What is PDF Editor Software?
PDFs are images of documents, as opposed to editable text files (such as a Word document). A PDF editing software solution turns a PDF into a living, editable document. PDFs can be created within, or uploaded into, these platforms. These solutions should not be confused with document creation software. PDF editors often include password protection to view and edit documents and designated fields, as opposed to document creation software, which is collaborative and allows users to edit any part of the document.
PDF software allows you to modify PDF documents without having to redo everything from scratch.
What features should be in software-
- signing contracts
- filling in forms
- adding annotations
- collaborating on a file
- combining different documents into a single file
- splitting a PDF into separate files
- converting PDF documents into different formats
- digitizing hard copies of documents without retyping
Adobe Acrobat is the most popular PDF editor software, but there are many alternatives.
Runs on: Windows, macOS
Practically synonymous with the term “PDF editor,” Adobe Acrobat has powerful editing tools and a familiar, intuitive interface. Its mobile app lets you edit PDFs on the go. It’s best for power users who need robust editing features, mobile access, and reliability. However, it's only available with a monthly subscription.
If you don’t have the budget or don’t need all the features to justify the cost, then consider these Adobe Acrobat alternatives:
Runs on: Windows, macOS
Practically synonymous with the term “PDF editor,” Adobe Acrobat has powerful editing tools and a familiar, intuitive interface. Its mobile app lets you edit PDFs on the go. It’s best for power users who need robust editing features, mobile access, and reliability. However, it's only available with a monthly subscription.
If you don’t have the budget or don’t need all the features to justify the cost, then consider these Adobe Acrobat alternatives:
2. Foxit PhantomPDF
PhantomPDF allows you to create, edit, and manage PDF documents.
Runs on: Windows, macOS
The Windows version of Foxit PhantomPDF offers ConnectedPDF, a cloud-based service that allows users to share and collaborate on PDFs, including tracking users’ behaviors. Its assistive technology complies with Section 508 technology standards to help people with disabilities access the PDFs.
3. Nitro PRO is an affordable alternative to Adobe Acrobat.
Runs on: Windows
Nitro Pro 12 says it can do everything Adobe Acrobat does, at half the price. It’s compatible with CAD drawings, so you can work with blueprints within PDFs and export from Revit, AutoCAD, and MicroStation to PDF. It also integrates with Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box for cloud-based document sharing.
4. Qoppa PDF Studio/Qoppa PDF Studio Pro
Qoppa PDF Studio is an Adobe Acrobat alternative that's available for different systems.
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Runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux
Qoppa PDF Studio positions itself as an Adobe Acrobat alternative at the fraction of the cost. The Pro version has all the features of Adobe Acrobat Pro. In addition, Qoppa PDF Studio Pro can convert to HTML5/SVG. It also has an Annotation Tool Chest, which lets you save comments and annotations so you can use them again in other PDF documents.
5. Sejda PDF
Sejda PDF is a free Adobe Acrobat alternative.
Runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux, web browser
This free pdf editor software can convert PDF text and images to grayscale. It can easily find and replace all occurrences of words in a PDF. And it offers forever free access to both the online and desktop editors, with limits on the number of tasks you can perform and file sizes. If you need more, you can get a weekly pass for a one-time fee.
Runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux, web browser
This free pdf editor software can convert PDF text and images to grayscale. It can easily find and replace all occurrences of words in a PDF. And it offers forever free access to both the online and desktop editors, with limits on the number of tasks you can perform and file sizes. If you need more, you can get a weekly pass for a one-time fee.
6. Word
Microsoft Word can open PDF documents and make them editable.
Runs on: Windows, Web browser
Microsoft Word is a word processor, not a PDF editor. However, you can open PDF documents in Word, making it editable. Note that this applies only to the Windows and web versions of Word; this doesn’t work in Word for mac. You’ll also see the best results with PDFs that are mostly text-based.
7. Xodo
Xodo is a free PDF software for multiple operating systems and mobile devices.
Runs on: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web browser
This free PDF software has an annotations view that gives a summary list of all the annotations in the document. You can invite anyone with an email address and a web browser to collaborate on a PDF with you in real time. Xodo’s chat feature removes the need for back-and-forth emails.
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