I’ve had my fair proportion of battles with PDFs.
This one time, I wanted to edit a single typo in a PDF for a last-minute presentation. I assumed, “how laborious can or not it’s?” Properly, two hours, three downloads, and far frustration later, I nonetheless wrestled with clunky software program and premium characteristic paywalls. Sound acquainted?
That’s once I determined sufficient was sufficient. I’ve tried dozens of greatest PDF editors, testing all the things from important instruments to feature-packed apps. I’ve realized which of them do the job with out making you need to throw your pc out the window. And truthfully? A few of them are absolute lifesavers.
If you happen to’ve ever struggled with PDFs, whether or not enhancing, merging, changing, or simply attempting so as to add a signature, this listing is for you. I’ve rounded up the perfect PDF editors primarily based on my private experiences, so you may spend much less time looking and extra time doing issues.
Finest PDF editors of 2025: Instruments I attempted and cherished
- Adobe Acrobat for professional-grade enhancing and e-signature options ($12.99/month)
- Foxit PDF Editor for enterprises searching for highly effective enhancing instruments with cellular entry and AI-enhanced safety ($129.99/yr)
- Adobe PDF Pack for fundamental doc conversion and mixing information into PDFs ($9.99/month)
- Wondershare PDFelement for simplified enhancing, changing, and organizing of PDFs ($31.99/yr)
- UPDF for important enhancing and annotating duties with enterprise-level administration choices ($39.99/yr)
- Smallpdf for cloud-based entry to important PDF instruments ($12/month)
- FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac for its sturdy OCR capabilities, making it very best for digitizing paper paperwork ($69/yr)
- Nitro Professional for enhancing, changing, and signing PDFs ($17.69/month)
*These PDF editors are top-rated of their class, in line with G2 Grid Experiences. I’ve additionally added their month-to-month or annual pricing to make comparisons simpler for you.
8 greatest PDF editors I attempted: My trustworthy opinion
PDF editors are my go-to instruments once I must work with PDFs past simply viewing them. They let me edit textual content and pictures so as to add feedback and annotations. The perfect PDF editors assist me rearrange, delete, or merge pages with ease. Some even let me convert PDFs into different file codecs, like Microsoft Phrase or Excel, which is a lifesaver once I must tweak a doc with out ranging from scratch.
How did we discover and consider the perfect PDF editors?
I spent weeks exploring numerous PDF editors, testing them for all the things from fundamental edits to advanced doc administration duties. I consulted with professionals and on a regular basis customers to see how these instruments carry out in real-world situations. I assessed whether or not they’re price your money and time by digging into their standout options and figuring out their greatest flaws. Utilizing AI to investigate tons of of G2 evaluations, I uncovered the commonest consumer wants and frustrations. Pairing that perception with G2’s Grid Experiences, I in contrast every instrument’s usability, options, and total worth. In any case this testing and analysis, I’ve compiled this listing of the perfect PDF editors.
For extra superior duties, I depend on PDF editors that supply options like optical character recognition (OCR) to make scanned paperwork editable and searchable. When safety’s a precedence, I flip to PDF editors with password safety and encryption choices. PDF editors make all of it potential, from filling out varieties and including e-signatures to collaborating on paperwork. If I must do one thing with a PDF, these instruments have me lined.
How I narrowed down the perfect PDF editors: My guidelines
Under are the elements I thought of whereas testing and evaluating the PDF editor instruments.
- Ease of use: I need a PDF editor that doesn’t require a handbook. The interface needs to be intuitive, with all of the important instruments accessible. I search for clear menus, easy navigation, and minimal pointless muddle. A instrument with a steep studying curve is a crimson flag for me. There are too many choices on the market to waste time on one thing difficult.
- Modifying capabilities: For me, the first job of a PDF editor is to let me edit textual content, photographs, and different components inside a PDF seamlessly. The editor ought to enable me to repair typos, change fonts, and rearrange layouts with out breaking the doc’s formatting. If it may well’t deal with these fundamental duties, it’s not price my time.
- File conversion choices: Changing PDFs to different codecs like Phrase, Excel, or PowerPoint is a lifesaver when making main edits. I additionally search for instruments that convert completely different file varieties into PDFs with out shedding high quality. The conversion course of needs to be easy, and the output file needs to be clear and correct.
- Optical character recognition: OCR is a game-changer for working with scanned paperwork. I usually cope with PDFs which can be primarily simply photographs of textual content, and an excellent editor ought to be capable of acknowledge that textual content and make it editable or searchable. I additionally rigorously take a look at the accuracy of the OCR characteristic.
- Annotation and collaboration: Annotation instruments are important when working with a crew or reviewing paperwork. A PDF editor should let me spotlight textual content, add feedback, and draw shapes simply. Bonus factors if the editor helps real-time collaboration or permits me to share paperwork with others for seamless suggestions.
- Safety: When working with delicate paperwork, I all the time search for instruments that supply password safety, redaction choices, and encryption. Some editors additionally let me signal paperwork electronically, which is a big plus for contracts and varieties. Understanding my information are safe provides me peace of thoughts.
- Efficiency and velocity: A PDF editor needs to be fast and responsive, even when working with massive information or advanced paperwork. I get annoyed if the software program crashes or slows down throughout fundamental duties like enhancing or saving. Efficiency is a deal-breaker for me.
- Platform compatibility: I usually change between units, so I search for editors that work throughout a number of platforms, akin to Home windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Cloud-based options are nice as a result of they let me entry my information from wherever. Consistency throughout platforms is vital.
- Superior options: I search for PDF enhancing instruments that allow me deal with a number of information with batch processing and design interactive paperwork. Integration with cloud storage and productiveness instruments ensures seamless collaboration, whereas superior safety choices like redaction and digital certificates are must-haves for delicate information. Options like scripting, automation, and multimedia embedding add additional performance, making these editors good for advanced duties.
- Worth for cash: Value issues, however so does worth. Free instruments are fantastic for fundamentals, however paid editors usually excel at superior duties like OCR and encryption. I weigh the price of one-time purchases towards subscriptions, checking for hidden charges and benefiting from trials. PDF editor ought to save effort and time, making it well worth the funding. The perfect choices steadiness affordability with performance, delivering long-term worth.
I spent weeks testing over 20 PDF editors primarily based on the standards that matter most to me. From ease of use and enhancing capabilities to superior options like OCR, batch processing, and safety instruments, I evaluated how nicely every editor carried out in real-world situations. I transformed information, edited textual content, created varieties, added annotations, and examined integrations with cloud platforms.
I additionally thought of worth for cash by evaluating free instruments, one-time purchases, and subscription fashions, searching for people who delivered constant high quality with out hidden charges. Any editor that crashed or lagged throughout fundamental duties didn’t make the lower. In any case this hands-on testing, I narrowed the listing to the 8 greatest PDF editors that excel in usability, performance, and total worth. These are the instruments I belief and advocate for anybody needing dependable PDF enhancing options.
To be included within the PDF editor class, a product should:
- Help enhancing of textual content, photographs, and pages immediately inside PDFs
- Present instruments to create new PDFs seamlessly throughout the platform
- Embrace options for annotating and signing PDFs effortlessly
- Supply file conversion choices to and from numerous codecs
- Allow password safety to safe PDF information
*This information was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some evaluations might have been edited for readability.
1. Adobe Acrobat
I’ve spent a variety of time with Adobe Acrobat, and if I needed to sum it up, I’d say it’s a powerhouse with a little bit of a character downside. It’s filled with options that may deal with absolutely anything you’d ever must do with a PDF, however it doesn’t all the time make it straightforward.
First, the enhancing instruments are phenomenal. I can edit textual content, add or resize photographs, and even rearrange pages immediately within the PDF—no exporting or juggling a number of packages. And on the subject of conversions, it’s a lifesaver. Turning PDFs into Phrase, Excel, or PowerPoint information is so seamless that I barely even give it some thought anymore.
I can also’t reside with out the OCR characteristic. I’ve taken scanned paperwork I assumed have been misplaced causes and turned them into editable textual content in seconds. It’s saved me a lot time, particularly when coping with previous contracts and printed varieties.
The fillable varieties characteristic is one other standout. I’ve turned boring, static varieties into interactive ones that folks can fill out immediately on their units. It’s made amassing suggestions or signatures ridiculously straightforward. And talking of signatures, the e-signature instrument is a gem. I can signal paperwork digitally with out printing a single web page.
The password safety and redaction instruments maintain my delicate paperwork secure. I like with the ability to lock down information or prohibit permissions so folks can’t edit or copy them with out my permission. Concerning skilled touches, instruments for including watermarks, logos, and headers make my paperwork look polished each time.
Now, right here’s the place issues get a bit irritating for me. You’d suppose that the interface for such a robust instrument could be intuitive. However no, even fundamental duties like merging PDFs or extracting pages take far more steps than they need to. After I first began utilizing it, I spent a lot time watching tutorials and digging by means of boards to determine find out how to get issues achieved. It’s undoubtedly not essentially the most user-friendly expertise.
Efficiency is one other factor that bugs me. Adobe Acrobat is usually a severe useful resource hog, particularly when working with bigger information. There have been occasions when it slowed all the way down to a crawl or crashed in the course of one thing vital. And don’t even get me began on the updates. They’re not all the time automated, which has left me scrambling once I understand I’m out of sync whereas collaborating with others. It’s simply not as seamless as I’d prefer it to be.
Then there’s the subscription value. I imply, there’s a free model, however it’s so restricted that it barely scratches the floor. If you’d like enhancing, signing, and safety, you’ve obtained to pay up.
Compatibility can be hit and miss. I’ve had moments the place PDFs I created in Acrobat didn’t play properly with different software program, or information from different packages didn’t work as anticipated.
What I like about Adobe Acrobat:
- I like enhancing textual content, rearranging pages, and even tweaking photographs immediately within the PDF with out changing information. The flexibility to repair typos or replace a doc shortly has been a lifesaver for me.
- Turning PDFs into Phrase, Excel, or PowerPoint information is ridiculously straightforward. It’s wonderful how correct the formatting stays, saving me from the effort of redoing all the things from scratch.
What G2 customers like about Adobe Acrobat:
“Adobe Acrobat is a tremendous instrument that enables me to create paperwork from scratch, edit present information, and convert any doc right into a PDF format. Moreover, the power to securely ship paperwork for distant signing is likely one of the options I worth most. It’s a complete and dependable resolution for managing all my paperwork effectively and safely.”
– Adobe Acrobat Evaluate, Trueway Title C.
What I dislike about Adobe Acrobat:
- For such a robust instrument, it’s surprisingly not intuitive. Duties like merging or extracting pages really feel far more difficult than they need to, and I’ve needed to watch tutorials simply to determine issues out.
- Adobe Acrobat can decelerate and even crash once I work with bigger information. This may be extremely irritating, particularly once I’m in the course of an vital mission with a decent deadline.
What G2 customers dislike about Adobe Acrobat:
“Full entry to options necessitates a month-to-month or yearly subscription. The interface could also be too tough for folks unfamiliar with altering PDFs. Perhaps prohibitive for small enterprises or lone customers.”
– Adobe Acrobat Evaluate, Abhishek U.
2. Foxit PDF Editor
If you happen to work with PDFs each day, Foxit PDF Editor may be your secret weapon.
The very first thing I seen was the extremely user-friendly interface. Whether or not you’re a newbie or a seasoned professional, the interface feels intuitive, with clear menus and easy workflows. Modifying textual content, rearranging pages, or inserting photographs is as straightforward because it will get.
I like this PDF editor’s feature-rich atmosphere, which caters to almost each PDF want you may think about. One standout characteristic is its file conversion capabilities. Whether or not it is advisable convert Phrase, Excel, PowerPoint, or picture information to PDFs or go within the reverse route, Foxit PDF Editor handles it shortly and with spectacular accuracy. In contrast to some editors, it manages to protect most formatting, though extremely advanced layouts or tables can generally pose a problem.
I respect this PDF enhancing instrument’s OCR capabilities. It may well simply flip scanned or image-based paperwork into absolutely searchable and editable textual content.
I used to be impressed by the big selection of superior enhancing instruments Foxit PDF Editor affords. I may seamlessly modify textual content, change photographs, and manipulate web page layouts.
Annotating PDFs is one other power. I can spotlight textual content, add feedback, draw freehand, and even apply stamps to paperwork. These instruments make collaboration a breeze, particularly when paired with Foxit’s ConnectedPDF expertise, which permits a number of customers to work on the identical file and observe real-time modifications. This integration makes it very best for groups working remotely or in shared environments.
I like how Foxit PDF Editor opens massive information like 500-page paperwork or high-resolution graphics and not using a sweat. I’ve come to depend on this degree of velocity and responsiveness, particularly when working with detailed stories or visually advanced information. It’s optimized for multitasking, permitting a number of information to open with none noticeable slowdown.
I additionally like Foxit PDF Editor’s security measures, together with password safety, encryption, and redaction instruments that guarantee delicate info stays non-public. The digital signature characteristic absolutely complies with e-signature requirements, letting you securely signal and validate paperwork with out extra software program. That is notably helpful for professionals in finance, authorized, or different fields that require rigorous doc authentication.
I didn’t just like the interface colour scheme. It’s unapologetically purple. Whereas it doesn’t have an effect on performance, I’d love an choice to customise it to higher swimsuit private preferences. Then there’s the licensing mannequin, which restricts you to a single machine per license. For customers like me, who often change between a desktop and a laptop computer, this may be irritating except you’re keen to buy extra licenses.
One other space the place Foxit PDF Editor may enhance is in file conversion accuracy. Whereas it does an admirable job more often than not, changing PDFs with intricate layouts, tables, or graphics into Phrase or Excel can often produce blended outcomes. Lastly, whereas uncommon, there are occasional minor bugs, like edits not saving correctly or sudden app crashes. These points don’t occur usually, however they will disrupt your workflow after they do.
What I like about Foxit PDF Editor:
- I like how intuitive and easy the interface is. The whole lot is strictly the place I anticipate it to be, so I don’t waste time attempting to find instruments or options. It simply makes enhancing and managing PDFs a lot simpler.
- Foxit PDF Editor doesn’t lag, even with massive, graphics-heavy information. It feels easy and responsive once I juggle a number of information and tight deadlines.
What G2 customers like about Foxit PDF Editor:
“Foxit PDF Editor could be very sturdy and offers ample options for any measurement enterprise or particular person wants. The enhancing and formatting instruments are straightforward to search out and really intuitive. I like how comparable that is to Adobe Professional. Our firm could be very pleased with Foxit PDF Editor after reviewing and testing. After I bumped into a problem, customer support was useful once I referred to as to repair the problem. There are such a lot of elements to nonetheless be taught and use and looking out ahead to exploring extra. Foxit PDF Editor was very straightforward to put in and use instantly.”
– Foxit PDF Editor Evaluate, Kim R.
What I dislike about Foxit PDF Editor:
- I discover it irritating that the license solely works on one machine. Switching between my desktop and laptop computer means I want to purchase one other license, which feels unnecessarily restrictive.
- Whereas file conversion is mostly good, it struggles with advanced layouts. After I convert PDFs with tables or intricate designs into Phrase or Excel, the formatting doesn’t all the time come out proper.
What G2 customers dislike about Foxit PDF Editor:
“Extra options should be added to the app to make it extra full. If it had a cellular app, I’d give it full marks. I believe you want the power to extract textual content from photographs.”
– Foxit PDF Editor Evaluate, Billy S.
3. Adobe PDF Pack
You understand that second once you discover a instrument that simply will get the fundamentals proper? For me, that is Adobe PDF Pack.
One of many first issues I seen was how seamlessly I may convert numerous file varieties into PDFs and vice versa. Adobe PDF Pack handles the conversion whereas preserving the unique formatting, whether or not it is Phrase, Excel, PowerPoint, and even picture information.
Modifying PDFs was once a problem, however I can simply make modifications immediately throughout the doc with Adobe PDF Pack. It affords a complete set of instruments that cater to my wants, from modifying textual content to rearranging pages.
The cloud storage characteristic ensures that every one my paperwork are accessible throughout units, which is ideal for somebody continually on the transfer. Sharing paperwork for evaluation or signature is simple, and the e-signature performance provides a layer of professionalism to my transactions.
I didn’t like how Adobe PDF Pack doesn’t assist direct enhancing of photographs or layouts inside present PDFs. Customers requiring such functionalities must improve to Acrobat Professional. I couldn’t flip paper paperwork into editable PDFs or fillable PDF varieties. The platform requires you to subscribe to Acrobat Professional for these functionalities.
What I like about Adobe PDF Pack:
- I like how easy it’s to transform information with Adobe PDF Pack. Whether or not turning a Phrase doc right into a PDF or extracting a PDF again into an editable format, it’s quick and dependable, and the formatting stays good each time.
- I can modify textual content and reorganize pages inside a doc with Adobe PDF Pack.
What G2 customers like about Adobe PDF Pack:
“Adobe PDF Pack has been my go-to resolution for dealing with PDF information effectively. Its user-friendly interface makes duties like conversion, merging, and enhancing a breeze. I notably respect its seamless integration throughout units, guaranteeing I can entry my paperwork wherever I’m going. Whereas the subscription mannequin might not swimsuit everybody, it is a precious instrument for frequent PDF customers like myself that streamlines my workflow and saves me time.”
– Adobe PDF Pack Evaluate, Muskan N.
What I dislike about Adobe PDF Pack:
- I discover it irritating that Adobe PDF Pack would not enable me to immediately edit photographs in a PDF. If I need to make even minor changes, I’ve to improve to a dearer plan.
- The shortage of options like OCR for scanned paperwork or the power to create fillable varieties makes it really feel incomplete. For something past the fundamentals, I’ve to depend on different instruments or software program.
What G2 customers dislike about Adobe PDF Pack:
“Adobe PDF Pack’s subscription value is on the upper aspect, and its efficiency will be sluggish with massive paperwork. Regardless of these drawbacks, I’m happy with its different options, which contribute to environment friendly doc administration in my workflow.”
– Adobe PDF Pack Evaluate, Civic V.
Want software program to view paperwork, photographs, movies, audio information, and extra? Discover the perfect file reader software program.
4. Wondershare PDFelement
Let me stroll you thru my expertise with Wondershare PDFelement.
I really feel that the interface is a bit button-heavy, however it’s designed for energy customers. You’ve obtained fast entry to all the things: textual content enhancing, annotations, kind creation, and even batch processing.
The OCR characteristic blew me away. Wondershare PDFelement helps over 20 languages, together with English, Spanish, Chinese language, and Japanese. What’s spectacular is how precisely it converts scanned paperwork into absolutely editable PDFs whereas preserving the unique structure. I’ve used it to digitize handwritten assembly notes and even previous printed varieties.
I additionally respect the AI-powered summarization instrument. Think about having a 50-page PDF and needing to shortly pull the important thing factors out. This characteristic generates concise summaries, saving me hours of studying and filtering by means of content material. It’s good for research-heavy duties.
Wondershare PDFelement’s batch processing capabilities are one other lifesaver. I usually must convert a number of information from PDF to Phrase or Excel, and with PDFelement, I can queue up a batch of information and let it do the heavy lifting. It additionally works for making use of OCR to a number of paperwork, which is a big time-saver when digitizing archives.
I additionally love Wondershare PDFelement’s kind creation capabilities. You possibly can design interactive varieties with checkboxes, radio buttons, and textual content fields. Plus, it may well acknowledge present kind fields in a scanned doc, making enhancing and enhancing varieties a breeze.
The consumer interface, whereas feature-rich, can really feel overwhelming for first-timers. With so many choices out there, it takes a little bit of exploration to determine the place all the things is.
I additionally felt that the software program will be gradual when dealing with very massive information or advanced paperwork with numerous photographs and layers. I’ve had a few situations the place it crashed whereas processing a very massive file.
The OCR characteristic, whereas typically glorious, can often misread poorly scanned or low-resolution paperwork. You may need to wash up some formatting or manually appropriate misinterpret textual content.
What I like about Wondershare PDFelement:
- It helps over 20 languages and might precisely convert scanned paperwork into editable PDFs whereas preserving the unique structure. I take advantage of it to digitize previous notes and printed supplies, and it really works like magic more often than not.
- AI-powered summarization is a lifesaver for lengthy paperwork. The instrument shortly extracts key factors, saving me hours of sifting by means of pages.
What G2 customers like about Wondershare PDFelement:
“My favourite a part of Wondershare PDFelement is the way it permits you to edit PDFs. Modifying PDFs, altering textual content, and inserting a picture are all straightforward. An excellent attribute is the OCR instrument which may convert the scanned doc into an editable file with zero errors. I additionally just like the batch processing of exporting many PDFs to Phrase or Excel without delay. It performs good with cloud platforms akin to Google Drive for straightforward collaboration and on-the-go entry to information.”
– Wondershare PDFelement Evaluate, Antalda C.
What I dislike about Wondershare PDFelement:
- Whereas the software program is feature-rich, the variety of buttons can really feel overwhelming. It takes some effort to get accustomed to the place all the things is, and I want it had a extra streamlined design.
- The software program generally slows down or crashes solely when working with very massive or advanced PDFs. It’s irritating, particularly once I’m in the course of an vital process.
What G2 customers dislike about Wondershare PDFelement:
“The issue I’ve with Wondershare PDFelement is that the Professional model solely has the superior options, which embody OCR and batch processing. That may be limiting for groups that don’t need to improve. Nonetheless the enhancing instruments are glorious, however there are generally formatting issues once you work with extra advanced paperwork. Additionally, massive information are dealt with slowly by the software program, and that causes effectivity hit on us throughout busy occasions.”
– Wondershare PDFelement Evaluate, Piotr D.
5. UPDF
Let me share my expertise with UPDF, a flexible PDF editor that has considerably streamlined my doc administration duties.
One in all UPDF’s standout qualities is its seamless performance throughout numerous platforms. Whether or not on Home windows, macOS, iOS, or Android, UPDF offers a constant and environment friendly expertise, permitting me to work on my PDFs anytime, wherever.
I can effortlessly add, delete, or modify textual content inside my PDFs. The flexibility to regulate font model, measurement, and colour ensures that my paperwork preserve an expert look.
Managing photographs is intuitive with UPDF. I can insert new photographs, resize, crop, rotate, or change present ones, all by means of a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. Including or enhancing hyperlinks inside paperwork is simple, enhancing the interactivity of my PDFs.
I additionally discovered UPDF’s annotation instruments to be invaluable. I can spotlight textual content, underline, or strike by means of content material to emphasise key factors. Including feedback or suggestions is straightforward, facilitating efficient collaboration with colleagues. With entry to over 100 stamps and stickers, I can add visible cues that make the evaluation course of extra partaking.
UPDF affords superior PDF enhancing capabilities. I additionally love how the OCR characteristic transforms scanned paperwork into editable and searchable PDFs, supporting over 15 languages, which is especially helpful for working with various content material.
UPDF affords a number of options to make sure doc safety. I can set passwords to limit entry to my PDFs, guaranteeing solely licensed people can view or edit the content material. Delicate info will be completely faraway from paperwork, safeguarding confidential information. Including digital signatures to paperwork is simple, streamlining the approval course of.
I want UPDF performed nicer with different apps. As an illustration, it doesn’t combine nicely with instruments like Pacer, which makes it a little bit of a headache for those who depend on third-party software program for doc workflows. There’s no text-to-speech characteristic, which seems like a missed alternative. It could be tremendous useful, particularly for these lengthy PDFs the place I’d slightly pay attention than learn.
I’ve seen that sure actions lead to flattened information, which suggests you lose layers or interactivity within the doc.
I additionally actually want UPDF had direct integration with standard cloud storage platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox. I’ve to manually add or obtain information proper now, which seems like an additional step.
What I like about UPDF:
- I like that UPDF works seamlessly throughout Home windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It means I can decide up the place I left off it doesn’t matter what machine I’m utilizing.
- I just like the clear and user-friendly interface. The whole lot is strictly the place it needs to be, making enhancing or managing PDFs straightforward.
What G2 customers like about UPDF:
“I respect the UI of the applying. The performance/usability is nice. Most PDF editors have a reasonably customary characteristic set, and I discover UPDF not missing. The appliance runs easily and doesn’t lavatory down my system’s assets. I discover it an ideal alternative for Adobe, and I do not plan on returning.”
– UPDF Evaluate, Okay. Okay.
What I dislike about UPDF:
- I miss having a text-to-speech characteristic. Listening to PDFs when multitasking or on the go could be wonderful.
- The updates are a bit too frequent for my liking. Whereas it’s nice that they’re bettering issues, it may well interrupt my workflow once I’m in the course of one thing.
What G2 customers dislike about UPDF:
“I wish to place digital bookmarks, as is completed on the Kindle. Perhaps it is necessary to have buyer assist in Portuguese or Spanish.”
– UPDF Evaluate, Alexsandro B.
6. Smallpdf
Smallpdf is like having a digital multitool in your again pocket, whether or not compressing, changing, enhancing, or signing paperwork.
Smallpdf does the fundamentals exceptionally nicely. Must convert a PDF to Phrase or a JPG to PDF? It’s tremendous easy, and the outcomes are often spot-on. I’ve additionally used it to compress cumbersome PDFs with out compromising high quality, which is a big win when sharing information over e mail. And let’s discuss merging and splitting PDFs. Duties that used to really feel tedious now take just some seconds.
I like how the interface is clear, easy, and extremely user-friendly. Even for those who’re not tech-savvy, you’ll discover it intuitive. I can shortly add a file, choose the instrument I want, and do all the things in minutes. Plus, it’s all web-based, so I don’t should obtain one other app. That’s an enormous deal as a result of I hate cluttering my units with software program I may not use each day.
One other characteristic I’ve grown to like is the e-signature instrument. It’s fast and legally binding, which suggests I can deal with contracts with out printing a single sheet of paper. It additionally integrates cloud storage choices like Google Drive and Dropbox, so managing and sharing information is a breeze.
Whereas most of its file conversions are nice, I’ve seen that changing PDFs to Phrase paperwork doesn’t all the time protect the formatting completely.
The free model is unbelievable for infrequent use, however for those who’re like me and wish it commonly, the subscription is a must have. The pricing is affordable, however it’s one thing to contemplate for those who’re on a decent funds.
Additionally, whereas the interface is generally flawless, I’d tweak some minor issues. As an illustration, when merging PDFs, the file names aren’t all the time absolutely seen, which makes organizing the order a bit cumbersome. On uncommon events, the instrument has struggled with very massive or advanced information, although it’s not a typical subject.
What I like about Smallpdf:
- I like that it’s a one-stop store for PDF duties: changing, merging, splitting, compressing, and even including e-signatures. Discovering a instrument that mixes so many options in a single place and does all of them nicely is uncommon.
- I don’t must obtain or set up something, which is a big win. I can entry it from my desktop or cellphone, and it integrates with cloud storage choices like Google Drive and Dropbox, making file administration seamless.
What G2 customers like about Smallpdf:
“This is a wonderful software that simply reduces the file measurement of PDFs and converts them to Phrase paperwork. I additionally discovered the shopper assist very empathetic and fast to resolve any usability points or suggestions. General, I extremely advocate Smallpdf to all my family and friends. You should use it wherever from cellular and desktop.”
– Smallpdf Evaluate, Nidhi Y.
What I dislike about Smallpdf:
- I didn’t just like the free model because it’s fairly restricted. You’ll want a subscription for normal or superior use.
- When changing PDFs to Phrase, the formatting doesn’t all the time come out completely, particularly with advanced layouts. It’s annoying when I’ve to spend additional time fixing it.
What G2 customers dislike about Smallpdf:
“Though this instrument helps changing a PDF file into numerous different file codecs, I’ve seen that the formatting generally turns into improper when changing right into a Phrase file. Moreover, whereas it may well convert PDF information to many different file varieties, it lacks the aptitude to transform different file codecs again to PDF, which I discover limiting when utilizing this software program.”
– Smallpdf Evaluate, Bikash P.
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7. FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac
If you happen to’re utilizing FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac, you’ve obtained many PDF enhancing instruments at your fingertips.
I’ve been capable of edit textual content, add annotations, merge information, and even lock my PDFs with passwords, all from one platform. It’s intuitive and user-friendly, so I didn’t really feel misplaced when tackling advanced duties like redacting delicate info or including digital signatures.
On the Mac, although, it’s a special story. FineReader for macOS leans closely into OCR and file conversion, which it does phenomenally nicely. However for those who’re searching for these superior PDF enhancing instruments—like enhancing textual content immediately or working with varieties—you may be dissatisfied. Personally, I discovered myself needing one other instrument to deal with these duties on my Mac.
I respect FineReader’s OCR accuracy. It’s unbelievable at dealing with advanced layouts, like paperwork with tables or twin columns. For Home windows customers, the enhancing options are an enormous bonus. I’ve used commenting and highlighting options to evaluation paperwork, they usually’ve saved me tons of time.
That mentioned, I’ve seen a recurring gripe amongst Mac customers. They need higher enhancing instruments. I fully perceive the frustration; the Mac model feels stripped down for those who’re used to Home windows-level options.
What I like about FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac:
- I like that FineReader’s OCR expertise precisely captures even essentially the most advanced layouts, like twin columns and tables. It seems like magic when scanned paperwork flip into completely editable textual content and not using a hitch.
- The flexibleness to transform PDFs into codecs like Phrase, Excel, and PowerPoint is a lifesaver for my workflow. It’s particularly helpful when repurposing content material or extracting information shortly.
What G2 customers like about FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac:
“FineReader PDF’s OCR expertise is unparalleled. It may well precisely acknowledge textual content from scanned paperwork and pictures, supporting numerous languages.The software program offers a full suite of PDF instruments, together with enhancing, commenting, evaluating paperwork, and changing information to varied codecs (Phrase, Excel, and so forth.).”
– FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac Evaluate, Bakul J.
What I dislike about FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac:
- The Mac model feels barebones on the subject of enhancing instruments. I can’t edit textual content immediately or work with varieties, which is irritating in comparison with the sturdy Home windows model.
- When working with tabular information, the popularity accuracy can falter. I usually discover myself manually fixing tables, which takes time and disrupts my workflow.
What G2 customers dislike about FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac:
“Modifying desk buildings is non-intuitive. Coping with wrapped textual content in desk columns has been too tough for me once more this yr (second yr).”
– FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac Evaluate, Mike M.
8. Nitro Professional
Nitro Professional has been my go-to software program for dealing with PDFs, and I have to say, it’s filled with options that make it a robust competitor to Adobe Acrobat.
I like the user-friendly interface. If you happen to’ve ever used Microsoft Workplace, the ribbon-style navigation will really feel like residence. It’s intuitive and simple to navigate, with a minimal studying curve for fundamental duties.
Nitro Professional excels in PDF creation and enhancing. Whether or not I’m combining a number of information into one, including textual content, or annotating paperwork, it’s all extremely easy. The software program even lets me convert PDFs to Phrase, Excel, or PowerPoint codecs and vice versa with outstanding accuracy. The formatting often stays intact, which is a big time-saver.
The QuickSign characteristic is a gem. I can add a digital signature and signal paperwork effortlessly. This can be a lifesaver for somebody who often offers with contracts and agreements.
Nitro’s integration with Nitro Cloud is one other win. I can share information seamlessly and collaborate with others. It even affords some neat security measures, like password safety and the power to redact delicate info.
There’s a noticeable studying curve for superior options. The software program generally feels sluggish, particularly with massive information or when dealing with PDFs with numerous photographs. I’ve additionally encountered a number of compatibility points with information created in different PDF instruments, which will be irritating.
Whereas the OCR characteristic is helpful for scanned paperwork, it’s imperfect. It often struggles with advanced layouts or uncommon fonts, requiring handbook tweaking.
Let’s additionally talk about updates. They’re rare and don’t all the time tackle lingering bugs. I’ve additionally skilled crashes when working with massive or advanced paperwork.
What I like about Nitro Professional:
- The ribbon-style structure is tremendous intuitive and feels identical to Microsoft Workplace. I didn’t should spend hours determining the place issues have been—it’s all proper the place you’d anticipate it to be.
- I like merging a number of PDFs, including or deleting pages, and changing information to and from codecs like Phrase and Excel. Plus, QuickSign makes signing paperwork a breeze.
What G2 customers like about Nitro Professional:
“I like combining a number of paperwork into one; that is simply achievable and assists with sending assembly info and publishing our parish journal. I’ve additionally been capable of edit the PDFs considerably, erasing what must be hidden, hiding black marks when books have been scanned, and deskewing paperwork to supply a professional-looking finish outcome. I take advantage of the software program practically every single day in my work as an administrator. It’s straightforward to make use of.”
– Nitro Professional Evaluate, Sandie F.
What I dislike about Nitro Professional:
- Nitro Professional tends to decelerate and even crash when working with bigger PDFs or information with heavy graphics. It’s irritating once I’m in a rush.
- Whereas fundamental duties are straightforward, determining superior instruments like OCR or automation workflows took trial and error. I want there have been higher tutorials or guides constructed into the software program.
What G2 customers dislike about Nitro Professional:
“The requirement to often sign up is irritating, although I’ve just lately realized utilizing a license key can mitigate this subject.”
– Nitro Professional Evaluate, Efe W.
PDF editors: Continuously requested questions (FAQs)
1. Which PDF editor is the perfect?
From my hands-on testing and expertise, the perfect PDF editors are Adobe Acrobat, Foxit PDF Editor, and Adobe PDF Pack.
2. How are you going to edit a PDF without spending a dime?
You possibly can edit a PDF without spending a dime utilizing on-line instruments like Adobe Acrobat, Smallpdf, or by utilizing Google Docs to transform the PDF into an editable format. Some desktop apps additionally provide fundamental PDF enhancing options.
3. What’s the greatest free PDF editor?
The perfect free PDF editors are Foxit PDF Editor, pdfFiller by airSlate, and Wondershare PDFelement.
4. How do you edit in a PDF editor?
To edit in a PDF editor, open the PDF, choose the textual content or object you need to modify, and use the enhancing instruments to make modifications, akin to including, deleting, or formatting textual content, photographs, or annotations.
5. How a lot does a PDF editor value?
PDF editors vary from free to premium choices like Adobe Acrobat Professional, which prices as much as $30/month, or $100–$160 for one-time purchases like Nitro Professional.
Decide the perfect PDF editor that works for you
After attempting out quite a lot of PDF editors, I’ve realized that the perfect instrument will depend on your wants. If you happen to’re searching for superior options like OCR, detailed enhancing, or collaboration instruments, premium choices are price contemplating, particularly for those who work with PDFs commonly. They’re highly effective and environment friendly however can include a better price ticket.
For fundamental duties like merging, splitting, or annotating PDFs, free or budget-friendly instruments get the job achieved surprisingly nicely. If you happen to solely want occasional edits or don’t need to spend a lot, there are many easy and intuitive choices out there.
In the end, it’s about discovering the suitable steadiness between options and price. Whether or not you’re dealing with advanced initiatives or simply tweaking the occasional doc, there’s a PDF editor on the market that’s good in your workflow and funds.
Must convert a doc to a special file sort? Discover the perfect file converter software program choices.