PDF is one of the most widely used file formats for sharing documents and files. Most of the time, we use PDF files to read and share the information which does not need any editing. But sometimes, we do find the need to be able to do minor editing or to fill forms in PDF. An easy to use PDF editor, which has a handful of useful tools is the need of the hour.
In this article, we will take a look at 10 of the best PDF editors out there in 2019 that are available for Linux platforms. The editors are going to be judged based on their functionalities, portability, ease of installation, price, and convenience.
10 Best PDF Editors for Linux
So, let’s get going as FOSSLinux brings you the ten best PDF editors for Linux.
1. PDF Studio
The numerous features that PDF Studio has to offer attribute to its first place in our ranking. Undoubtedly, you will not find a PDF editor in the market that has as many features as this one. The software also supports Windows and Mac systems. However, there is a price-tag attached to the software: the standard version comes for $89, whereas the PRO for $129.
The standard version of PDF Studio allows its users to create PDF files, delete or append pages, apply watermarks, fill in, and save PDF forms, and secure documents. This may be good enough for people who are only looking for basic editing features.
On the contrary, you can pay a few bucks more and get your hands on the PRO version, which makes PDF editing a whole lot easier via inline text content editing with reflow. Also, you will be able to create PDF forms, redact text, reduce the size, and manipulate your PDF, almost like a word document. The most significant feature of the PRO version is OCR, which enables you to create text-searchable PDF files out of small images. The PRO version comes with so many other features that it will need a separate article for itself to discuss the essentials of each of them.
Even though there is no free version of this PDF editor, the company still offers a FREE Trial for those who want to test out the software.
2. Master PDF Editor
This is yet another software specially designed for PDF editing. Alongside the basic functionalities of PDF editors, it shares many of its features with PDF Studio such as annotation, OCR, creating and filling in forms, and digital signatures. If you’re concerned about the security of your files, Master PDF editor has got you covered with its 256-bit encryption.
You can buy the Master PDF editor for only $69.95. Fortunately, there is a free version available as well for those of you who don’t want to buy the software. Except for the watermark feature, the free version has the same capabilities as the paid version.
Some users might feel like the software UI looks dated, but the good thing about it is that it’s easy-to-use.
3. LibreOffice Draw
This drawing software is found on most of the Linux systems by default. However, what most people are unaware, it also offers basic PDF editing functionalities, such as editing text, adding/removing pages, filling in forms, and annotating.
Now let’s discuss its drawbacks. One major feature that LibreOffice Draw lacks is the ability to edit scanned PDFs. In this technological era, a lot of people scan their documents through their phone for editing them. Therefore, they will have to use a different PDF editor for this purpose. Moreover, it cannot be used for editing complex PDFs as it causes errors in the document.
LibreOffice Draw is free and provides convenience to the people who only want to make small changes in their PDF files. Users of other operating systems can get this software as well.
4. Inkscape
Many graphic designers are already familiar with this vector-based design tool. Though this is primarily a graphics tool that is used to make illustrations, designs, or logos, it can also be used to edit PDF files.
The software comes with basic PDF editing features like adding/removing/redacting text and adding annotations. If you’re looking for more advanced features, then this software is not for you. Also, Inkscape allows you to edit only one page at a time, which can be quite troublesome and time-consuming. On the bright side, the software is free, supports different operating systems, and handles fonts like no other.
5. PDFtk
This editing tool has been designed explicitly for merging and splitting PDF documents and pages. It also caters to the affinities of CLI enthusiasts as it comes with a command-line tool as well, namely PDFtk Server. It can be added to your software for internal PDF manipulation.
PDFtk is free, but if anyone is looking for some advanced features, then you can opt for the paid version known as PDFtk Pro. Alongside the primary functions, the paid version allows you to rotate quickly, watermark, stamp, and secure your PDF documents and pages.
6. Okular
Okular is yet another free and open-source software to be included in this list. It offers basic features such as adding/deleting text, inline notes, stamps, highlighting, and freehand line-drawing. If you are looking for a PDF editor with the best annotation functionality, the optimal option would be to go for Okular because it is also a drawing tool.
However, we should note that Okular uses a different approach to PDF editing. It requires you to select the text you want to edit and make the relevant changes from the clipboard. This can be difficult for some people, but it will be a piece of cake once you get the hang of it. It also supports systems with Windows and Mac.
7. Scribus
All the desktop publishers out there would know about Scribus. The software is usually used to design images, flyers, and documents, but it also provides an additional set of features for editing PDF files. Scribus allows its users to create PDFs and lists and add controls. Apart from that, it is also possible to edit PDF forms with it.
Scribus is different from other PDF editors in that you can make interactive and animated PDF documents using it. Both Windows and Mac platforms are also supported. Scribus is entirely free, so you don’t have to worry about shelling your hard-earned money.
8. Foxit Reader
We won’t refer to Foxit Reader as just another PDF editor because it is based on cloud-based technology. It integrates cloud computing into your ordinary PDF-viewing experience. Besides all the essential PDF editing features, the software enables you to share your documents on the cloud.
It helps you to manage the security of your documents using signing, encrypting, granting/revoking access. The software also promotes collaboration with the ability to collectively review and annotate documents. Not to mention that the software is also free to install. Just like most of the editors in this list, Foxit Reader is easy-to-use and supports Windows and Mac platforms as well.
9. PDFescape
Some people out there would find it time-consuming to install software to edit a PDF file. If you are one of those people, PDF Escape would be the perfect fit. It is a web-based tool that allows you to edit your PDF files in your browser.
Through this browser-based application, you can edit text, fill in PDF forms, add annotations, and even protect your PDF files using a password. There are certain limits to usage, such as the selected PDF file should be less than 10 MB in length and also less than 100 pages.
10. GIMP
GIMP has a variety of different features, which range from GNU image manipulation to even PDF editing. Although it provides only basic PDF editing options, you will not have to install separate software to edit some text if you already have GIMP on your computer.
Similar to Okular, GIMP does not provide for straightforward editing of PDF files. Thus, you will have to recompile your PDF file with the GIMP image editor and turn it into layers, which can be edited and exported afterward. Another drawback of using this software is the inability to edit more than one PDF page at the same time.
GIMP works on most operating systems and is also free, which can be quite hard to believe considering its extensive features.
Conclusion
With this, our list comes to an end. For this article, we have handpicked all of the above software that meets our well-constructed criteria. However, each editor on this list has its benefits and caters to the demands of a specific group of users. Therefore, we tried adding-in as many different PDF editors as we could so that all the readers can find at least one editor that best suits their needs.
Have any other PDF editor in mind? Just comment it down below.
8 comments
if i want booklet printing, which one should i have?
You might look at flpsed. While it does not support filling in forms, it is much easier to use than Gimp, Draw, etc. You just click to put the cursor where the form box would be located and type in your entry.
HI A quick Question re Foxit reader (if you know)
You say it is free to install but is it then free to use?
I went through the T&Cs and they mention charges etc but nothing specific up to the point of installing.
regards
David
What about pdf-x formatting for POD services like Lulu? I’m coming from Mac to Linux.
Be careful with PDF Studio. Master PDF does auto scan from ADF as you would expect. PDF Studio makes you count up your jobs and then you have to tell it how many sheets are in the feeder, otherwise it will scan one page and then simply feed the rest through. Their excuse it is sane design but other apps seem to manage to save having to count 30 or more sheets before using them. That alone makes in unworthy of consideration. Shame. I got stung for pro version before I found out it is not an all-in-one but uses sane which now does not feed until no more and stop, Master PDF does give the option of all from ADF and so much better bet.
Master PDF 5.6 activated with keygen is the best… unfortunately if u want to use the latest version u need to buy key and i would say better to buy
Nooby, just something to think about and to consider about Master PDF. I bought Master PDF 5.6 and use Mint 19.3 LTS. It works perfectly until you have to restore your system with Timeshift. Restoring with Timeshift is not the problem. That works fine. The problem is that Master PDF’s registration isn’t stored. Master PDF requires that you deactivate it first before you want to install it on a different computer. That’s fine as long as this is a scheduled action.
Yet, what if your system crashes (PC issues)? These cannot be planned and happen out of the blue.
I had two [unexpected] crashes with an older hardware, and needed to activate it again. No problem if this happens one or [max] twice.
Then you are in trouble, and activation is denied with the message that it has been activated “too many times” and you are asked to buy it again.
I’m looking somewhere else. Looking into PDF Studio right now. NO Master PDF for me anymore.
Another option is SoftMaker’s FlexiPDF. It’s for Linux (Win version) but runs fine with CrossOver from Codeweavers.
>> … It’s for Linux (Win version) <<
Sorry, meant to write, "It's NOT for Linux (Win version)".