How to Edit a PDF without Adobe Acrobat

Discover how to edit PDF documents without Adobe Acrobat by using Xodo PDF editor on desktop, online, or on mobile. This guide covers each method and gives clear steps based on the device you use.

Editing a document doesn’t need a complex application or a costly subscription. Many people only need straightforward PDF editing tools to change text, leave comments, reorder pages, or complete forms.

Adobe Acrobat covers these tasks, but it also comes with a higher cost and a learning curve that doesn’t suit everyone.

If you want a lighter option, Xodo gives you several ways to edit PDFs on desktop, online, or on your phone. You can make quick edits in your browser, use a full PDF editor on your desktop, or handle documents on mobile without switching between apps.

This guide covers:

• How to edit a PDF on desktop with Xodo PDF Studio
• Why Xodo PDF Studio works well as an Adobe Acrobat alternative
• How to edit a PDF online using Xodo Web
• How to edit a PDF on Android or iOS with Xodo Mobile
• Common questions about editing PDFs without Acrobat

How to edit a PDF on desktop with Xodo PDF Studio

To edit a PDF on Windows, macOS, or Linux without Adobe Acrobat, follow these steps:

1. Download and install Xodo PDF Studio

• Download Xodo PDF Studio for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
• Install and launch the software.

2. Open your PDF document

To open your file in Xodo PDF Studio, do any of the following:

• Go to the File tab to open your PDF from different sources.
• Go to Home > Open.
• Drag and drop your PDF directly into the interface.

3. Edit your document

Modify your PDF with any of the available tools. You can:

• Update existing and add new text
• Add annotations (draw, comment, add sticky notes, stamps, strikethroughs, etc.)
• Insert, delete, crop and re-organize pages
• Highlight text or redact sensitive data
• Add images, shapes and perform OCR
• Fill out PDF forms and add e-signatures

4. Save your updated PDF

• Go to Home > Save
• Pick a location and file name
• Click Save

Xodo PDF Studio offers a complete set of practical and secure tools to manage, edit, and convert PDFs on all major operating systems.

For similar guides, see how to edit a PDF without Foxit PDF Editor or Nitro PDF.

Why Xodo PDF Studio works well as an Adobe Acrobat alternative

Feedback from G2 reviewers highlights several areas where Xodo PDF Studio stands out:

• Lower overall cost
  PDF Studio offers the editing features most people need at a noticeably lower price than Adobe Acrobat.
• Flexible plans
  Individuals and teams can choose a subscription plan that fits their needs, instead of paying for features they won’t use.
• Perpetual license option
  Teams that want a one‑time purchase instead of a monthly subscription consider this a strong advantage.
• Cross‑platform support including Linux
  Xodo PDF Studio runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Many development teams value the ability to edit PDFs on Linux.
• All‑in‑one PDF editor
  More than 60 tools are available, including OCR, redaction, page management, conversion, and document comparison.
• Part of the Xodo Document Suite
  In Xodo Document Suite, Xodo PDF Studio connects with Xodo Web and Xodo Mobile, so users can move between desktop, browser, and phone without breaks in their workflow.

For a closer look at how it stacks up against Acrobat, visit our comparison page.

Pro Tip: Features reviewers often mention:

1. Batch processing: Power users see this as a major time saver when handling large sets of documents.
2. OCR: Users working with scanned documents, contracts, and archives rate this highly, as it turns static scans into searchable, editable text.
3. Document comparison: Helpful for legal teams, compliance reviewers, and engineering groups that track changes between versions.

How to edit a PDF online with Xodo Web

Here's how you can edit PDF files online without Adobe using Xodo Web:

1. Open the Xodo Web's online PDF Editor.
2. Upload your PDF.
3. Use the editing tools to annotate, sign, insert links, update text, crop pages, and redact data.
4. Download your updated file.

Xodo Web gives you secure and intuitive tools to edit PDFs online. The free online PDF editor runs in your browser, but processing happens on your device. Your files are not uploaded to external servers.

You can edit one PDF per day for free. Starting a free trial lets you work on more documents and unlocks all advanced features.

How to edit a PDF on phone or tablet with Xodo Mobile

If you prefer editing on your phone or tablet, Xodo Mobile works on both Android and iOS. Use these steps:

1. Install Xodo on Android or iOS.
2. Open the app.
3. Tap Toolbox > View and Edit PDF.
4. Select your file.
5. Choose an editing tool from the menu and make your updates.
6. Tap Back when you’re done (changes save automatically).

Xodo Mobile supports adding text, markups, form filling, and scanning pages with your phone's camera. It’s an easy way to handle files when you’re away from your computer.

Frequently asked questions

Can I edit a PDF without Adobe Acrobat?

Yes. Xodo tools on desktop, online, and mobile let you edit PDF text, annotate pages, complete forms, and redact content without Adobe Acrobat.

How do I make a PDF editable without Adobe?

Use a PDF editor that supports direct editing, such as:

• Xodo PDF Studio for full desktop editing
• Xodo Web for quick online edits
• Xodo Mobile for updates on Android and iOS

Is it possible to edit a PDF for free?

Yes. Xodo Web offers a free PDF editor. You can highlight text, add sticky notes, insert comments, and combine multiple PDF files online at no cost.

Is there a Google version of Adobe Acrobat?

Google Drive and Google Docs let you open and comment on PDFs, but they don’t support editing like Adobe Acrobat. See our guide for different ways to edit PDF files in Google Drive.

Can I combine PDF files without using Adobe?

Yes. All Xodo tools include features to merge multiple files or combine selected PDF pages into one document.

Can I split a PDF into separate pages online?

Yes. Xodo Web lets you split files into new documents. The same tools are available in the desktop and mobile apps.

Can I add notes or highlights to a PDF without Acrobat?

Yes. Xodo tools on all platforms include markups like comments, notes, highlights, and shapes.

Is it possible to sign a PDF without Adobe Acrobat?

Yes. All Xodo tools include tools to sign documents. PDF Studio and the Xodo Mobile also connect to Xodo Sign for legally binding signatures with detailed audit trails.

The right way to edit a PDF without Acrobat

Xodo lets you edit, annotate, and manage PDFs on desktop, web, or mobile. Pick the platform that suits how you work and update your documents without expensive Adobe subscriptions.

If you need a capable PDF editor for personal use or your team, try Xodo PDF Studio or explore everything in the Xodo Document Suite bundle.