PDF-XChange Editor
A Windows PDF editor you buy once, with a free mode you can keep using.
Latest release: 11.1.0.0 · released Sep 29, 2026
In short
A long-running Windows PDF editor with annotation, OCR and editing. The free mode works at home and at work, but licensed features stamp a watermark. A perpetual licence removes it and includes 12 months of updates.
Made by: PDF-XChange Co Ltd · Where your data lives: On your Windows PC. Cloud connectors and the AI assistant are optional (the assistant only runs with your own API key).
Logo from: pdf-xchange.com
The editor’s take
A strong fit for Windows offices that want Acrobat-style editing without a subscription. Try the free mode first to see which features add a watermark.
Best for
Windows PCs that edit PDFs daily
People who want annotation, OCR and editing on Windows and prefer a perpetual licence to a subscription.
Check first
Mac users and watermarks
It is Windows only, and licensed features add a watermark until you buy a licence.
Download & install
Every link goes to the official site, an official app store, or the project’s own GitHub releases.
If unsure, take the “(32/64 bit) Zipped Installer”. The .msi files are meant for IT administrators.
Latest release: 11.1.0.0 · released Sep 29, 2026 · Checked Oct 3, 2026 · Release notes
Getting started without coding
Plain-language steps based on the official install guide.
Download and install, or sign up in the browser. No server needed.
A normal Windows installer from the official site; nothing else to set up.
Is there an installer?
- Windows Installer
- Mac Not available
- Linux Not available
- iPhone & iPad Not available
- Android Not available
No official hosted version. There is no browser or Mac version.
Steps for Windows
- Open the PDF-XChange downloads page and find PDF-XChange Editor (Windows 10 or later).
- Choose the “(32/64 bit) Zipped Installer”, which detects your version of Windows.
- Unzip the download and run the installer inside it.
- Use it free. Features marked as licensed still work but add a watermark; a licence removes it.
What we could verify
We checked key factual claims and linked to primary sources so you can confirm the details. Last reviewed Oct 3, 2026
Try before you move
A simple way to see if it fits your needs.
- Open a real documentTry a PDF you actually work with, not a sample file.
- Repeat your hardest workflowTest the exact task you do most often, such as editing, converting, or adding a signature.
- Export and inspect the resultMake sure the output looks right and keeps your formatting.
Good to know
- Old installers can only be downloaded while maintenance is active, so keep a copy of the installer you are entitled to. Source: pdf-xchange.com