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Best PDF Software in 2026
PDF tools handle work such as changing PDF text, converting documents, applying OCR, signing electronically and processing files in batches. This guide helps compare options available on Windows, macOS, the web, iOS, Android and Linux.
- 35 apps
- Research read 28 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
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Master PDF Editor
by Master PDF EditorFree plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose Master PDF Editor if you want PDF editing, OCR, conversion, annotations, and form creation across Linux, macOS, or Windows, with a free plan available.
- 4
EaseUS PDF Editor
by EaseUS PDF EditorFree plan MacWindowsEaseUS PDF Editor combines editing, annotation, OCR, conversion, and form tools in a Windows and macOS application.
- 5
Okular
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose Okular for a free, open-source viewer with broad document-format support, annotation tools and PDF signature features. Look elsewhere if OCR is required, since Okular does not support it.
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PDF Arranger
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose PDF Arranger if you need free desktop tools for arranging pages, combining or splitting PDFs, and making the other listed edits.
- 10
PDF Expert
by PDF ExpertFree plan iPhoneMacWebPDF Expert combines broad PDF editing and review tools with Apple-device support and browser PDF Copilot access.
- 11
PDFsam Basic
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsPDFsam Basic covers a range of PDF page operations in a free desktop app, with local processing and no file-size limit. Choose it if a desktop workflow fits; it is not available in a browser.
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PDF Architect
Free plan WindowsPDF Architect combines PDF editing and conversion with review, forms, security, and e-signing features.
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PDF Studio
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsPDF Studio covers PDF creation, editing, signatures, and security, with Pro adding automation and standards-related tools.
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Soda PDF
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3Soda PDF covers common PDF production, editing, signing, and conversion tasks on many platforms.
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Xodo Sign
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+3Xodo Sign combines document preparation with signing workflows and audit records, with plans for individuals through larger organizations.
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PDFsam Enhanced
by PDFsam EnhancedFree plan WindowsPDFsam Enhanced brings editing, annotation, OCR, conversion, and form tools to Windows. Its free plan offers an entry point, while paid tiers add different capability levels at annual prices.
- 23
PDF-XChange Editor
by PDF-XChange EditorFree plan WindowsPDF-XChange Editor covers document editing, review, conversion, and page operations in a client-side Windows application.
- 24
Foxit PDF Editor
by Foxit PDF EditorFree trial AndroidiPhoneMac+2Foxit PDF Editor covers document editing, conversion, OCR, forms and collaboration, with multiple platform options. Compare the subscription and perpetual-license inclusions before choosing a plan.
- 25
Coherent PDF
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price
Compare free plans, trial terms and paid pricing before choosing. Check the editing, conversion, OCR, signing and batch features you need, plus platform support and licence terms if reading the code matters.
Questions
Which PDF software factors should I compare?
Assess free and paid pricing, PDF text editing, conversion, OCR, e-signing, batch processing and platform availability.
Are free PDF plans available?
Yes. Coherent PDF, Okular and PDF24 Creator are listed with free plans.
Do PDF tools offer free trials?
Some entries include a free trial; Nitro PDF Pro specifies a 14-day trial.
Which platforms are covered?
Listed options support Windows, macOS, web, iOS, Android or Linux.
How can I check whether I can read the code?
Check the licence terms for the tool before choosing if source-code access or modification matters.