Best PDF Editors
Portable document formats (PDF) editors help make changes to PDF documents. This can include editing text, adding or removing images, and changing the document's layout. PDFs are images of documents, as opposed to editable text files (such as a Word document). PDF editors help convert PDFs into live, editable documents, supporting quick creation and editing.
There are various types of PDF editor software. Some tools have all-in-one use cases where users can edit text and images within PDFs, resize, rearrange, split, or merge multiple PDF files, password-protect files, sign forms electronically, etc. Other solutions have only a few functionalities, such as splitting, merging, or compressing PDFs. The software benefits various users, especially those who frequently work with contracts, invoices, online forms, resumes, and reports. It also allows users to save time converting paper records into digital ones. Users of PDF editors include salespeople, realtors, recruiters, and HR employees. For example, a salesperson can use this software to create and alter contract templates for each customer.
These solutions should not be confused with document creation software, which is suitable for editable text files like Microsoft Word. PDF editors often include password protection to view and edit documents and designated fields, as opposed to document creation software, which is collaborative and allows any user to edit any part of the document. PDF editor software often integrates with other office software, such as document scanning software and PDF converters.
To qualify for inclusion in the PDF Editor category, a product must:
Best PDF Editors At A Glance
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- What G2 Users Think
At Adobe, we believe that documents are more than just a collection of information and proof. They are foundational to connecting people and ideas, pushing business forward. Adobe Acrobat keeps you
- Graphic Designer
- Owner
- Information Technology and Services
- Computer Software
- 42% Small-Business
- 31% Mid-Market
- Reviewers like the pdf editing features of Adobe Acrobat DC, but some reviewers found the software crashes frustrating.
- Reviewers find the software easy to use and appreciate the efficiency of editing and updating forms.
- Reviewers found Adobe Acrobat DC's user interface straightforward and accessible to anyone.
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- What G2 Users Think
Foxit offers flexible licensing options that are scalable to fit any size business and will transform its digital documents at an affordable cost. PDF Editor is the simplified pdf editor that uses Fo
- Owner
- President
- Construction
- Accounting
- 66% Small-Business
- 25% Mid-Market
- Reviewers find Foxit PDF Editor intuitive and easy to use compared to similar products within the PDF Editor software category.
- Reviewers enjoy the software's various editing tools, but some reviewers found that the high number of features made it challenging to use with confidence.
- Reviewers appreciate the speed at which they can complete a form using Foxit PDF Editor.
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- What G2 Users Think
Adobe PDF Pack is a bundle of Adobe Document Cloud services that allows you to convert documents and image files to PDF, combine multiple documents into one PDF and export PDFs to editable Word, Excel
- Information Technology and Services
- Marketing and Advertising
- 42% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
- Reviewers found that using Adobe PDF Pack had a positive impact on their productivity and efficiency at work.
- Reviewers enjoy the different features of the software, including e-signature and encryption.
- Reviewers find the PDF editing features easy to use. However, some reviewers have noted there can be latency when using the tool.
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- What G2 Users Think
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- What G2 Users Think
Made in Switzerland, the land of watches, banks, and clean design, Smallpdf is an award-winning company that offers a suite of clever document management tools. Founded in 2013, Smallpdf provides a
- Administrative Assistant
- Consultant
- Information Technology and Services
- Computer Software
- 46% Small-Business
- 39% Mid-Market
- Reviewers like the ability to integrate and merge multiple documents using Smallpdf.
- Reviewers appreciate the many features that Smallpdf provides to premium and free users.
- Reviewers enjoy the ability to convert files into different file formats. However, some users wish there was a mobile app version of the software available.
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- What G2 Users Think
FineReader is an all-in-one OCR and PDF software application designed to increase business productivity. It provides easy-to-use tools to access and modify information locked in paper-based documents
- Owner
- President
- Translation and Localization
- Information Technology and Services
- 75% Small-Business
- 16% Mid-Market
- Reviewers appreciate the OCR capabilities of Finereader PDF for work and personal use.
- Reviewers enjoy the document scanning and editing features of the software.
- Reviewers like Finereader PDF's capabilities for PDF editing, however, reviewers have said that the project files can be fairly large.
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
This leading alternative to Adobe® Acrobat® and Foxit® offers enterprise-grade PDF functionalities and perpetual licensing at a fraction of the price.UPDF is an all-in-one PDF solution that allows yo
- Consulting
- Information Technology and Services
- 86% Small-Business
- 10% Mid-Market
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- What G2 Users Think
Nitro is a global leader for digital document solutions including advanced PDF editing and compliant eSigning with exclusive, real-time ROI and sustainability insights. Nitro Pro offers an all-in-one
- IT Manager
- Information Technology and Services
- Financial Services
- 48% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
- Reviewers enjoy the user interface of Nitro PDF Productivity and find it easy to use.
- Reviewers like the different document editing feature like adding text, custom signatures, and text boxes to PDF documents.
- Reviewers appreciate the ability to save signatures within the tool. However, some users believe the functionality could be improved.
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- What G2 Users Think
Comprehensive, feature-rich and cloud-native solution that transforms your static PDF into an interactive experience for both the sender and receiver. pdfFiller offers a single space to collaborate, s
- Owner
- President
- Real Estate
- Insurance
- 82% Small-Business
- 13% Mid-Market
- Reviewers enjoy the versatile editing features of pdfFiller by airSlate and find it accessible for most document and file types.
- Reviewers appreciate the ability to turn PDFs into fillable forms for work. However, some users found the user interface challenging to use.
- Reviewers like the ability to store different signatures and initials within pdfFiller by airSlate.
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
KDAN PDF Reader is a comprehensive PDF document service that leverages AI-driven technology to provide robust PDF capabilities. It enhances user efficiency in creating, managing, and sharing documents
- Higher Education
- Information Technology and Services
- 67% Small-Business
- 22% Mid-Market
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
PDF Expert is the go to PDF editor for iPhone and iPad. Ignite the productivity of your teams by making it easy to read, edit and annotate PDF files, fill out forms, sign and protect confidential d
- 79% Small-Business
- 11% Enterprise
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
iLovePDF streamlines document management with a versatile suite of 25+ tools, accessible on mobile, desktop, and via a REST API. Whether editing, merging, splitting, compressing, converting, or eSigni
- Software Engineer
- Assistant Manager
- Information Technology and Services
- Accounting
- 47% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
A low code and REST API for PDF conversion, editing, extraction, automation and more. PDF.co API can be integrated with numerous online platforms, like Zapier, Make, Airtable, and more. Automate docum
- Computer Software
- 78% Small-Business
- 19% Enterprise
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- What G2 Users Think
The smallest, fastest, most feature-rich FREE PDF editor/viewer available! Create, View, Edit, Annotate, OCR and Digitally Sign PDF files plus much more..
- Information Technology and Services
- Accounting
- 39% Enterprise
- 36% Small-Business
- Reviewers find PDF-XChange Editor easy to use for PDF editing, sharing, and exporting.
- Reviewers appreciate the simplicity of the tool. However, some reviewers would like more modern design features within the software.
- Reviewers feel that PDF-XChange Editor has an accessible user interface that users find the tool reliable to use.
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
Jotform PDF Editor automatically turns collected form responses into professional, secure PDF documents that you can share with colleagues and customers. Easily generate custom PDF files online! Crea
- 48% Small-Business
- 43% Mid-Market
G2 Grid® for PDF Editor
Learn More About PDF Editors
PDF editor features
PDF editors come with many features related to editing and distributing a PDF:
- Optical character recognition (OCR): One of the significant features of PDF editor software is the ability to turn the PDF into a document that can be edited. OCR scans the document and locates the text within it. Once the scan is complete, it allows the user to manipulate the text. This converts the image of text within the PDF into editable text that a user can edit.
- Text boxes: Users can manipulate editable text after using the OCR feature. Size, color, and alignment are all common text adjustments that can be done on the platform.
- Crop: The crop feature makes specific portions of the PDF smaller. The size and shape of the crop can be manipulated based on the user's needs.
- Delete: The delete function enables users to remove a page from the document easily.
- Watermarks: Watermarks are transparent images that users can include to indicate branding and ownership. It is one of the few security features that come with PDF editors since they protect the copyright of the PDF once a document is distributed.
- Redaction: Redactions are another common security feature within PDF editor software. Users can remove sensitive information within the document using this tool, which can remove an area of text entirely. In most cases, it cannot be undone once a redaction is made.
- Password protection: Password protection guards the document from being edited by someone else, an essential feature for confidential files or files with sensitive information. For example, if someone downloads a PDF and opens it in their PDF editing tool, password protection prevents that user from making their edits.
- Page merge: With the page merge function, users can combine multiple PDF pages into a single page. Also, PDFs can be opened from various sources and combined on the platform into a single PDF. Users can also use this tool to split merged pages apart with this tool.
- Page rearrangement: This feature moves pages around so users can choose the order in which pages will appear in the document. Users can rotate a page or select several and rotate many pages at once.
- Annotations: Annotations are notes that can be added to the PDF. Annotations are typically used to add a comment to a specific area of the PDF. They can also direct a client’s attention to a specific area of the PDF, such as a signature box.
- Electronic signature: This feature enables users to sign a PDF electronically. Clients and users, with permission, can view and sign a PDF digitally, commonly done with electronic proposals, contracts, or other types of client documents.
Benefits of using a PDF editor
- Text and image manipulation: Unlike static PDFs, editors enable users to modify PDF text content, insert or delete images, and adjust layouts to tailor documents to their needs precisely.
- Form creation and editing: PDF editors help create fillable forms directly within PDFs, eliminating the need for paper copies and manual data entry. Additionally, existing forms can also be edited and updated for optimal functionality.
- Improved collaboration and workflow: PDF editors contain advanced annotation tools that add comments, highlights, underline text, and even draw directly on PDFs to facilitate effective feedback and document review. Some PDF editor software also allows multiple users to work on the same PDF document simultaneously, which can enhance team productivity and streamline editing processes.
- Password protection and encryption: Users can easily secure sensitive documents with passwords and encryption algorithms to prevent unauthorized access and ensure data privacy. They also allow users to add legally binding digital signatures to documents for authentication and tamper-proof verification.
- Streamlined document management: A significant benefit of PDF editor software is that it reduces the file size of large PDFs without compromising quality. This helps optimize storage space and facilitate document sharing. Many editors seamlessly integrate with cloud storage services, document management systems, and other productivity tools for a streamlined workflow.
PDF editor pricing
According to G2 data, PDF editor prices range between $19 and $588 annually per license. The pricing models for PDF editing software vary depending on the features offered, target audience, and distribution method. Here is a breakdown of the most common ones:
- One-time purchase: This is the most common model for basic and mid-range PDF editors. Here, users pay a fixed fee for a perpetual license to use the software on a single device or a limited number of devices. The price range of one-time purchases ranges between $20-$100.
- Subscription: Subscription models are becoming increasingly popular, especially for advanced PDF editors and cloud-based solutions. Users must pay a monthly or annual fee to edit PDF documents and access the software and its features. The price range subscription models are between $5 and $50 per month or $50 and $500 per year.
- Freemium: This model offers a limited free version of the software with basic features, while premium features require a paid subscription or one-time purchase. This model is popular for attracting new users and offering an idea of the software's capabilities.
- Per-page/per-feature: This model charges users based on the number of pages they edit or the specific features they use. It is less commonly seen but suitable for occasional users or those needing specific functionalities.
- Enterprise licensing: Some advanced PDF editors offer special pricing for businesses and organizations, often based on the number of users or required features. These can be customized to meet the organization's specific needs and are charged accordingly.
How to choose the best PDF editor
Choosing the best PDF editor software depends on the organization's specific needs and budget. Here are some factors to consider:
Identify business needs and priorities
To gather requirements for PDF editor software, it is essential to identify the specific needs and objectives of the organization. Many free PDF editors are available, but they often have limited features. Paid PDF editors offer more features and functionality but can be expensive. Hence, it is vital to understand the budget based on current workflows and desired outcomes.
Choose the necessary technology and features
Shortlisting software products based on their features is an essential step in buying. While it may be daunting to filter through various products, users can get help by utilizing G2’s compare feature. This feature will take products of choice and display them side by side so the buyer can quickly determine which software ticks the essential boxes on the list.
Apart from ease of use, user-friendly interface, and customer support, buyers must evaluate features like:
- Basic editing: A free or basic PDF editor will suffice if one only needs to make basic edits, such as correcting typos or adding text.
- Advanced editing: If users require more complex editing, such as adding images, tables, or forms, they'll need a more robust PDF editor with additional features.
- OCR: Users will need an editor with OCR capabilities to edit scanned PDFs.
- Security: To edit sensitive documents, users need a PDF editor with strong data security features.
Consider the platform
Not all editors are compatible with every PDF version. It is essential to consider the platforms in use before purchasing.
- Many PDF editors are available for Windows, including Adobe Acrobat Pro and Nitro Pro.
- Fewer PDF editors are available for MacOS, but some popular options include Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, PDFpenPro, and Sejda PDF.
- Several PDF editors are also available for Android and iOS mobile devices, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader and Xodo.
Conduct demos
Buyers should also request demos from shortlisted PDF editor software providers to experience the software firsthand. They can utilize trial periods to test the software’s functionality and suitability for their business. Additionally, buyers should consider reading reviews from other users to get an idea of the pros and cons of different PDF editors.
Final decision
Before making the final decision, buyers must not forget to collect stakeholder feedback. They should involve staff, employees, and users in the organization in the evaluation process to gather feedback and ensure the PDF editor software aligns with the needs of all stakeholders.
Buyers must remember the best PDF editor software is not just about features and functionality; it's about finding a solution that meets their needs, integrates seamlessly with their existing formats, and provides ongoing support to ensure their company's success.
Written and researched by Marina Schlosser
