Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThere is no single free, open-source PDF editor that is the best fit for every job. Editing existing text, adding annotations, rearranging pages, and changing a PDF’s layout are different tasks—and the tools below do not all do all four. For dependable page operations, start with PDFsam Basic or PDF Arranger; for handwriting, consider Xournal++; for drawing or layout changes, LibreOffice Draw may help, but inspect the result carefully.
Despite the “15 best” wording, the available official-source evidence supports only a small set of candidates well enough to recommend here. Rather than pad the list with unverified software or imply that every app works on both Windows and macOS, this guide identifies what is established and flags platform limits.
Choose a tool by the change you need to make
| Task | Good place to start | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Merge, split, rotate, mix, or extract pages | PDFsam Basic | Purpose-built page operations; not a general content editor. |
| Visually rearrange or organize pages | PDF Arranger | Page organization and manipulation, not established here as an editor for existing text. |
| Handwrite or annotate a PDF | Xournal++ | Supports PDF annotation and pen input; keep the original PDF alongside its Xournal++ file. |
| View PDFs and add annotations | Okular | A document viewer with PDF support; current availability for both Windows and macOS is not established here. |
| Make drawing or layout changes | LibreOffice Draw | A general drawing tool that can work with PDFs; complex formatting may not survive unchanged. |
“Open source” describes how software is licensed and developed; it does not guarantee that a tool can directly edit every part of a PDF. A PDF may contain text, vector artwork, images, form fields, or scanned pages. Choose a tool for the content you need to change, and check the exported file before relying on it.
Best-supported free, open-source options
PDFsam Basic: best for common page operations
PDFsam Basic is a free, open-source application released under the AGPL. Its official product information lists Windows, macOS, and Linux support and describes tools to split, merge, rotate, mix, and extract PDF pages. See the PDFsam Basic feature page and official download page for current details.
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#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Basic is for page operations, not the same product as PDFsam Enhanced. PDFsam describes Enhanced as a professional Windows editor; do not assume its features or licensing apply to Basic. The distinction is set out in the PDFsam FAQ.
PDF Arranger: best for visual page organization
PDF Arranger is a free, open-source page organizer. Its official site lists Windows, macOS, and Linux and describes rearranging and manipulating pages. It is a reasonable option when the task is organizing a document rather than rewriting text on its pages. Consult the PDF Arranger project site for current platform and release information.
Rank #2
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- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Xournal++: best for handwriting and annotations
Xournal++ is handwriting note-taking software with PDF annotation support. The project lists Windows and macOS support as well as Linux, and supports pen input, including Wacom devices. Its official repository documents an important file-management caveat: a .xopp file does not embed its source PDF. Keep the source PDF in place with the annotation file; moving or deleting it can leave the notes without the original page background.
Okular: a PDF viewer with annotation features
KDE describes Okular as a multi-platform document viewer that reads PDFs and other document types, and releases it under GPLv2 or later. The official Okular site is the place to check current downloads. The available project information does not establish that a current version is distributed for both Windows and macOS, so confirm availability for your operating system before choosing it. Treat Okular as a viewer and annotation option, not a proven tool for changing existing PDF text.
The Tool Desk
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LibreOffice Draw: for drawing and layout-oriented edits
LibreOffice Draw is a general drawing application within LibreOffice. The Document Foundation provides Windows and macOS downloads, including Apple Silicon and Intel builds, and publishes a Draw guide.
Draw can be useful when a PDF’s content is treated as drawing or layout objects, but that workflow does not guarantee that the original design will remain intact. Keep an untouched copy, make a small trial change, export, and inspect the result—especially when the file uses complex formatting.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
What to check before editing
- Identify the task: page operations, annotation, and content or layout changes call for different tools.
- Confirm your operating system: support listed by a project does not always mean a current installer is available for every platform. This is particularly important for Okular.
- Keep an original: work on a copy, especially when changing layout or exporting from Draw.
- Check the finished PDF: open the exported file and review page order, annotations, text, and formatting before sharing it.
- For Xournal++ users: store the source PDF with the
.xoppfile because the project file does not embed the PDF.
Why this guide does not list 15 tools
The exact-title article identified LibreOffice Draw, Okular, Inkscape, PDF Arranger, Scribus, and Xournal++ as its core set, but the available evidence does not substantiate a complete 15-tool list or verify every candidate’s current Windows and macOS support, license, and PDF-editing scope. Inkscape and Scribus should not be treated as recommendations here on that basis alone. A shorter list with clear task boundaries is more useful than presenting unverified options as equivalent editors.
Software versions and installers change. Check each project’s official page for current releases and operating-system support before downloading; version numbers are omitted here because they can become outdated.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
