Best PDF Editors and Converters for Windows in 2025

PDFs Are Still Essential

Ever tried sending a Word doc that looked perfect on your screen — only for your client or professor to open it with half the formatting missing? Or scanned a paper form and needed to add a signature but had no idea how? That’s why the PDF format isn’t going anywhere. It preserves layout, works on any device, and is still the gold standard for sharing contracts, resumes, forms, and professional documents in 2025.

Whether you’re a freelancer sending invoices, a student submitting assignments, or a business professional reviewing reports, chances are you’re working with PDFs every single week. And when you don’t have the right tools to edit or convert them, small tasks — like merging pages, adding comments, or changing a file type — become frustrating fast.

That’s where having the best PDF editor on hand makes a huge difference. And if you’re dealing with screenshots, scanned notes, or presentation slides, a solid converter helps you convert PNG to PDF or even convert PDF to PNG without jumping through hoops.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top free and paid tools for editing and converting PDFs on Windows — so you can stop struggling and get back to actually getting things done. Whether you need a full-featured editor, a simple converter, or just a better way to handle digital paperwork, we’ve got you covered.

The truth is, not all PDFs are created equal. Some are clean digital exports, while others are messy scans, outdated templates, or low-res image conversions. That’s where a good PDF editor comes in — not just to fix things, but to make them actually usable. Whether you need to fill out a form, rearrange pages, highlight key sections, or drop in a signature, the best PDF editor can turn a static file into something interactive and flexible.

And then there’s converting. Say you’ve got an old flyer saved as a PNG. Or a set of handwritten notes you snapped photos of on your phone. With the right tools, you can convert PNG to PDF in seconds — keeping everything neat, printable, and shareable. Need to do the reverse? A reliable PDF to PNG converter lets you pull out visual content for presentations, web uploads, or thumbnail creation without losing clarity.

There’s also the time factor. Manually recreating or reformatting documents costs hours you can’t afford to waste. A good PDF tool not only saves time, it helps avoid mistakes that come from redoing work — especially when clients or teams expect clean deliverables.

In short, if you’re dealing with documents on a daily basis — and you want them to look good, convert easily, and work across devices — it’s worth investing in a smart setup. Let’s look at the tools that actually deliver, starting with the best free options for Windows users.

Top Free PDF Editors

You don’t have to spend a dime to get solid PDF editing tools — especially if you only need to fill out forms, add comments, or rearrange a few pages. The best free PDF editors in 2025 offer just enough functionality for students, freelancers, and anyone handling digital paperwork without bloated features or monthly fees.

PDF-XChange Editor is one of the most feature-packed free options available. It’s lightweight, fast, and comes with surprisingly deep capabilities like annotation, typewriter mode, and even OCR for scanned documents. It’s perfect for marking up a resume, editing school PDFs, or adding fillable text boxes to forms — all without slowing down your PC.

For something already built into your system, Microsoft Edge includes a solid set of PDF tools. You can highlight text, draw with a pen or finger (on touchscreen devices), and even sign documents. While it’s not ideal for heavy editing, it’s great for quick reviews and basic markup — especially if you’re already using Edge as your browser.

LibreOffice Draw might not be the first tool people think of, but it can open and edit PDF files offline with surprising flexibility. If you’re already using LibreOffice for word processing or spreadsheets, it’s worth exploring for occasional PDF tweaks without needing a separate program.

Finally, there’s the free version of Foxit PDF Reader. Known for speed and clean design, it offers annotation, highlighting, and basic signing. It doesn’t overwhelm you with menus, and its interface feels smoother than many of its paid competitors. It’s especially good for reviewing long documents or contracts.

All of these free PDF editors support core tasks — and while none match the depth of full pro tools, they get the job done fast and clean. For most casual users, that’s all you really need.

If you work with PDFs regularly — think editing contracts, handling forms, converting file types, or running OCR — free tools might not cut it. That’s when investing in the best PDF editor can seriously boost your workflow. Paid options deliver better performance, more control, and features that free tools simply can’t match.

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC remains the gold standard. It does everything: advanced form filling, real-time collaboration, e-signatures, and high-accuracy OCR (optical character recognition). You can convert PNG to PDF seamlessly, rearrange pages, compress files, and protect documents with encryption. For legal professionals, contractors, or freelancers who need reliability and compatibility, Adobe is still hard to beat — even at its subscription price.

Nitro PDF Pro is a strong contender for those who want professional-level features without a monthly fee. It offers powerful editing, batch conversion, and integrations with cloud storage like OneDrive and Google Drive. With Nitro, you can easily convert PDF to PNG, sign documents, or lock them with password protection — all in a familiar Microsoft-style interface.

If you’re looking for something sleek and fast, PDF Expert (available for macOS and now in preview for Windows) is gaining traction. It’s focused on fluid design and simplicity while still letting you highlight, annotate, merge, and export files. For creatives or students who value clean UX with just enough power, this tool is a solid pick.

The biggest advantage of using paid software isn’t just features — it’s speed, reliability, and precision. If you frequently convert PDF to PNG or work with multi-format files, a good editor saves time and prevents formatting headaches. And when you’re dealing with clients or official paperwork, that polish matters more than ever.

Convert Images to PDF (PNG to PDF)

If you’ve ever scanned handwritten notes, snapped a picture of a whiteboard, or received images instead of documents, you’ve probably needed a way to convert PNG to PDF. It’s one of the most common PDF tasks, and luckily, there are great tools — both online and offline — to handle it quickly without sacrificing quality.

PDF24 Creator is a popular desktop app that makes converting images a breeze. Just drag and drop your files, and it instantly compiles them into a single PDF. It’s fast, free, and perfect if you frequently convert PNG to PDF for school, client submissions, or personal archives.

Prefer working online? Tools like SmallPDF, PDFCandy, and iLovePDF let you upload multiple images and convert them to PDF in seconds — no software required. These are especially useful when you’re on a shared device or just want to handle a quick conversion without installing anything.

Use cases range from turning lecture screenshots into printable handouts to bundling receipts or homework scans into a single file. If you’re a freelancer, this is also the easiest way to create professional-looking PDFs from client-sent images.

Look for tools that preserve image clarity and let you adjust margins, orientation, or page size. A good PNG to PDF converter won’t just compile — it should give you layout control too. And whether you’re working with dozens of files or just one image, having the ability to convert PNG to PDF in a single click is a serious productivity win.

Convert PDFs to Images or Other Formats

Sometimes you need your PDFs to work harder — like when you want to pull out a single page as an image, turn a report into slides, or reuse a quote in Word. That’s where a reliable PDF to PNG converter (or other format tool) comes in. Whether you’re prepping for a presentation or designing content, converting PDFs gives you way more flexibility with your files.

Zamzar is one of the easiest online tools for converting PDFs into images, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, or even plain text. Just upload your file, choose your output format — such as PNG or JPG — and download the result. For quick one-off tasks, it’s fast, simple, and doesn’t require registration.

For desktop users, PDF-XChange Editor and PDFMate offer more robust options. You can convert PDF to PNG in bulk, select specific pages, or tweak resolution and image quality. These tools are great for users who need consistent output without relying on the cloud.

This type of conversion is especially helpful when creating visual previews, exporting illustrations from ebooks, or designing thumbnails for websites. And if you’re a student or professional who shares work online, exporting a clean PNG instead of a bulky PDF is often the better move.

Look for tools that preserve formatting and allow multiple output options. A strong PDF to PNG converter gives you control, speed, and high-resolution results — all of which save you time when it counts most.

What to Look For in PDF Tools

Not all PDF editors and converters are built the same. Some look sleek but limit what you can actually do. Others are powerful but overwhelm with menus and options you’ll never touch. So how do you find the best PDF editor or converter for your needs? It starts with knowing what features actually matter in day-to-day use.

If you’re often offline, look for desktop tools that don’t require internet access to convert PNG to PDF or run basic edits. Need to work in batches? Make sure the tool supports multi-file conversions and page merging. For students and professionals, having options like annotation, form filling, or digital signatures can turn a basic editor into a real productivity boost.

Security is another major factor. Some web-based tools upload your files to a server, which isn’t ideal for sensitive documents. If privacy matters, stick with offline tools or those that offer local processing. Bonus points if you can encrypt your output or protect files with passwords.

Also check for limits in free tools — file size caps, page count restrictions, or missing features like OCR (for scanned documents). These limitations can trip you up when you least expect it. A great PDF to PNG converter or editor should balance power and usability without locking everything behind a paywall.

Whether you need a quick way to convert images, edit a resume, or sign a client contract, the right PDF tool will feel intuitive, responsive, and — ideally — invisible when you’re deep in your workflow. The trick is finding one that fits your style without overcomplicating the process.

Editor vs Converter: Do You Need Both?

Here’s the thing — a lot of users think they only need a converter until they hit a wall. Maybe you’ve managed to convert PNG to PDF just fine, but then realize you can’t sign, rearrange, or annotate the file. That’s when you realize an editor isn’t just optional — it’s essential. And in other cases, someone with a full editor might need a converter to create thumbnails or image previews for online use. So do you need both? It depends on your workflow.

If you’re a freelancer sending out contracts, a writer submitting formatted documents, or a student turning in scans, having both a reliable converter and the best PDF editor will cover you from every angle. One lets you shape the document, the other lets you shift it into whatever format you need.

On the other hand, if your needs are simple — like turning photos into PDFs or grabbing an image from a single PDF page — a quality PDF to PNG converter may be all you need. Just make sure it supports high-resolution output and doesn’t mangle your formatting during export.

The good news? Many free tools combine both functions. But if you find yourself bouncing between multiple programs to get a simple task done, it might be time to upgrade. In the end, it’s less about the tool itself — and more about whether it saves you time, reduces hassle, and delivers clean, usable files every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Google have a PDF editor?

Sort of. Google Docs lets you open and make changes to a PDF by converting it into an editable Doc file, but it’s limited. Formatting often breaks, and you can’t do things like rearranging pages or editing scanned documents. For true PDF editing, you’ll need a dedicated PDF editor like Adobe Acrobat or PDF-XChange.

How do I white out text in Foxit PDF Editor?

In Foxit, use the “Redaction” or “Whiteout” tools under the “Protect” or “Edit” tab, depending on your version. Simply select the area, choose the white color overlay, and apply the change. Just remember, unless you flatten or redact the document, hidden text can sometimes be recovered.

How do I convert JPG to PDF?

Use tools like PDF24 Creator, SmallPDF, or even Microsoft Print to PDF. You just upload your JPG, hit convert, and save the output. Many PDF editors also include a “Create PDF” feature that accepts image files like JPG, PNG, or TIFF.

How do I convert PDF to Word?

You can use tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro, PDF to Word converters like Zamzar, or even Microsoft Word itself (just open the PDF inside Word and it’ll try to convert it). Keep in mind, complex layouts or images might not convert perfectly.

How do I convert PDF to Excel?

Apps like PDFElement, SmallPDF, or iLovePDF offer dedicated PDF to Excel conversion. They extract tables and data into editable spreadsheets. Accuracy can vary depending on the formatting of the original PDF.

How do I convert an image to PDF?

It’s easy with tools like PDF24 Creator, iLovePDF, or built-in OS features. On Windows, just right-click an image and select “Print,” then choose “Microsoft Print to PDF” as your printer. Mac users can use Preview to export images to PDF.

How do I convert Word to PDF?

In Microsoft Word, just click File > Save As and choose PDF from the format list. Most modern word processors and even Google Docs support this. It’s one of the cleanest ways to preserve your formatting when sharing files.

How do I convert PDF to PNG?

Use PDF to image converters like PDF-XChange Editor, Zamzar, or PDFMate. These let you export one or more pages from a PDF as high-resolution PNG files. Great for visual previews, website thumbnails, or sharing excerpts without editable text.

How do I convert a PDF to Google Docs?

Upload the PDF to Google Drive, right-click it, and choose “Open with > Google Docs.” It’ll attempt to convert the file into an editable Doc. Formatting may not be perfect, but it’s quick and free for light edits.

How do I convert a picture to PDF on iPhone?

Open the image in the Photos app, tap Share, then select Print. On the preview, pinch out (zoom), then tap the Share icon again and choose “Save to Files” as PDF. No third-party app needed — it’s built into iOS.

What’s the difference between editing and converting a PDF?

Editing lets you change the content inside a PDF — like text, images, forms, or pages. Converting means changing the file format, like turning a PDF into a PNG or Word document. Many tools do both, but the use case is different.

Do I need paid software to convert PNG to PDF?

Nope. Plenty of free tools like PDF24, SmallPDF, and built-in OS features let you convert PNG to PDF without spending anything. Paid apps usually offer more layout control, batch processing, and faster performance — but for most people, free works fine.