In today's digital world, the need to edit PDF files has become increasingly common across various operating systems, including Linux Ubuntu. However, finding a free and compatible PDF editor for Linux can be challenging. If you're searching for the best free Linux PDF editor that works seamlessly with Ubuntu and other Linux distributions, look no further! In this article, we present seven top-notch PDF editors specifically tailored for Linux users. Along with detailed features and tips, we've also included step-by-step download guides to help you get started with ease. Discover the perfect PDF editing solution for your Linux system and unlock the full potential of your documents.
How to Find the Best Free Linux PDF Editor?
1. Compatibility with Linux Distributions: When searching for the best free Linux PDF editor, ensure that it is compatible with your specific Linux distribution, whether it's Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, or others.
2. Feature Set: Consider the features you need based on your life or work situations.
3. User-Friendly Interface: A user-friendly interface is crucial for efficient and stress-free editing.
4. Security and Privacy: Privacy is paramount when dealing with sensitive documents.
5. Community and Support: Look for an editor with an active community or reliable support channels.
Finding the best free Linux PDF editor involves considering your specific needs, ensuring compatibility, assessing features, evaluating usability, prioritizing security, and seeking community support. With these points in mind, you can confidently select the ideal PDF editor for your Linux system, enhancing your productivity and document management.
1. WPS PDF Editor (Free for Linux)
WPS Linux PDF Editor is a robust and feature-rich PDF editing software brought to you by WPS Office, a reputable office suite provider known for its compatibility across multiple platforms. With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, WPS PDF Editor offers seamless integration with Linux systems, making it an ideal choice for Linux users. Its sleek design and powerful editing tools empower users to manipulate PDFs with ease.
Key Features:
Linux Compatibility: WPS PDF Editor is fully compatible with various Linux distributions, ensuring a smooth experience for Linux users seeking a versatile PDF editing solution.
Editing Tools: The software provides an array of essential PDF editing tools, such as text and image editing, annotations, and form filling, catering to the diverse needs of professionals and individuals alike.
Security Features: WPS PDF Editor prioritizes security by offering password protection, encryption, and the ability to redact sensitive information, ensuring the safety of confidential documents.
Pros & Benefits:
Extensive Editing Options: WPS PDF Editor stands out for its comprehensive set of editing features, enabling users to manipulate and customize PDF content effectively, improving productivity.
Familiar User Interface: The software adopts a familiar interface, resembling common office suites, making it easy for users familiar with such software to transition seamlessly.
Frequent Updates and Support: WPS Office maintains a strong support system with regular updates, ensuring that Linux users receive the latest features and bug fixes for a smooth experience.
Free for Linux Users: The WPS Linux PDF Editor is available as a free download for Linux users, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich PDF editor without any cost.
Free or Not:
WPS PDF Editor is indeed available for free to Linux users. This means you can enjoy all the essential PDF editing tools and features without any additional cost.
How to Download WPS Office for Linux:
To download WPS Office for Linux and access the WPS PDF Editor:
1. Visit the official website at https://www.wps.com/office/linux/
2. Locate and click on the " Download" button.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your Linux system.
4. Once installed, launch WPS Office, click on the "PDF" tab, and open your PDF document for editing. Enjoy the seamless PDF editing experience with WPS PDF Editor!
2. Okular (Fast Speed)
Okular is a versatile and high-performance Linux PDF editor and reader designed specifically for Linux users. Renowned for its fast-processing speed and smooth performance, Okular offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to view, annotate, and edit PDF files effortlessly. Its integration with the KDE desktop environment enhances the overall experience for Linux enthusiasts.
Key Features:
Linux-Focused: Okular is exclusively tailored for Linux users, ensuring seamless compatibility with various Linux distributions, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a PDF editor optimized for their Linux systems.
Annotation Tools: Okular comes equipped with a comprehensive set of annotation tools, enabling users to highlight text, add comments, draw shapes, and create bookmarks for better PDF navigation and collaboration.
Advanced Viewing Options: With Okular, users can enjoy advanced viewing options, including presentation mode, full-screen view, and thumbnails, enhancing the overall reading and editing experience.
Pros & Benefits:
Speed and Performance: Okular's fast processing speed is one of its standout features, making it an efficient choice for handling large PDF files or when time is of the essence.
KDE Integration: As Okular is closely integrated with the KDE desktop environment, Linux users who prefer KDE will appreciate its seamless integration and consistent user experience.
Wide Format Support: Okular supports a variety of file formats, not limited to PDFs, including PostScript, ePub, and more, making it a versatile document viewer for Linux users.
Cons:
Limited Editing Features: While Okular is a competent PDF reader and basic editor, it may lack some advanced editing features found in more dedicated PDF editing software.
Free or Not:
Okular is a free and open-source software, meaning it is available for Linux users at no cost. Linux enthusiasts can enjoy all the features and benefits of Okular without any licensing fees.
How to Download Okular for Linux:
To download Okular on your Linux system:
1. Visit the official website: https://okular.kde.org/download/
2. Follow the provided download instructions for your specific Linux distribution.
3. Once downloaded, install Okular using the appropriate installation method for your Linux distribution.
4. Launch Okular, and you're all set to view and edit PDF files with speed and efficiency on your Linux system!
3. Foxit (Good for Beginners)
Foxit Linux PDF Editor is a popular and user-friendly PDF editor tailored for Linux users, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to edit and manage their PDF documents seamlessly. With an intuitive interface and a range of essential features, Foxit PDF Editor provides a hassle-free PDF editing experience for Linux users.
Key Features:
Linux Compatibility: Foxit PDF Editor is designed to work smoothly on Linux systems, ensuring compatibility with various distributions and delivering a consistent experience for Linux users.
Easy Editing Tools: With a user-friendly interface, Foxit offers a range of easy-to-use editing tools, allowing beginners to edit text, images, and other content in their PDF files effortlessly.
Form-Filling and Annotation: Foxit Linux PDF Editor supports form-filling and annotation features, enabling users to fill out forms and add comments or notes to their PDF documents.
Pros & Benefits:
Beginner-Friendly Interface: Foxit PDF Editor's intuitive interface makes it particularly suitable for beginners, as it simplifies the editing process and reduces the learning curve.
Fast and Efficient: Foxit is known for its speedy performance, which is essential for users who want to get their PDF editing tasks done quickly and efficiently.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Apart from being available for Linux, Foxit PDF Editor is also compatible with other major operating systems, allowing users to access and edit their PDFs across different platforms seamlessly.
Cons:
Limited Advanced Features: While Foxit PDF Editor is well-suited for basic PDF editing needs, it may lack some advanced features found in more robust PDF editing software.
Free or Not:
Foxit PDF Editor is a commercial product, and while there might be a free trial available, the full version may require a purchase or a subscription for continued usage with access to all features.
How to Download Foxit PDF Editor for Linux:
To download Foxit PDF Editor for Linux:
1. Visit the official website: https://www.foxit.com/downloads/#Foxit-Reader/
2. Follow the provided download instructions for your specific Linux distribution.
3. Install Foxit PDF Editor according to the installation guidelines provided.
4. Once installed, launch Foxit PDF Editor and start editing your PDF documents with ease on your Linux system, especially suited for beginners.
4. Scribus (Quick Download)
Scribus is a powerful open-source desktop publishing software that doubles as a versatile Linux PDF editor for Linux users. Known for its professional-grade features and ease of use, Scribus empowers users to create and edit PDF documents with precision. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals.
Key Features:
Linux Compatibility: Scribus is specifically developed for Linux systems, ensuring seamless compatibility across various distributions and delivering an optimized experience for Linux users.
Layout and Design Tools: As a desktop publishing software, Scribus offers an array of layout and design tools, enabling users to create visually appealing PDFs with precise control over elements.
PDF Editing Capabilities: Scribus provides PDF editing features, such as text manipulation, image insertion, and page rearrangement, making it a comprehensive PDF editing solution for Linux users.
Pros & Benefits:
Professional-Grade Features: Scribus offers a wide range of advanced features comparable to professional desktop publishing tools, allowing users to create polished and sophisticated PDFs.
Open-Source and Free: Scribus is an open-source software, meaning it is freely available to Linux users without any cost, making it an accessible and budget-friendly choice.
High-Quality Output: With precise control over design and layout, Scribus ensures high-quality output for PDF documents, making it an ideal tool for publishing and sharing content.
Cons:
Learning Curve: Due to its extensive feature set, Scribus may have a steeper learning curve for beginners compared to simpler PDF editors.
Free or Not:
Scribus is an open-source software and is available for free to Linux users. This means you can take advantage of all its features without any cost.
How to Download Scribus for Linux:
To download Scribus for Linux:
1. Visit the official website: https://www.scribus.net/
2. Look for the download section related to Scribus and follow the provided instructions for your specific Linux distribution.
3. Install Scribus as per the given guidelines for your system.
4. Once installed, launch Scribus and begin creating and editing PDF documents on your Linux system with ease and professional-grade capabilities.
5. LibreOffice (Easy)
LibreOffice is a popular open-source office suite that includes a powerful Linux PDF editor called LibreOffice Draw. Designed for Linux users, LibreOffice Draw provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of editing tools, making it an easy-to-use PDF editor for various tasks.
Key Features:
Linux Compatibility: As a part of the LibreOffice suite, LibreOffice Draw is fully compatible with Linux systems, ensuring seamless integration and smooth performance on various distributions.
Comprehensive Editing Tools: LibreOffice Draw offers a comprehensive set of editing tools, including text editing, image manipulation, drawing, and various shape creation options for creating and editing PDF documents.
Import and Export Options: Users can easily import and export PDF files in LibreOffice Draw, making it convenient for collaborating with other PDF editing software or sharing documents in different formats.
Pros & Benefits:
Intuitive Interface: LibreOffice Draw provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users alike, saving time on learning the software.
Integration with LibreOffice Suite: Being part of the LibreOffice suite, Draw allows users to seamlessly switch between different office applications like Writer and Calc, enhancing productivity.
Freely Available: LibreOffice Draw is an open-source software, making it available for free to Linux users without any licensing fees.
Cons:
Advanced Features Limited: While LibreOffice Draw covers most standard PDF editing needs, it might lack some advanced features found in specialized PDF editors.
Free or Not:
LibreOffice Draw is part of the LibreOffice suite, which is an open-source software. This means it is entirely free for Linux users, allowing them to access all its features without any cost.
How to Download LibreOffice for Linux:
To download LibreOffice Draw (along with other LibreOffice applications) for Linux:
1. Visit the official website: https://www.libreoffice.org/download/download-libreoffice/?type=deb-x86_64&version=7.5.5&lang=en-US
2. Follow the download instructions for your specific Linux distribution.
3. Install LibreOffice Draw using the provided installation guidelines for your system.
4. Launch LibreOffice Draw and start editing your PDF documents with ease on your Linux system, thanks to its user-friendly interface and powerful editing capabilities.
6. Inkscape (Simple)
Inkscape is a powerful and user-friendly open-source vector graphics editor that doubles as a simple PDF editor for Linux users. With a focus on simplicity and ease of use, Inkscape provides an intuitive interface and a variety of tools for creating and editing PDF documents.
Key Features:
Linux Compatibility: Inkscape is developed specifically for Linux users, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility with various distributions.
Vector Graphics Editing: As a vector graphics editor, Inkscape allows users to manipulate objects as scalable vector images, making it suitable for creating and editing complex graphics within PDF documents.
Text and Object Editing: Inkscape offers text and object editing capabilities, enabling users to add, modify, and arrange elements in PDF files effortlessly.
Pros & Benefits:
Simple and User-Friendly: Inkscape's interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it an accessible Linux PDF editor for users of all skill levels, particularly for those who prefer simplicity.
Scalable Vector Graphics: As a vector graphics editor, Inkscape produces high-quality, scalable graphics, ensuring that PDFs retain their quality when zoomed in or resized.
Free and Open-Source: Inkscape is an open-source software, making it freely available for Linux users without any cost.
Cons:
Advanced Features Limited: While Inkscape offers a range of editing tools, it may lack some advanced features found in more specialized PDF editors.
Free or Not:
Inkscape is an open-source software and is available for free to Linux users, making it accessible to all without any licensing fees.
How to Download Inkscape for Linux:
To download Inkscape for Linux:
1. Visit the official website: https://inkscape.org/release/0.92.3/gnulinux/
2. Follow the download instructions tailored for your specific Linux distribution.
3. Install Inkscape using the provided installation guidelines for your system.
4. Launch Inkscape and begin creating and editing PDF documents with simplicity and vector graphics capabilities on your Linux system.
7. Xournal (Intuitive)
Xournal is an intuitive and feature-rich Linux PDF editor designed for Linux users. It provides a natural writing and drawing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer to take notes, annotate PDFs, or sketch on their documents. With its user-friendly interface and handwriting recognition, Xournal offers a seamless PDF editing experience.
Key Features:
Linux Compatibility: Xournal is developed specifically for Linux systems, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance across various distributions.
Handwriting and Sketching: Xournal provides natural handwriting and sketching capabilities, allowing users to annotate PDFs or create handwritten notes directly on the documents.
PDF Annotation: Xournal allows users to add annotations, comments, and highlight text within PDF files, making it a useful tool for collaborating and reviewing documents.
Pros & Benefits:
Intuitive Handwriting Recognition: Xournal's handwriting recognition ensures smooth and accurate note-taking, providing an intuitive experience for users who prefer writing by hand.
Customizable Interface: Users can customize Xournal's interface to suit their preferences, offering a personalized PDF editing environment.
Free and Open-Source: Xournal is an open-source software and available for free to Linux users, making it an accessible choice for those looking for a versatile and intuitive Linux PDF editor.
Cons:
Advanced Editing Features Limited: While Xournal excels in handwriting and sketching, it may not offer the same level of advanced editing features found in more comprehensive PDF editors.
Free or Not:
Xournal is an open-source software and available for free to Linux users. This means you can enjoy all its features without any cost.
How to Download Xournal for Linux:
To download Xournal for Linux:
1. Visit the official website: https://xournalpp.github.io/installation/linux/
2. Follow the download instructions for your specific Linux distribution.
3. Install Xournal using the provided installation guidelines for your system.
4. Launch Xournal and enjoy an intuitive PDF editing experience, especially suited for users who prefer handwriting and sketching on their documents using Linux.
How to Edit PDF File on Linux Ubuntu
Step 1: Launch WPS Office
Open your web browser and visit the WPS Office website to download the Linux version. Install WPS Office on your Ubuntu system by following the installation instructions.
Step 2: Open the PDF File
After installing WPS Office, launch the application. Click on the "PDF" option in the toolbar and then select "Open PDF" to browse and open the PDF file you want to edit.
Step 3: Edit PDF Content
Once the PDF file is opened in WPS Office, you can start editing the content. Use the various editing tools provided by WPS Office to modify text, add or remove images, and make other changes to the PDF document.
Step 4: Save the Edited PDF
After making the necessary changes, click on the "File" menu and select "Save" to save the edited PDF file. You can also choose "Save As" if you want to save the edited PDF with a new file name or location.
That's it! You have successfully edited a PDF file on Linux Ubuntu using WPS Office. Enjoy the efficient and feature-rich PDF editing capabilities of WPS Office on your Ubuntu system.
FAQs of Linux PDF Editor:
Q1: Is there a 100% free Linux PDF editor?
Yes, there are several 100% free PDF editors available for Linux users. One of the popular options is WPS Office, which offers a free PDF editor that works seamlessly on Linux systems. WPS Office provides a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive set of editing tools, making it an excellent choice for Linux users looking for a powerful and free PDF editing solution.
Q2: Does Linux Ubuntu have a PDF editor?
Yes, Linux Ubuntu comes with a built-in PDF reader called "Document Viewer" (also known as Evince). While it allows users to view PDF files, it lacks advanced editing capabilities. As an alternative, Linux Ubuntu users can install WPS Office, which includes a feature-rich PDF editor, enabling them to edit and manipulate PDF documents easily and efficiently on their Ubuntu system.
Do More with Any PDF in WPS Office
Do more with any PDF in WPS Office! Our PDF toolkit offers a wide range of powerful features that enhance your PDF editing experience. Whether you need to remove signatures from a PDF document, merge multiple PDFs, or convert PDFs to other formats, WPS Office has got you covered. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of tools, you can easily edit, annotate, and collaborate on PDFs. WPS Office provides a free and reliable alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring seamless compatibility and smooth performance. Plus, with access to over 100,000 templates, you can create professional documents in no time. Check out our website for more PDF functions and benefits, and explore our online resources to maximize your productivity with WPS Office!
