Foxit launches PDF editor with on-device AI workspace

Foxit has launched PDF Editor 2026.2, adding on-device AI tools and a new document workspace.

The release makes it the first mainstream PDF editor to run supported AI document tasks directly on a user's device rather than through a cloud service.

The change is aimed at organisations that handle sensitive files and want AI features without moving documents outside their own systems. Local AI allows supported summarising, drafting and document analysis to take place entirely on qualifying Windows and Mac machines once a compatible model has been downloaded.

The feature also works offline. Foxit is targeting sectors such as legal, financial services, healthcare and government, where document handling is often shaped by confidentiality obligations, contractual limits, internal controls and regulation.

Workspace launch

Alongside Local AI, the release introduces Foxit Workspace, a document hub for projects involving multiple files. Users can bring together PDFs, spreadsheets, presentations, links and notes, then ask questions across that material and convert the output into editable reports, presentations, diagrams and webpages.

Workspace keeps project context across sessions and analyses files as a set rather than one at a time. It can also connect with third-party tools including Notion, Atlassian, Fireflies, HubSpot and Figma.

The release also adds bring-your-own-model support, allowing organisations to connect supported AI models to Foxit's software. This lets customers work with models already approved under their own budgets and security policies, while reducing token consumption costs tied to external model usage.

According to Foxit, the supported model list includes GPT and Gemini. PDF Editor also operates as a Model Context Protocol host, which the company described as a way to connect AI actions with existing workplace tools.

Security focus

The update reflects a broader shift among software suppliers trying to meet demand for AI features without requiring customers to send all data to external platforms. In document-heavy industries, the issue has become more pressing as companies test generative AI for routine drafting, summarising and information retrieval while trying to limit exposure of client or internal records.

Foxit's approach combines cloud-based options with local processing and model choice. Customers can use Local AI for supported on-device tasks and turn to external models where policies allow, giving teams more flexibility over how document work is handled.

Beyond AI, PDF Editor 2026.2 includes workflow changes for architecture, engineering and construction users, including automatic page labels, custom symbol management and updated measurement tools.

The release also includes an updated OCR engine, which Foxit said improves text recognition speed and accuracy, along with changes to document comparison tools intended to make review work more precise.

Evan Reiss, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Foxit International, outlined the company's positioning for the release.

"We're excited to introduce Foxit Workspace in our 2026.2 release. This release is where you can do more, uniting the productivity of PDF Editor, the security of Local AI, and the power of content creation in Workspace," said Evan Reiss, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Foxit International.

"We're redesigning the future of PDF and document productivity, making it easier to be more secure and do more with Foxit," Reiss said.

Channel partners are also seeing demand for AI features that fit existing customer controls rather than requiring a single model or deployment route. That is particularly relevant in regulated sectors, where procurement decisions often depend on data location, audit requirements and model governance.

"Our partners are looking for AI they can deploy today, in tools their customers already use," said Scott Young, Senior Vice President of Strategic Procurement, TD SYNNEX.

"Foxit's approach to document AI, including on-device processing and support for multiple AI models, provides partners with additional options to address the security and compliance requirements of customers in regulated industries," Young said.