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 believed, “how laborious can or not it’s?” Effectively, two hours, three downloads, and far frustration later, I nonetheless wrestled with clunky software program and premium function paywalls. Sound acquainted?
That’s after I determined sufficient was sufficient. I’ve tried dozens of finest PDF editors, testing the whole lot from important instruments to feature-packed apps. I’ve discovered which of them do the job with out making you wish to throw your pc out the window. And actually? A few of them are absolute lifesavers.
In the event you’ve ever struggled with PDFs, whether or not enhancing, merging, changing, or simply attempting so as to add a signature, this record is for you. I’ve rounded up the perfect PDF editors based mostly on my private experiences, so you may spend much less time looking out and extra time doing issues.
Greatest PDF editors of 2025: Instruments I attempted and liked
- 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 cell entry and AI-enhanced safety ($129.99/yr)
- Adobe PDF Pack for primary doc conversion and mixing recordsdata 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 strong OCR capabilities, making it 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 keeping with G2 Grid Reviews. I’ve additionally added their month-to-month or annual pricing to make comparisons simpler for you.
8 finest PDF editors I attempted: My sincere opinion
PDF editors are my go-to instruments after I have to work with PDFs past simply viewing them. They let me edit textual content and pictures so as to add feedback and annotations. The very best 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 after I have to 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 the whole lot from primary edits to complicated doc administration duties. I consulted with professionals and on a regular basis customers to see how these instruments carry out in real-world eventualities. I assessed whether or not they’re value your money and time by digging into their standout options and figuring out their largest flaws. Utilizing AI to research a whole lot of G2 critiques, I uncovered the most typical consumer wants and frustrations. Pairing that perception with G2’s Grid Reviews, I in contrast every software’s usability, options, and total worth. In spite of everything this testing and analysis, I’ve compiled this record 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 doable, from filling out types and including e-signatures to collaborating on paperwork. If I have to do one thing with a PDF, these instruments have me lined.
How I narrowed down the perfect PDF editors: My guidelines
Under are the components I thought-about whereas testing and evaluating the PDF editor instruments.
- Ease of use: I desire a PDF editor that doesn’t require a handbook. The interface ought to be intuitive, with all of the important instruments accessible. I search for clear menus, easy navigation, and minimal pointless muddle. A software with a steep studying curve is a purple flag for me. There are too many choices on the market to waste time on one thing difficult.
- Enhancing capabilities: For me, the first job of a PDF editor is to let me edit textual content, photos, and different parts 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 will possibly’t deal with these primary duties, it’s not value 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 dropping high quality. The conversion course of ought to be easy, and the output file ought to be clear and correct.
- Optical character recognition: OCR is a game-changer for working with scanned paperwork. I typically cope with PDFs which are primarily simply photos of textual content, and editor ought to be capable of acknowledge that textual content and make it editable or searchable. I additionally rigorously check the accuracy of the OCR function.
- Annotation and collaboration: Annotation instruments are important when working with a staff 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 types. Understanding my recordsdata are safe provides me peace of thoughts.
- Efficiency and velocity: A PDF editor ought to be fast and responsive, even when working with massive recordsdata or complicated paperwork. I get pissed off if the software program crashes or slows down throughout primary duties like enhancing or saving. Efficiency is a deal-breaker for me.
- Platform compatibility: I typically change between gadgets, so I search for editors that work throughout a number of platforms, reminiscent of Home windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Cloud-based options are nice as a result of they let me entry my recordsdata from anyplace. Consistency throughout platforms is essential.
- Superior options: I search for PDF enhancing instruments that allow me deal with a number of recordsdata 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 recordsdata. Options like scripting, automation, and multimedia embedding add further performance, making these editors excellent for complicated duties.
- Worth for cash: Worth issues, however so does worth. Free instruments are positive for fundamentals, however paid editors typically excel at superior duties like OCR and encryption. I weigh the price of one-time purchases towards subscriptions, checking for hidden charges and profiting from trials. PDF editor ought to save effort and time, making it well worth the funding. The very best choices stability affordability with performance, delivering long-term worth.
I spent weeks testing over 20 PDF editors based mostly on the factors 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 eventualities. I transformed recordsdata, edited textual content, created types, added annotations, and examined integrations with cloud platforms.
I additionally thought-about 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 primary duties didn’t make the minimize. In spite of everything this hands-on testing, I narrowed the record to the 8 finest PDF editors that excel in usability, performance, and total worth. These are the instruments I belief and suggest for anybody needing dependable PDF enhancing options.
To be included within the PDF editor class, a product should:
- Assist enhancing of textual content, photos, and pages straight 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 recordsdata
*This information was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some critiques might have been edited for readability.
1. Adobe Acrobat
I’ve spent a number 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 have to do with a PDF, but it surely doesn’t all the time make it simple.
First, the enhancing instruments are phenomenal. I can edit textual content, add or resize photos, and even rearrange pages straight within the PDF—no exporting or juggling a number of applications. And relating to conversions, it’s a lifesaver. Turning PDFs into Phrase, Excel, or PowerPoint recordsdata is so seamless that I barely even give it some thought anymore.
I can also’t dwell with out the OCR function. I’ve taken scanned paperwork I believed had been misplaced causes and turned them into editable textual content in seconds. It’s saved me a lot time, particularly when coping with outdated contracts and printed types.
The fillable types function is one other standout. I’ve turned boring, static types into interactive ones that folks can fill out straight on their gadgets. It’s made accumulating suggestions or signatures ridiculously simple. And talking of signatures, the e-signature software is a gem. I can signal paperwork digitally with out printing a single web page.
The password safety and redaction instruments hold my delicate paperwork secure. I really like having the ability to lock down recordsdata or prohibit permissions so individuals 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 software could be intuitive. However no, even primary 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 boards to determine find out how to get issues executed. It’s undoubtedly not essentially the most user-friendly expertise.
Efficiency is one other factor that bugs me. Adobe Acrobat is usually a critical useful resource hog, particularly when working with bigger recordsdata. There have been instances when it slowed all the way down to a crawl or crashed in the midst of one thing essential. And don’t even get me began on the updates. They’re not all the time computerized, which has left me scrambling after 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, but it surely’s so restricted that it barely scratches the floor. In order for you enhancing, signing, and safety, you’ve bought to pay up.
Compatibility may also be hit and miss. I’ve had moments the place PDFs I created in Acrobat didn’t play properly with different software program, or recordsdata from different applications didn’t work as anticipated.
What I like about Adobe Acrobat:
- I really like enhancing textual content, rearranging pages, and even tweaking photos straight within the PDF with out changing recordsdata. The flexibility to repair typos or replace a doc shortly has been a lifesaver for me.
- Turning PDFs into Phrase, Excel, or PowerPoint recordsdata is ridiculously simple. It’s wonderful how correct the formatting stays, saving me from the trouble of redoing the whole lot from scratch.
What G2 customers like about Adobe Acrobat:
“Adobe Acrobat is an incredible software that enables me to create paperwork from scratch, edit current recordsdata, and convert any doc right into a PDF format. Moreover, the flexibility 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 software, 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 after I work with bigger recordsdata. This may be extremely irritating, particularly after I’m in the midst of an essential challenge with a good 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 troublesome for individuals unfamiliar with altering PDFs. Possibly prohibitive for small enterprises or lone customers.”
– Adobe Acrobat Evaluate, Abhishek U.
2. Foxit PDF Editor
In the event you 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 simple workflows. Enhancing textual content, rearranging pages, or inserting photos is as simple because it will get.
I really like this PDF editor’s feature-rich setting, which caters to almost each PDF want you may think about. One standout function is its file conversion capabilities. Whether or not it’s essential convert Phrase, Excel, PowerPoint, or picture recordsdata to PDFs or go within the reverse path, Foxit PDF Editor handles it shortly and with spectacular accuracy. In contrast to some editors, it manages to protect most formatting, though extremely complicated layouts or tables can generally pose a problem.
I recognize this PDF enhancing software’s OCR capabilities. It will possibly simply flip scanned or image-based paperwork into totally searchable and editable textual content.
I used to be impressed by the wide selection of superior enhancing instruments Foxit PDF Editor gives. I might seamlessly modify textual content, change photos, and manipulate web page layouts.
Annotating PDFs is one other energy. 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 know-how, which permits a number of customers to work on the identical file and observe real-time modifications. This integration makes it best for groups working remotely or in shared environments.
I really like how Foxit PDF Editor opens massive recordsdata like 500-page paperwork or high-resolution graphics and not using a sweat. I’ve come to depend on this stage of velocity and responsiveness, particularly when working with detailed stories or visually complicated recordsdata. It’s optimized for multitasking, permitting a number of recordsdata to open with none noticeable slowdown.
I additionally like Foxit PDF Editor’s safety features, together with password safety, encryption, and redaction instruments that guarantee delicate data stays personal. The digital signature function totally 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 shade 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 system per license. For customers like me, who ceaselessly change between a desktop and a laptop computer, this may be irritating until you’re keen to buy extra licenses.
One other space the place Foxit PDF Editor might 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 sometimes produce blended outcomes. Lastly, whereas uncommon, there are occasional minor bugs, like edits not saving correctly or surprising app crashes. These points don’t occur typically, however they will disrupt your workflow after they do.
What I like about Foxit PDF Editor:
- I really like how intuitive and simple the interface is. Every little thing is precisely 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 recordsdata. It feels easy and responsive after I juggle a number of recordsdata and tight deadlines.
What G2 customers like about Foxit PDF Editor:
“Foxit PDF Editor could be very strong and offers ample options for any dimension enterprise or particular person wants. The enhancing and formatting instruments are simple to search out and really intuitive. I like how related that is to Adobe Professional. Our firm could be very pleased with Foxit PDF Editor after reviewing and testing. After I bumped into a difficulty, customer support was useful after I known as to repair the difficulty. There are such a lot of elements to nonetheless study and use and looking out ahead to exploring extra. Foxit PDF Editor was very simple to put in and use straight away.”
– Foxit PDF Editor Evaluate, Kim R.
What I dislike about Foxit PDF Editor:
- I discover it irritating that the license solely works on one system. Switching between my desktop and laptop computer means I would like to purchase one other license, which feels unnecessarily restrictive.
- Whereas file conversion is mostly good, it struggles with complicated 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 cell app, I’d give it full marks. I believe you want the flexibility to extract textual content from photos.”
– Foxit PDF Editor Evaluate, Billy S.
3. Adobe PDF Pack
You already know that second whenever you discover a software 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 might 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 recordsdata.
Enhancing PDFs was once a trouble, however I can simply make modifications straight throughout the doc with Adobe PDF Pack. It gives a complete set of instruments that cater to my wants, from modifying textual content to rearranging pages.
The cloud storage function ensures that every one my paperwork are accessible throughout gadgets, which is ideal for somebody always 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 help direct enhancing of photos or layouts inside current PDFs. Customers requiring such functionalities have to improve to Acrobat Professional. I couldn’t flip paper paperwork into editable PDFs or fillable PDF types. The platform requires you to subscribe to Acrobat Professional for these functionalities.
What I like about Adobe PDF Pack:
- I really like how easy it’s to transform recordsdata 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 excellent 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 recordsdata effectively. Its user-friendly interface makes duties like conversion, merging, and enhancing a breeze. I notably recognize its seamless integration throughout gadgets, making certain I can entry my paperwork wherever I am going. Whereas the subscription mannequin might not swimsuit everybody, it is a helpful software 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 straight edit photos in a PDF. If I wish to make even minor changes, I’ve to improve to a costlier plan.
- The shortage of options like OCR for scanned paperwork or the flexibility to create fillable types 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.
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4. Wondershare PDFelement
Let me stroll you thru my expertise with Wondershare PDFelement.
I really feel that the interface is a bit button-heavy, but it surely’s designed for energy customers. You’ve bought fast entry to the whole lot: textual content enhancing, annotations, type creation, and even batch processing.
The OCR function 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 totally editable PDFs whereas preserving the unique structure. I’ve used it to digitize handwritten assembly notes and even outdated printed types.
I additionally recognize the AI-powered summarization software. Think about having a 50-page PDF and needing to shortly pull the important thing factors out. This function generates concise summaries, saving me hours of studying and filtering by content material. It’s excellent for research-heavy duties.
Wondershare PDFelement’s batch processing capabilities are one other lifesaver. I typically have to convert a number of recordsdata from PDF to Phrase or Excel, and with PDFelement, I can queue up a batch of recordsdata 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 type creation capabilities. You’ll be able to design interactive types with checkboxes, radio buttons, and textual content fields. Plus, it will possibly acknowledge current type fields in a scanned doc, making enhancing and enhancing types a breeze.
The consumer interface, whereas feature-rich, can really feel overwhelming for first-timers. With so many choices accessible, it takes a little bit of exploration to determine the place the whole lot is.
I additionally felt that the software program will be gradual when dealing with very massive recordsdata or complicated paperwork with a lot of photos and layers. I’ve had a few situations the place it crashed whereas processing a very massive file.
The OCR function, whereas typically glorious, can sometimes misread poorly scanned or low-resolution paperwork. You may need to wash up some formatting or manually right misinterpret textual content.
What I like about Wondershare PDFelement:
- It helps over 20 languages and may precisely convert scanned paperwork into editable PDFs whereas preserving the unique structure. I take advantage of it to digitize outdated notes and printed supplies, and it really works like magic more often than not.
- AI-powered summarization is a lifesaver for lengthy paperwork. The software shortly extracts key factors, saving me hours of sifting by 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 simple. An impressive attribute is the OCR software 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 directly. It performs good with cloud platforms reminiscent of Google Drive for simple collaboration and on-the-go entry to recordsdata.”
– 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 conversant in the place the whole lot 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 complicated PDFs. It’s irritating, particularly after I’m in the midst of an essential 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 wish to improve. Nonetheless the enhancing instruments are glorious, however there are generally formatting issues whenever you work with extra complicated paperwork. Additionally, massive recordsdata are dealt with slowly by the software program, and that causes effectivity hit on us throughout busy instances.”
– 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.
Considered one of 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, anyplace.
I can effortlessly add, delete, or modify textual content inside my PDFs. The flexibility to regulate font model, dimension, and shade ensures that my paperwork preserve an expert look.
Managing photos is intuitive with UPDF. I can insert new photos, resize, crop, rotate, or change current ones, all by 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 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 gives superior PDF enhancing capabilities. I additionally love how the OCR function transforms scanned paperwork into editable and searchable PDFs, supporting over 15 languages, which is especially helpful for working with numerous content material.
UPDF gives a number of options to make sure doc safety. I can set passwords to limit entry to my PDFs, making certain solely approved people can view or edit the content material. Delicate data 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 example, it doesn’t combine nicely with instruments like Pacer, which makes it a little bit of a headache in the event you depend on third-party software program for doc workflows. There’s no text-to-speech function, which appears like a missed alternative. It might be tremendous useful, particularly for these lengthy PDFs the place I’d fairly pay attention than learn.
I’ve seen that sure actions end in flattened recordsdata, which implies 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 recordsdata proper now, which appears like an additional step.
What I like about UPDF:
- I really 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 system I’m utilizing.
- I just like the clear and user-friendly interface. Every little thing is precisely the place it ought to be, making enhancing or managing PDFs simple.
What G2 customers like about UPDF:
“I recognize the UI of the applying. The performance/usability is nice. Most PDF editors have a reasonably customary function set, and I discover UPDF not missing. The applying runs easily and doesn’t bathroom down my system’s assets. I discover it an ideal substitute for Adobe, and I do not plan on returning.”
– UPDF Evaluate, Ok. Ok.
What I dislike about UPDF:
- I miss having a text-to-speech function. 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 will possibly interrupt my workflow after I’m in the midst of one thing.
What G2 customers dislike about UPDF:
“I want to place digital bookmarks, as is completed on the Kindle. Possibly it is necessary to have buyer help 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 recordsdata over e mail. And let’s discuss merging and splitting PDFs. Duties that used to really feel tedious now take just some seconds.
I really like how the interface is clear, easy, and extremely user-friendly. Even in the event you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll discover it intuitive. I can shortly add a file, choose the software I would like, and do the whole lot in minutes. Plus, it’s all web-based, so I don’t need to obtain one other app. That’s an enormous deal as a result of I hate cluttering my gadgets with software program I may not use each day.
One other function I’ve grown to like is the e-signature software. It’s fast and legally binding, which implies 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 recordsdata 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 in the event you’re like me and want it frequently, the subscription is a must have. The pricing is cheap, but it surely’s one thing to think about in the event you’re on a good price range.
Additionally, whereas the interface is usually flawless, I’d tweak some minor issues. As an example, when merging PDFs, the file names aren’t all the time totally seen, which makes organizing the order a bit cumbersome. On uncommon events, the software has struggled with very massive or complicated recordsdata, although it’s not a standard subject.
What I like about Smallpdf:
- I really like that it’s a one-stop store for PDF duties: changing, merging, splitting, compressing, and even including e-signatures. Discovering a software that mixes so many options in a single place and does all of them nicely is uncommon.
- I don’t have to obtain or set up something, which is a big win. I can entry it from my desktop or telephone, 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 superb utility that simply reduces the file dimension of PDFs and converts them to Phrase paperwork. I additionally discovered the shopper help very empathetic and fast to resolve any usability points or suggestions. Total, I extremely suggest Smallpdf to all my family and friends. You should use it anyplace from cell 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 complicated layouts. It’s annoying when I’ve to spend further time fixing it.
What G2 customers dislike about Smallpdf:
“Though this software 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 will possibly convert PDF recordsdata 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
In the event you’re utilizing FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac, you’ve bought many PDF enhancing instruments at your fingertips.
I’ve been in a position to edit textual content, add annotations, merge recordsdata, 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 complicated duties like redacting delicate data or including digital signatures.
On the Mac, although, it’s a distinct story. FineReader for macOS leans closely into OCR and file conversion, which it does phenomenally nicely. However in the event you’re searching for these superior PDF enhancing instruments—like enhancing textual content straight or working with types—you may be disillusioned. Personally, I discovered myself needing one other software to deal with these duties on my Mac.
I recognize FineReader’s OCR accuracy. It’s unbelievable at dealing with complicated 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, and so they’ve saved me tons of time.
That mentioned, I’ve seen a recurring gripe amongst Mac customers. They need higher enhancing instruments. I utterly perceive the frustration; the Mac model feels stripped down in the event you’re used to Home windows-level options.
What I like about FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac:
- I really like that FineReader’s OCR know-how precisely captures even essentially the most complicated layouts, like twin columns and tables. It appears 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 know-how is unparalleled. It will possibly 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 recordsdata to varied codecs (Phrase, Excel, and many others.).”
– 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 relating to enhancing instruments. I can’t edit textual content straight or work with types, which is irritating in comparison with the strong Home windows model.
- When working with tabular information, the popularity accuracy can falter. I typically discover myself manually fixing tables, which takes time and disrupts my workflow.
What G2 customers dislike about FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac:
“Enhancing desk constructions is non-intuitive. Coping with wrapped textual content in desk columns has been too troublesome 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 need to say, it’s filled with options that make it a powerful competitor to Adobe Acrobat.
I really like the user-friendly interface. In the event you’ve ever used Microsoft Workplace, the ribbon-style navigation will really feel like dwelling. It’s intuitive and straightforward to navigate, with a minimal studying curve for primary duties.
Nitro Professional excels in PDF creation and enhancing. Whether or not I’m combining a number of recordsdata 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 exceptional accuracy. The formatting often stays intact, which is a big time-saver.
The QuickSign function is a gem. I can add a digital signature and signal paperwork effortlessly. This can be a lifesaver for somebody who ceaselessly offers with contracts and agreements.
Nitro’s integration with Nitro Cloud is one other win. I can share recordsdata seamlessly and collaborate with others. It even gives some neat safety features, like password safety and the flexibility to redact delicate data.
There’s a noticeable studying curve for superior options. The software program generally feels sluggish, particularly with massive recordsdata or when dealing with PDFs with a lot of photos. I’ve additionally encountered just a few compatibility points with recordsdata created in different PDF instruments, which will be irritating.
Whereas the OCR function is helpful for scanned paperwork, it’s imperfect. It sometimes struggles with complicated layouts or uncommon fonts, requiring handbook tweaking.
Let’s additionally focus on updates. They’re rare and don’t all the time tackle lingering bugs. I’ve additionally skilled crashes when working with massive or complicated paperwork.
What I like about Nitro Professional:
- The ribbon-style structure is tremendous intuitive and feels similar to Microsoft Workplace. I didn’t need to spend hours determining the place issues had been—it’s all proper the place you’d anticipate it to be.
- I really like merging a number of PDFs, including or deleting pages, and changing recordsdata 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 data and publishing our parish journal. I’ve additionally been in a position to edit the PDFs considerably, erasing what must be hidden, hiding black marks when books have been scanned, and deskewing paperwork to offer a professional-looking finish end result. I take advantage of the software program practically on daily basis in my work as an administrator. It’s simple 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 recordsdata with heavy graphics. It’s irritating after I’m in a rush.
- Whereas primary duties are simple, 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 ceaselessly register is irritating, although I’ve lately discovered utilizing a license key can mitigate this subject.”
– Nitro Professional Evaluate, Efe W.
PDF editors: Incessantly 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 totally free?
You’ll be able to edit a PDF totally free 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 supply primary PDF enhancing options.
3. What’s the finest free PDF editor?
The very best 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 wish to modify, and use the enhancing instruments to make modifications, reminiscent of including, deleting, or formatting textual content, photos, 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 software is dependent upon your wants. In the event you’re searching for superior options like OCR, detailed enhancing, or collaboration instruments, premium choices are value contemplating, particularly in the event you work with PDFs frequently. They’re highly effective and environment friendly however can include a better price ticket.
For primary duties like merging, splitting, or annotating PDFs, free or budget-friendly instruments get the job executed surprisingly nicely. In the event you solely want occasional edits or don’t wish to spend a lot, there are many easy and intuitive choices accessible.
In the end, it’s about discovering the fitting stability between options and value. Whether or not you’re dealing with complicated tasks or simply tweaking the occasional doc, there’s a PDF editor on the market that’s excellent in your workflow and price range.
Must convert a doc to a distinct file kind? Discover the perfect file converter software program choices.