How We Review the 6 Best PDF Editors for Windows 11
We considered what's important for you in a PDF editor. We stepped into our readers' shoes to understand what you regularly work with PDFs for. Whether it's editing, converting, signing, or organizing files. Our goal is to highlight tools that make your daily PDF tasks easier and more efficient.
Here's how we narrowed down our list to evaluate the best PDF editors for Windows 11.
- Ease of use for a reliable performance and a user-friendly interface
- Speed and performance to handle large files smoothly
- Annotation and real-time collaboration for seamless editing and feedback
- Included free versions to cater to the needs of budget-conscious users
- Advanced features to handle multiple files with batch processing
- Encryption and password protection to work with sensitive documents more securely
- File conversion options with OCR and editing capabilities
1. SwifDoo PDF
SwifDoo PDF software is one of the best PDF editors for Windows 11. This comprehensive PDF document manager encompasses all the essential features required to manage various PDF tasks. When you complete the PDF editor free download for Windows 11, you can immediately start editing. Its intuitive UI lets you convert, merge, and sign PDFs without hassle.
Additionally, it leverages AI techniques to summarize, translate, proofread, and rewrite documents. SwifDoo PDF also helps perform various other tasks on PDF documents.
Best For:
- It is a better PDF editor than Acrobat in speed, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness for basic editing tasks
- Speedy PDF conversion and OCR while using minimum system resources
- Leverages AI to analyze and chat with PDF documents
- Frequent updates and excellent, responsive customer support
2. PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange Editor is another versatile and the best PDF editor for Windows 11 that's available for free. Wonder what makes it the best free PDF reader and editor software for Windows 11? It is its wealth of tools that makes it easy to work with personal and professional documents. It has a boatload of features to create, annotate, and secure documents.
Its intuitive UI and extensive editing tools make it the favorite PDF management software for every user. Additionally, PDF-XChange Editor can also add watermarks to edited and exported documents.
Best For:
- Offers rich markup features, including dynamic stamps and callouts
- Lightweight and faster than many full-featured editors like Acrobat
- Allows precise control over document properties, layers, and JavaScript actions
3. PDFelement
Now, add, edit, annotate, and organize your PDF documents more effectively with PDFelement. PDFelement is also another powerful software with an intuitive interface. Its versatile features make it the best PDF editor for Windows 11. Utilizing AI tools can enhance your workflow and increase productivity.
Additionally, it allows you to convert PDFs and fill out forms, add signatures, and protect documents. Unlike other PDF editors, PDFelement consistently delivers a positive user experience with no performance issues.
Best For:
- One of the best PDF editors for Mac and Windows, with a robust OCR and form recognition for seamless document digitization
- Batch processing tools for editing, converting, or watermarking multiple files
- Cross-platform support with cloud integration for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
4. Foxit PDF Editor
Foxit PDF Editor is a renowned all-in-one solution for PDF users. You can create, edit, fill, and sign documents under one umbrella. Its AI assistant can summarize complex documents and extract insights from company documents. Most businesses use it to enhance writing, define clarity, translate, and chat to analyze PDFs.
It allows you to access 20 GB of cloud storage for the safe storage and upkeep of your documents. Foxit PDF Editor is available for free download for Windows 11. It is also available as a PDF editor app for Android and iOS users.
Best For:
- Seamless cloud integration and real-time document collaboration tools
- Advanced security options, including redaction, encryption, and digital signatures
- Lightweight performance with extensive plugin and customization support
5. Adobe Acrobat
Many users consider Adobe Acrobat the best PDF editor for Windows 11/10. It is ideal for users seeking editing convenience across different platforms. Adobe's comprehensive features help you stay productive with minimal effort. It can read, edit, annotate, organize, and even change font in a PDF.
Its powerful AI tools further help summarize content and analyze documents faster. While Adobe Acrobat is a PDF editor available for free download on Windows 11, you can upgrade it at any time to access its full editing features.
Best For:
- Deep integration with Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft apps
- Most accurate OCR and form creation tools in the industry
- Enterprise-level features like e-signatures, audit trails, and advanced accessibility support
6. Sejda
Lastly, Sejda has managed to grab a place on our list of the best free PDF editors for Windows 11. This online, free Windows 11 PDF editor attracts casual PDF users. It is great for users seeking a simple editing solution. Sejda supports essential features, including editing, signing, merging, and compressing PDFs directly in the browser.
However, one thing to note is that this web-based tool doesn't save your edits as you go. If you need to perform heavy editing, we recommend using more reliable and professional software.
Best For:
- Ideal for casual or occasional users with generous free usage limits
- Strong privacy focus — files are automatically deleted after processing
- This free PDF editor also has a desktop version for download on Windows 11, though no difference with the online version
Final Wrap Up
A PDF editor can make or break your game while significantly boosting your productivity. It is a valuable tool for managing simple annotations or handling complex document editing. Now you know the 6 best free PDF editors and viewers for Windows 11. Perfect for both casual users and professionals, they offer ease of use along with advanced features.
Besides the paid tools, you must also look at freeware and open-source PDF editors to efficiently cover essential tasks. Reflect on your needs and pick the PDF editor that best matches them.
