDF file to edit it followed by download of the changed version.
- Using Microsoft Word
The document editor Microsoft Word serves as an alternative method to modify PDF files when Adobe Acrobat is unavailable. Users can directly edit PDF files by accessing the application.
Steps:
Open Microsoft Word.
Open Microsoft Word and navigate to File then select Open to choose your desired PDF file.
The PDF file transforms into an editable format through Word conversion manual.
Save the modified file as PDF from this tool.
You should choose this method when editing text-based PDFs because it works best but has limitations when maintaining complex layouts.
- Using Google Docs
The free online software Google Docs allows users to modify their PDFs without needing Adobe Acrobat subscription.
Steps:
Place your PDF file inside Google Drive storage system.
Open the file menu and select Open with followed by Google Docs using the right-click function.
Rephrase the content while altering any necessary pictures and text.
You can obtain the modified file through a PDF download.
The convenience of Google Docs does not ensure the preservation of advanced elements such as tables and graphics when converting documents to PDF format.
- Using LibreOffice Draw
The cost-free open-source application LibreOffice functions as an Office Microsoft substitute. The Draw application within this program provides effective PDF editing tools to users.
Steps:
Download and install LibreOffice.
Launch LibreOffice Draw to import the PDF document.
Users can modify all content elements and design aspects of the document.
The modified document requires saving as a PDF format.
LibreOffice Draw operates as an effective PDF editing tool which competes directly with Adobe Acrobat when users need precise modifications to their documents.
- Editing PDFs on macOS Preview
Users who operate Mac computers can modify PDF documents through the Preview app that comes preinstalled with the operating system.
Steps:
Open the PDF with Preview.
The Tools menu contains the Annotate option for adding text components and shapes including signatures.
Access the Markup Toolbar to apply text highlights and underlines as well as text strikes.
Saving the modified file completes the procedure.
Preview operates as an effective but restricted tool to make straightforward modifications to documents.
- Windows users can edit PDFs through the selection of free PDF editors available for their operating system.
Windows PC users who lack access to Adobe Acrobat can use PDF editing tools such as free software products.
PDF-XChange Editor – A powerful PDF editor with annotation tools.
Users with Foxit Reader can modify PDF contents through basic methods while performing document annotation functions.
The vector graphics editor Inkscape permits users to edit PDF files containing images.
Users should select tools from this list according to the specific needs they have with editing PDFs.