How do I edit a PDF without a paid tool?

Free options include LibreOffice Draw on desktop and Smallpdf's web editor for light tweaks. For structural edits, go back to the source document (Word, Pages, etc.) whenever possible.

Can a PDF contain malware?

The document itself is inert, but embedded JavaScript and external links are not. Always scan PDFs from unknown senders, and never click login-style links inside an unexpected PDF.

.pdf

Use caution

Portable Document Format

A fixed-layout document format used anywhere the exact look of a page matters — contracts, invoices, manuals, and printable forms. PDFs render the same way across OSes and printers.

MIME types

application/pdf

What opens this file

Adobe Acrobat Reader
Preview (macOS)
Built-in browser viewers
SumatraPDF
Foxit Reader

How to open by OS

Windows

Open directly in a browser, or install Adobe Acrobat Reader

Mac

Open with the built-in Preview app

Linux

Evince, Okular, or Firefox's built-in viewer

Ios

Long-press in Files.app then tap Preview, or open with the Books app

Android

Google Drive's viewer or Adobe Acrobat Reader

Safety notes

PDFs can contain JavaScript and embedded actions. Scan unexpected attachments with antivirus before opening.
Phishing PDFs that mimic login or invoice forms are common — never sign in through a link inside an unexpected PDF.

Common mistakes

A .exe renamed with a .pdf extension and a PDF icon is a classic malware trick. Verify the actual bytes with the File Signature Checker.
Many people assume PDFs are non-editable, but most tools can extract and re-edit their text layer.

FAQ

How do I edit a PDF without a paid tool?: Free options include LibreOffice Draw on desktop and Smallpdf's web editor for light tweaks. For structural edits, go back to the source document (Word, Pages, etc.) whenever possible.
Can a PDF contain malware?: The document itself is inert, but embedded JavaScript and external links are not. Always scan PDFs from unknown senders, and never click login-style links inside an unexpected PDF.