I’ve had my justifiable share 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 it’s?” Properly, 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 all the pieces from important instruments to feature-packed apps. I’ve realized which of them do the job with out making you wish to throw your laptop 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 making an attempt so as to add a signature, this checklist 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 beloved
- 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 ($129.99/12 months)
- Adobe PDF Pack for primary doc conversion and mixing information into PDFs ($9.99/month)
- Wondershare PDFelement for simplified enhancing, changing, and organizing of PDFs ($31.99/12 months)
- UPDF for important enhancing and annotating duties with enterprise-level administration choices ($39.99/12 months)
- 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 perfect for digitizing paper paperwork ($69/12 months)
- 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 Studies. 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 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 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 all the pieces from primary 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 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 investigate tons of of G2 evaluations, I uncovered the commonest person wants and frustrations. Pairing that perception with G2’s Grid Studies, I in contrast every instrument’s usability, options, and total worth. In any case this testing and analysis, I’ve compiled this checklist of the perfect PDF editors.
For extra superior duties, I depend on PDF editors that provide 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 attainable, from filling out kinds 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 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 guide. The interface must be intuitive, with all of the important instruments accessible. I search for clear menus, simple navigation, and minimal pointless litter. A instrument with a steep studying curve is a pink 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 permit me to repair typos, change fonts, and rearrange layouts with out breaking the doc’s formatting. If it could’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 must be easy, and the output file must be clear and correct.
- Optical character recognition: OCR is a game-changer for working with scanned paperwork. I usually take care of PDFs which can be basically simply photographs of textual content, and a very good editor ought to be capable to 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 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 provide password safety, redaction choices, and encryption. Some editors additionally let me signal paperwork electronically, which is a large plus for contracts and kinds. Figuring out my information are safe provides me peace of thoughts.
- Efficiency and velocity: A PDF editor must be fast and responsive, even when working with giant information or advanced 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 usually swap between gadgets, so I search for editors that work throughout a number of platforms, resembling Home windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Cloud-based options are nice as a result of they let me entry my information from anyplace. 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 excellent for advanced duties.
- Worth for cash: Worth issues, however so does worth. Free instruments are positive 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 stability affordability with performance, delivering long-term worth.
I spent weeks testing over 20 PDF editors based mostly 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 effectively every editor carried out in real-world eventualities. I transformed information, edited textual content, created kinds, 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 primary duties didn’t make the minimize. In any case this hands-on testing, I narrowed the checklist to the 8 finest 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:
- Assist enhancing of textual content, photographs, and pages immediately inside PDFs
- Present instruments to create new PDFs seamlessly inside 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 knowledge was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some evaluations might have been edited for readability.
1. Adobe Acrobat
I’ve spent a whole lot 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 persona downside. It’s full of options that may deal with absolutely anything you’d ever have to do with a PDF, however it doesn’t all the time make it simple.
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 applications. And with regards to 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 dwell with out the OCR function. I’ve taken scanned paperwork I assumed 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 kinds.
The fillable kinds function is one other standout. I’ve turned boring, static kinds into interactive ones that folks can fill out immediately on their gadgets. It’s made gathering suggestions or signatures ridiculously simple. 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 preserve my delicate paperwork secure. I really like having the ability to lock down information or limit 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 assume that the interface for such a robust instrument can 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 via boards to determine how you can get issues accomplished. It’s positively 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 information. There have been occasions when it slowed all the way down to a crawl or crashed in the midst 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 after I notice 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 would like enhancing, signing, and safety, you’ve bought 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 applications didn’t work as anticipated.
What I like about Adobe Acrobat:
- I really 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 rapidly has been a lifesaver for me.
- Turning PDFs into Phrase, Excel, or PowerPoint information is ridiculously simple. It’s superb how correct the formatting stays, saving me from the trouble of redoing all the pieces from scratch.
What G2 customers like about Adobe Acrobat:
“Adobe Acrobat is an incredible instrument that enables me to create paperwork from scratch, edit current information, and convert any doc right into a PDF format. Moreover, the flexibility to securely ship paperwork for distant signing is among the options I worth most. It’s a complete and dependable resolution for managing all my paperwork effectively and safely.”
– Adobe Acrobat Evaluation, 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 after I work with bigger information. This may be extremely irritating, particularly after I’m in the midst of an vital undertaking 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 folks unfamiliar with altering PDFs. Perhaps prohibitive for small enterprises or lone customers.”
– Adobe Acrobat Evaluation, Abhishek U.
2. Foxit PDF Editor
In the event you work with PDFs each day, Foxit PDF Editor is perhaps your secret weapon.
The very first thing I observed 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 simple because it will get.
I really like this PDF editor’s feature-rich surroundings, which caters to just about each PDF want you may think about. One standout function is its file conversion capabilities. Whether or not you must convert Phrase, Excel, PowerPoint, or picture information to PDFs or go within the reverse path, Foxit PDF Editor handles it rapidly and with spectacular accuracy. In contrast to some editors, it manages to protect most formatting, though extremely advanced layouts or tables can typically pose a problem.
I recognize this PDF enhancing instrument’s OCR capabilities. It could 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 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 know-how, which permits a number of customers to work on the identical file and observe real-time adjustments. This integration makes it perfect for groups working remotely or in shared environments.
I really like how Foxit PDF Editor opens giant information like 500-page paperwork or high-resolution graphics with out a sweat. I’ve come to depend on this degree of velocity and responsiveness, particularly when working with detailed experiences 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 safety features, together with password safety, encryption, and redaction instruments that guarantee delicate data stays non-public. The digital signature function totally complies with e-signature requirements, letting you securely signal and validate paperwork with out extra software program. That is significantly 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 raised go well with private preferences. Then there’s the licensing mannequin, which restricts you to a single gadget per license. For customers like me, who often swap 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 combined 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’ll disrupt your workflow once they do.
What I like about Foxit PDF Editor:
- I really like how intuitive and easy the interface is. Every part is precisely the place I count on it to be, so I don’t waste time looking for instruments or options. It simply makes enhancing and managing PDFs a lot simpler.
- Foxit PDF Editor doesn’t lag, even with giant, graphics-heavy information. It feels easy and responsive after 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 supplies ample options for any dimension enterprise or particular person wants. The enhancing and formatting instruments are simple to seek out and really intuitive. I like how related that is to Adobe Professional. Our firm could be very proud of Foxit PDF Editor after reviewing and testing. After I bumped into a problem, customer support was useful after I known as to repair the difficulty. There are such a lot of facets to nonetheless be taught and use and looking out ahead to exploring extra. Foxit PDF Editor was very simple to put in and use instantly.”
– Foxit PDF Editor Evaluation, Kim R.
What I dislike about Foxit PDF Editor:
- I discover it irritating that the license solely works on one gadget. Switching between my desktop and laptop computer means I want to purchase one other license, which feels unnecessarily restrictive.
- Whereas file conversion is usually 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 have to be added to the app to make it extra full. If it had a cell app, I might give it full marks. I feel you want the flexibility to extract textual content from photographs.”
– Foxit PDF Editor Evaluation, Billy S.
3. Adobe PDF Pack
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 observed 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 adjustments immediately inside 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 each one my paperwork are accessible throughout gadgets, which is ideal for somebody consistently on the transfer. Sharing paperwork for assessment 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 current PDFs. Customers requiring such functionalities have to improve to Acrobat Professional. I couldn’t flip paper paperwork into editable PDFs or fillable PDF kinds. 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 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 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 information effectively. Its user-friendly interface makes duties like conversion, merging, and enhancing a breeze. I significantly recognize its seamless integration throughout gadgets, making certain I can entry my paperwork wherever I am going. Whereas the subscription mannequin might not go well with everybody, it is a useful instrument for frequent PDF customers like myself that streamlines my workflow and saves me time.”
– Adobe PDF Pack Evaluation, Muskan N.
What I dislike about Adobe PDF Pack:
- I discover it irritating that Adobe PDF Pack does not permit me to immediately edit photographs in a PDF. If I wish to make even minor changes, I’ve to improve to a dearer plan.
- The shortage of options like OCR for scanned paperwork or the flexibility to create fillable kinds 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 facet, and its efficiency might be sluggish with giant 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 Evaluation, 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, however it’s designed for energy customers. You’ve bought fast entry to all the pieces: 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 format. I’ve used it to digitize handwritten assembly notes and even outdated printed kinds.
I additionally recognize the AI-powered summarization instrument. Think about having a 50-page PDF and needing to rapidly pull the important thing factors out. This function generates concise summaries, saving me hours of studying and filtering via content material. It’s excellent for research-heavy duties.
Wondershare PDFelement’s batch processing capabilities are one other lifesaver. I usually have to 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 large time-saver when digitizing archives.
I additionally love Wondershare PDFelement’s type creation capabilities. You’ll be able to design interactive kinds with checkboxes, radio buttons, and textual content fields. Plus, it could acknowledge current type fields in a scanned doc, making enhancing and enhancing kinds a breeze.
The person interface, whereas feature-rich, can really feel overwhelming for first-timers. With so many choices obtainable, it takes a little bit of exploration to determine the place all the pieces is.
I additionally felt that the software program might be sluggish when dealing with very giant information or advanced paperwork with a number of photographs and layers. I’ve had a few cases the place it crashed whereas processing a very giant file.
The OCR function, whereas usually wonderful, 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 format. 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 instrument rapidly extracts key factors, saving me hours of sifting via 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 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 directly. It performs good with cloud platforms resembling Google Drive for simple collaboration and on-the-go entry to information.”
– Wondershare PDFelement Evaluation, 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 acquainted with the place all the pieces is, and I want it had a extra streamlined design.
- The software program typically slows down or crashes totally when working with very giant or advanced PDFs. It’s irritating, particularly after I’m in the midst 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 embrace OCR and batch processing. That may be limiting for groups that don’t wish to improve. Nonetheless the enhancing instruments are wonderful, however there are typically formatting issues once you work with extra advanced paperwork. Additionally, giant information are dealt with slowly by the software program, and that causes effectivity hit on us throughout busy occasions.”
– Wondershare PDFelement Evaluation, Piotr D.
5. UPDF
Let me share my expertise with UPDF, a flexible PDF editor that has considerably streamlined my doc administration duties.
Certainly one of UPDF’s standout qualities is its seamless performance throughout numerous platforms. Whether or not on Home windows, macOS, iOS, or Android, UPDF supplies 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 fashion, dimension, and colour ensures that my paperwork preserve knowledgeable look.
Managing photographs is intuitive with UPDF. I can insert new photographs, resize, crop, rotate, or change current ones, all via 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 via content material to emphasise key factors. Including feedback or suggestions is easy, facilitating efficient collaboration with colleagues. With entry to over 100 stamps and stickers, I can add visible cues that make the assessment 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 various 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 licensed people can view or edit the content material. Delicate data might be completely faraway from paperwork, safeguarding confidential knowledge. 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 effectively with instruments like Pacer, which makes it a little bit of a headache if you happen to depend on third-party software program for doc workflows. There’s no text-to-speech function, which looks like a missed alternative. It might be tremendous useful, particularly for these lengthy PDFs the place I’d slightly pay attention than learn.
I’ve observed that sure actions end in flattened information, 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 information proper now, which looks 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 gadget I’m utilizing.
- I just like the clear and user-friendly interface. Every part is precisely the place it must be, making enhancing or managing PDFs simple.
What G2 customers like about UPDF:
“I recognize the UI of the appliance. The performance/usability is nice. Most PDF editors have a reasonably commonplace function set, and I discover UPDF not missing. The applying 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 Evaluation, Ok. Ok.
What I dislike about UPDF:
- I miss having a text-to-speech function. Listening to PDFs when multitasking or on the go can be superb.
- The updates are a bit too frequent for my liking. Whereas it’s nice that they’re enhancing issues, it could interrupt my workflow after I’m in the midst of one thing.
What G2 customers dislike about UPDF:
“I wish to place digital bookmarks, as is completed on the Kindle. Perhaps it’s a necessity to have buyer assist in Portuguese or Spanish.”
– UPDF Evaluation, 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 effectively. Have to convert a PDF to Phrase or a JPG to PDF? It’s tremendous easy, and the outcomes are normally spot-on. I’ve additionally used it to compress cumbersome PDFs with out compromising high quality, which is a large win when sharing information over electronic mail. And let’s speak about merging and splitting PDFs. Duties that used to really feel tedious now take just some seconds.
I really like how the interface is clear, simple, and extremely user-friendly. Even if you happen to’re not tech-savvy, you’ll discover it intuitive. I can rapidly add a file, choose the instrument I want, and do all the pieces 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 gadgets with software program I won’t use each day.
One other function I’ve grown to like is the e-signature instrument. 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 information is a breeze.
Whereas most of its file conversions are nice, I’ve observed that changing PDFs to Phrase paperwork doesn’t all the time protect the formatting completely.
The free model is incredible for infrequent use, however if you happen to’re like me and want it usually, the subscription is a must have. The pricing is cheap, however it’s one thing to contemplate if you happen to’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 instrument has struggled with very giant or advanced information, although it’s not a standard challenge.
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 instrument that mixes so many options in a single place and does all of them effectively is uncommon.
- I don’t have to obtain or set up something, which is a large 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 wonderful software that simply reduces the file dimension of PDFs and converts them to Phrase paperwork. I additionally discovered the client assist very empathetic and fast to resolve any usability points or suggestions. General, I extremely advocate Smallpdf to all my family and friends. You need to use it anyplace from cell and desktop.”
– Smallpdf Evaluation, 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 observed that the formatting typically turns into improper when changing right into a Phrase file. Moreover, whereas it could convert PDF information to many different file varieties, it lacks the potential to transform different file codecs again to PDF, which I discover limiting when utilizing this software program.”
– Smallpdf Evaluation, 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 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 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 effectively. However if you happen to’re searching for these superior PDF enhancing instruments—like enhancing textual content immediately or working with kinds—you is perhaps disillusioned. Personally, I discovered myself needing one other instrument to deal with these duties on my Mac.
I recognize FineReader’s OCR accuracy. It’s incredible 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 assessment paperwork, and so they’ve saved me tons of time.
That stated, I’ve observed a recurring gripe amongst Mac customers. They need higher enhancing instruments. I utterly perceive the frustration; the Mac model feels stripped down if you happen to’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 advanced layouts, like twin columns and tables. It looks like magic when scanned paperwork flip into completely editable textual content with out a hitch.
- The flexibleness to transform PDFs into codecs like Phrase, Excel, and PowerPoint is a lifesaver for my workflow. It’s particularly useful when repurposing content material or extracting knowledge rapidly.
What G2 customers like about FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac:
“FineReader PDF’s OCR know-how is unparalleled. It could possibly precisely acknowledge textual content from scanned paperwork and pictures, supporting numerous languages.The software program supplies a full suite of PDF instruments, together with enhancing, commenting, evaluating paperwork, and changing information to numerous codecs (Phrase, Excel, and so on.).”
– FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac Evaluation, Bakul J.
What I dislike about FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac:
- The Mac model feels barebones with regards to enhancing instruments. I can’t edit textual content immediately or work with kinds, which is irritating in comparison with the sturdy Home windows model.
- When working with tabular knowledge, 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 troublesome for me once more this 12 months (second 12 months).”
– FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac Evaluation, 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 full of options that make it a robust 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 residence. It’s intuitive and simple 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 information into one, including textual content, or annotating paperwork, it’s all extremely simple. The software program even lets me convert PDFs to Phrase, Excel, or PowerPoint codecs and vice versa with exceptional accuracy. The formatting normally stays intact, which is a large time-saver.
The QuickSign function is a gem. I can add a digital signature and signal paperwork effortlessly. It is 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 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 typically feels sluggish, particularly with giant information or when dealing with PDFs with a number of photographs. I’ve additionally encountered a couple of compatibility points with information created in different PDF instruments, which might be irritating.
Whereas the OCR function is useful for scanned paperwork, it’s imperfect. It often struggles with advanced layouts or uncommon fonts, requiring guide 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 giant or advanced paperwork.
What I like about Nitro Professional:
- The ribbon-style format is tremendous intuitive and feels identical to Microsoft Workplace. I didn’t should spend hours determining the place issues had been—it’s all proper the place you’d count on it to be.
- I really 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 data 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 offer a professional-looking finish end result. I take advantage of the software program almost each day in my work as an administrator. It’s simple to make use of.”
– Nitro Professional Evaluation, 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 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 often sign up is irritating, although I’ve not too long ago realized utilizing a license key can mitigate this challenge.”
– Nitro Professional Evaluation, 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 free of charge?
You’ll be able to edit a PDF free of charge utilizing on-line instruments like Adobe Acrobat, Smallpdf, or through the use of 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 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 wish to modify, and use the enhancing instruments to make adjustments, resembling 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 making an attempt out quite a lot of PDF editors, I’ve realized that the perfect instrument relies on your wants. In the event you’re searching for superior options like OCR, detailed enhancing, or collaboration instruments, premium choices are value contemplating, particularly if you happen to work with PDFs usually. 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 accomplished surprisingly effectively. In the event you solely want occasional edits or don’t wish to spend a lot, there are many easy and intuitive choices obtainable.
Finally, it’s about discovering the precise stability 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 excellent to your workflow and price range.
Have to convert a doc to a distinct file kind? Discover the perfect file converter software program choices.