PDF files are one of the most common document formats used worldwide, whether for reports, contracts, or manuals. However, editing PDFs can be tricky without the right software. Many popular PDF editors are expensive, and some free tools come with limitations or watermarks. This is why free open source PDF editors for Windows have become popular—they offer powerful editing features without costing a dime.
If you’re searching for a reliable, free, and open source PDF editor to use on Windows in 2025, this article will guide you through the best options available.
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Why Choose an Open Source PDF Editor?
Open source PDF editors are software programs with publicly available source code, allowing anyone to use, modify, and distribute them freely. Choosing an open source editor comes with several benefits:
- No cost: Completely free without hidden fees or subscriptions.
- Transparency: You can verify security and privacy since the code is open.
- Community support: Regular updates and improvements from developers worldwide.
- Customizability: Some editors allow you to add features or customize tools.
Top Free Open Source PDF Editors for Windows
Here are the best free open source PDF editors you can use on Windows in 2025:
1. PDFsam Basic
PDFsam Basic (PDF Split and Merge) is a simple yet effective open source tool that focuses on splitting, merging, and rotating PDF files. While it doesn’t offer full text editing, it’s perfect for managing PDF documents easily.
Key Features:
- Split PDFs by pages, size, or bookmarks
- Merge multiple PDFs into one file
- Rotate, mix, and reorder pages
- Extract specific sections
Why choose PDFsam? It’s lightweight, user-friendly, and great for basic PDF manipulation tasks.
2. LibreOffice Draw
LibreOffice Draw is part of the LibreOffice suite and acts as a free alternative to Adobe Acrobat. It allows you to open, edit, and export PDFs with editable text, images, and shapes.
Key Features:
- Edit PDF content directly
- Add or remove images and text
- Annotate and highlight sections
- Export back to PDF format
Why choose LibreOffice Draw? It’s a full-featured office suite with excellent PDF editing capabilities, suitable for users needing detailed changes.
3. Inkscape
Inkscape is primarily a vector graphic editor but also supports editing PDF files. It’s especially useful for modifying PDF drawings, diagrams, and images.
Key Features:
- Edit vector graphics within PDFs
- Add or remove graphic elements
- Export edited files as PDFs or images
- Support for various graphic formats
Why choose Inkscape? Ideal for users who work with graphic-heavy PDFs and want precise control over images.
4. PDF-XChange Editor (Free Version)
Although PDF-XChange Editor is not fully open source, it offers a free version packed with powerful PDF editing features. It supports annotations, text editing, and form filling.
Key Features:
- Edit text and images
- Add comments and annotations
- OCR functionality for scanned PDFs
- Export PDFs to other formats
Why choose PDF-XChange? It’s feature-rich and fast, making it a great option for users who want advanced tools without paying.
5. Scribus
Scribus is an open source desktop publishing tool that can also be used to edit and create PDFs. It is suited for creating professional layouts and adding complex designs.
Key Features:
- Advanced layout and typography tools
- Edit and create PDFs from scratch
- Supports CMYK colors for printing
- Export to PDF/X for professional print jobs
Why choose Scribus? Best for users creating or editing design-intensive PDF documents.
How to Choose the Right PDF Editor for You
Consider these points when selecting your PDF editor:
- Editing needs: Are you editing text, images, or managing pages?
- User experience: Do you prefer simple tools or feature-rich software?
- File type: Are you working mostly with scanned documents or digital PDFs?
- Support and updates: Open source tools often have active communities.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, finding a free open source PDF editor for Windows is easier than ever. Whether you need simple PDF merging with PDFsam, full text editing with LibreOffice Draw, or graphic-heavy edits with Inkscape, there’s a tool for every need.
Open source editors provide transparency, security, and no-cost solutions without sacrificing functionality. Try out these options to find the best fit for your PDF editing tasks.
