Best PDF editors of 2021: Adobe Acrobat, Foxit PDF, Nitro Productivity and more compared
Included in this guide:
The best PDF editors make it simple and easy to read, review, sign and edit portable document formats.
Since its invention in 1993, the Portable Document Format—or PDF for short—has become so commonplace that it was standardized in 2008. This means that while Adobe may have been the company to bring the content-rich PDF to the world, others are now freely able to provide PDF services, including creating, editing, and signing.
From Adobe's flagship product to ambitious competitors including Foxit and Nitro, the best PDF editors are continually adding new features and qualities to ensure the best experiences for users.
In this article, we've listed the advantages, drawbacks, and costs of each software, allowing you to make an informed choice on which PDF editor to download.
- Also check out our roundup of the best free office software
1. Adobe Acrobat
The leading option from the inventors of the PDF
Reasons to buy
+Brimming with editing features +Sophisticated cloud-based workflows +Slick mobile app
Reasons to avoid
-Standard DC for Windows-only
Given the company's integral role in the creation of the PDF document, it is no surprise to see Adobe still leading the way. Adobe Acrobat was the original software to enable users to read, review, print, and edit this file format, and it has survived the test of time. Adobe claims that over five million businesses are using Acrobat all over the world.
Today's version comes as part of Adobe's Document Cloud, with all the advantages that cloud-based software can bring. This includes simple workflows that ensure that PDFs can be edited and shared across devices and locations.
The Acrobat Reader app gives users the ability to view, sign, make notes, and share PDFs from their mobile devices. Advanced features—including editing, exporting, and combining files—are only available with an Acrobat Pro DC subscription. Acrobat Pro DC works across both Windows and Mac devices. Note that its Standard DC version is Windows-only.
- Read our full Adobe Acrobat review.
2. Foxit PDF Editor
One-time cost option removes need for regular subscription
Reasons to buy
+Free trial included +One-time payment available +Useful security features
Reasons to avoid
-One license per device
Where Foxit immediately leapfrogs Adobe with its PDF Editor software is in its reasonable price. A single license is already cheaper than Acrobat Pro DC's annual subscription.
Those opting for the Business 10 version should expect to pay a little more.
Perks for Business 10 users include reflow editing mode, which offers a slicker editing experience akin to using a word processor. You'll also get advanced options, including image editing and object shading, and increased security features such as the ability to redact sections of text.
The standard versions are no less impressive when it comes to editing features, however. All versions include password permissions, template creation, and the ability to add watermarks. You can also convert other document formats into PDFs.
3. Nitro Pro
Windows-only editor with Microsoft Office integration
Reasons to buy
+One-time purchase +E-signature features +Integration with Microsoft Office
Reasons to avoid
-Windows only
Mac users may want to skip this one, with Nitro's Pro desktop software designed exclusively for Windows operating systems. Like Foxit's PDF Editor, Nitro Pro can be purchased via a one-time transaction. Nitro honors this basic plan for up to 20 licenses, and also offers discounts for multiple purchases. For businesses requiring more than 20 licenses, Nitro recommends its bespoke Productivity Suite team and enterprise plans.
While the cost may seem reasonable compared to competitors, do note that a single license is only valid for use by a single user, on a maximum of two devices. Nonetheless, if you're only ever likely to edit PDFs from one or two desktop computers, Nitro Pro offers a ton of useful features.
You can edit, annotate, and merge PDFs into one document, and also make use of the e-signature workflows, which are compatible with multiple devices. As the software is Windows-only, there's also seamless integration with top Microsoft tools including Office and OneDrive.
4. Sejda
Completely free desktop and in-browser editing option
Reasons to buy
+Standard version completely free +Flexible pricing on premium version +Desktop and online solution
Reasons to avoid
-Basic text editing
While several editors on this list offer limited free trials, Sejda comes with the undoubted bonus of providing a version of its software that is free forever. It also comes as both a desktop solution and an in-browser online service. Be aware, however, that it is still a freemium model, and users will be required to pay to remove some of the restrictions in place on the free version. These include a limit to three tasks per day and document sizes no bigger than 50MB or 200 pages.
These limitations may count Sejda out as a viable option for businesses or individuals with regular PDF editing needs. But as a basic solution, it's hard to argue with what you get. Particularly as its top package, which includes page compression, extraction, cropping, and merging functionality.
- Read our full Sejda review.
5. PDF Expert
Slick and intuitive interface for Apple devices
Reasons to buy
+Top usability on iPad and iPhone +Free trial +Great value
Reasons to avoid
-Not Windows compatible
Whether you own a Mac, iPad, or iPhone, Apple users can enjoy a seven-day free trial of PDF Expert. This provides ample time to test out the benefits of a PDF editing tool that is specifically designed for Apple devices.
As one might expect for a macOS-only solution, the interface is slick and intuitive. Navigation is chiefly directed through two tabs labeled Annotate and Edit, with a wide range of tools filed under each option.
You'll find text and image editing, link adding, and redaction options in the latter section, with highlighting, stamps, notes, and signatures tools in the former. The software works particularly well on iPads when teamed up with an Apple Pencil. The cost is also eye-catching, with a one-off purchase granting users lifetime access.
- We've also rounded up the best free PDF editors
Alexis is a freelance writer and journalist from the north east of England. His love for creative technology stems from the day he was gifted his first ever digital voice recorder (a beloved Olympus WS 110), which brought with it the wonderful realisation that he'd never again have to rely on his iffy shorthand…
Source: https://www.techradar.com/best/pdf-editors
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