Using these Best PDF Editors can help you work more quickly and effectively.
Written by: Gregor Grecco, Content manager
Easy PDF to word, Pdf to Excel, merge PDF
*Updated December 12, 2022
Best overall
Budget option
Best featured
Best web-based
An introduction of online PDF editors
There are several free online PDF editors available, therefore there's no need to pay for a desktop editor. Because you get what you pay for, that's why. Free online editors often have basic functionality, allowing you to perform things like add text and comments, divide or combine documents, and even convert files to and from PDF format. Rarely will they allow you modify already-published content, and most impose limits on file size and number of pages. Many of them will also add a watermark to the final version of your document. Because of these limitations, web-based PDF editors should be used only for quick and easy revisions. Don't hesitate to bring in the heavy guns for anything more difficult.
Table of content of the
best PDF editors:
1. Soda PDF - Lots of functions & Best value for money
Whether you're on a desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, or tablet, Soda PDF is a convenient PDF solution. It's available as a desktop program and a web app, and both versions have a clean, contemporary design that requires little to no training to operate effectively. OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box are just some of the cloud services that Soda PDF can connect to. Soda PDF makes it possible for you and your team to have constant access to critical files, whether you're at the office, at home, or on the road.
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Standard and Pro versions of Soda PDF are available. The former has all the standard features of a high-quality PDF editor. Create, edit, convert, combine, or divide PDFs, as well as view them. To be honest, we don't really understand the value of the Standard plan. You see, for only $3 extra each month, the Pro plan unlocks a ton of additional capabilities. Redaction, passwords, permission levels, digital signatures, and more are all at your disposal when you upgrade to the premium plan, allowing you to leave comments and annotations on PDFs as well as safeguard them. To existing forms, buttons, and checkboxes, add your own creative touches. OCR and electronic signature features are included with the Soda PDF Online Pro subscription. Just fill in the blanks, create the contract, sign it, and send it off. You may keep tabs on signatures in real time and even send reminders to signers.
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In conclusion, we do not have any issues with this program. It provides high-end functions at a more affordable price. Despite providing a comprehensive set of features, the app is straightforward to use on any platform. It's perfect for medium-sized businesses since it doesn't need a lot of training to get up and running.
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In conclusion, we do not have any issues with this program. It provides high-end functions at a more affordable price. Despite providing a comprehensive set of features, the app is straightforward to use on any platform. It's perfect for medium-sized businesses since it doesn't need a lot of training to get up and running.
SPECYFICATIONS
TODAY'S BEST DEALS
REASON TO BUY
REASON TO AVOID
Operating system: Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
+To some extent, you can edit, convert, merge, and compress PDFs without paying anything.
+Super simple to operate
+Very well suited for use in web browsers.
- Some useful tools locked behind Pro subscription
2. Nitro PDF Pro - Best overall runner-up
As part of the Nitro Productivity Suite, Nitro PDF Pro has been updated to provide tight interaction with Nitro Cloud, making it simpler than ever to work together on documents and verify signatures. It is far more convenient to work on documents without switching to a separate desktop app for typical editing operations.
Nitro PDF Pro is among the best alternatives to Adobe Acrobat. Its latest enhancements have helped it close the gap to the industry leaders. There aren't many alternatives to Acrobat that can match up to it.
Three things stood out to us right away when examining PDFelement. To begin, they provide an excellent perpetual licensing option. That's right; you'll never again have to worry about paying any kind of membership fee, whether it's a yearly subscription or a monthly Second, they brag about encryption and security that is on par with that of a bank. Thirdly, their OCR software is compatible with over twenty different languages. When compared to competing PDF tools, we like that they provide nonstop help by live chat, email, and phone instead of a ticketing system.
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There are two versions of PDFelement available: PDFelement Pro and PDFelement Pro Bundle, each with their own set of features and capabilities. The second option allows you to handle your PDF files on both your desktop and mobile devices (including smartphones and tablets).
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Conclusively, a dedicated blog article would be appropriate for detailing all of PDFelement's many functionalities. In a nutshell, this program is everything you'll ever need for your PDF-related tasks. Organizations with several teams or departments regularly working together to draft, edit, fill out, sign, and distribute regulatory or legal documents can benefit greatly from using PDFelement. A free program should be enough if all your business need it to do is read and comment on PDFs on occasion. PDFelement, on the other hand, brings in professionalism and regulation that many firms will appreciate.
4. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC- remains the benchmark.
Twenty years after Adobe's invention of the PDF, the company's PDF editor is still the industry standard, even if some customers have complained about the high cost of the product. Acrobat used to be prohibitively expensive for individuals without a corporate budget, but the software recently switched to a subscription model hosted in the cloud.
Adobe Document Cloud, which allows you to make PDFs, share and receive files, and get others to sign them digitally; Acrobat Reader DC, which allows you to view, print, and sign PDFs; and Acrobat DC, which allows you to conduct a wide range of editing tasks on your PDFs from any device.
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The tabbed layout of Acrobat's workspace makes it simple to find and switch between different parts of the program. If you don't already have a PDF open, you'll find yourself at the Home tab. Files saved locally, in Adobe Document Cloud, or with third-party services like Box or Microsoft OneDrive are readily accessible, as are recently accessed files and PDFs that have been forwarded for review or signing.
Acrobat Pro DC's many features, such as "Create & Edit," "Share & Review," "Forms & Signatures," "Protect & Standardize," and "Customize," are all conveniently located in a single window under "Tools." A PDF may be opened and all of the tools can be accessed from the right sidebar with a single click. When you click on a tool, a menu with its related commands appears or, if you have an active document open, the tool's toolbar appears.
When you go to Document mode, each PDF opens in a new tab. There is a toolbar at the top of the page with some fundamental editing controls, and there are also navigation and task windows on the left and right.
Adobe still provides all the tools necessary to manage PDFs in a professional setting. PDFs are versatile document format that allows you to convert many different file types (including Microsoft Office files, images, HTML, and scanned documents) into a single file that can be shared electronically, commented on, and signed while keeping sensitive data safe through the use of encryption, password protection, and text redaction.
In conclusion
Even if there are alternative, less priced PDF editors out there, Acrobat is still the gold standard, so it's worth considering. The subscription model ensures that users always have access to the most recent version of the program without the need to repeatedly buy and install it. With Adobe's consistent upgrades and improvements, that's not a trivial matter. (Adobe Acrobat Standard DC is a somewhat cheaper alternative that shares some of the Pro version's main capabilities but is less robust, as we highlight in our comparison of the two programs.) Adobe's Acrobat Reader mobile software for iOS and Android has access to a plethora of editing tools with an Acrobat Pro DC subscription. Working with PDFs on a mobile device is surprisingly straightforward because to the app's intuitive UI, which is a near-perfect replica of the desktop version.
5. Pdf Simpli - Best budget option
PDF Simpli's primary selling advantages are its simple interface and affordable pricing. The interface is quite similar to that of Microsoft Word, making it easy for even inexperienced users to quickly become productive. Though relatively small in size, the program packs a powerful punch in terms of the features it offers in relation to PDFs. The Standard plan is adequate for infrequent users. PDFs may be viewed, created, edited, and converted; bookmarks can be added; and documents can be exported to Microsoft Word.
It's a no-brainer to upgrade to the Professional plan if you often deal with PDF files in your business. You may include watermarks, digital signatures, text fields, numeric fields, checkboxes, and radio buttons, as well as create your own forms from scratch. The workplace inspiration is clear in some characteristics. Protecting documents, establishing access controls, and using whiteout or redaction to conceal sensitive, private, or personally identifiable information are all options available to Pro users. PDF Simpli's Pro + OCR plan includes optical character recognition tools for converting scanned documents and photos into editable PDFs; however, you generally won't require these tools.
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Finally, PDF Simpli has surpassed our expectations by being as excellent as the alternatives without the high price tag. We appreciated how straightforward it was to make changes to existing forms or generate whole new ones with custom widgets. It's compatible with any file type, and you can even tweak it for use on mobile devices.
6. pdfFiller - Superior PDF Editor for Group Work
PDF Simpli's primary selling advantages are its simple interface and affordable pricing. The interface is quite similar to that of Microsoft Word, making it easy for even inexperienced users to quickly become productive. Though relatively small in size, the program packs a powerful punch in terms of the features it offers in relation to PDFs. The Standard plan is adequate for infrequent users. PDFs may be viewed, created, edited, and converted; bookmarks can be added; and documents can be exported to Microsoft Word.
It's a no-brainer to upgrade to the Professional plan if you often deal with PDF files in your business. You may include watermarks, digital signatures, text fields, numeric fields, checkboxes, and radio buttons, as well as create your own forms from scratch. The workplace inspiration is clear in some characteristics. Protecting documents, establishing access controls, and using whiteout or redaction to conceal sensitive, private, or personally identifiable information are all options available to Pro users. PDF Simpli's Pro + OCR plan includes optical character recognition tools for converting scanned documents and photos into editable PDFs; however, you generally won't require these tools.
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Finally, PDF Simpli has surpassed our expectations by being as excellent as the alternatives without the high price tag. We appreciated how straightforward it was to make changes to existing forms or generate whole new ones with custom widgets. It's compatible with any file type, and you can even tweak it for use on mobile devices.
7. Winzip PDF pro - Best PDF editor for simple use
If you're looking for simple document editing and modification capabilities, WinZip PDF Pro is a top contender.
The program provides a streamlined experience for PC users that need to work with PDF files. The tools are intuitive and provide access to all the features you'd want in a PDF editor, including viewing, editing, and sharing PDFs. To further personalize your documents, you may include page numbers, password secure them, and fill out forms.
After putting WinZip PDF Pro through its paces, we discovered that it has all the features necessary to do any PDF-related task.
To put it bluntly, it has flaws. Unfortunately, there are a few nagging issues that detract from an otherwise enjoyable experience. The fact that it offers a free seven-day trial and is widely considered to be among the finest in its category just adds to its appeal.
There is no perpetual license available, therefore you will need to subscribe if you want to use it often. Prices are $75 (or £78) annually.
SPECYFICATIONS
TODAY'S BEST DEALS
REASON TO BUY
REASON TO AVOID
Operating system: Windows
+ Large toolkit for reading, manipulating, and collaborating on PDF documents
+ Very simple to use
+ Elegant interface
- PC only
- Annual subscription may not offer value to all
-Occasionally occurring bugs and minor interface annoyances
Which PDF editor is right for me?
It's important to evaluate your needs and skill level while deciding on the finest PDF editor.
If you only need to alter some text, a basic program like PDFelement will do the trick. For more complex PDF editing, however, specialized software like Adobe Acrobat is required. Be sure to look at optional options like secure file storage and sharing through the cloud. When buying numerous licenses for your business, you should verify that the PDF editor is compatible with your operating system and offers a volume discount.
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What exactly is a PDF editor?
You can make changes to a PDF file with the help of a PDF editor, which is necessary since PDFs are normally uneditable. The Portable Document Format (PDF) was created to facilitate rapid and dependable document sharing, but it cannot be modified after it has been created. When making modifications to a PDF, it's best to use a dedicated PDF editor rather than resorting to a third-party converter like Foxit Reader or Adobe Acrobat.
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Where can I get information about modifying PDF files?
When it comes to making changes to a PDF, different editors have different methods and capabilities. More advanced editing options are available in complete PDF editors like Nitro and Acrobat than in basic PDF manipulators.
As part of our How to edit a PDF tutorial, we examined the processes involved in modifying files in the top PDF editors.
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To what extent should my PDF editor go?
Even if the top PDF editors have several features, you may never use them all. Common PDF editors need a wide-format-supporting converter, optical character recognition (OCR) software, and eSign tools for digitally signing documents.
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Methods for evaluating PDF editor quality
Our evaluations of PDF editors are conducted using the same standards as those used by real-world customers.
We begin with an evaluation of the editor's functionality and platform, looking at things like which operating systems it supports, what hardware is needed to operate the editor, and how quickly it can read PDF files (especially larger ones).
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To provide an effortless experience for the user, we test the interface's simplicity. Even the most sophisticated PDF editors are not inaccessible or difficult to use. We also make sure it works for our target demographic. Is it easy to use that program if you're a beginner? Does the product provide a professional level of service and functionality for my business?
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While testing a piece of software, we look at things like the number of file formats it can open, the availability of various forms of security (such as encryption and password protection), and the availability of various tools for annotating and sharing content.
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The cost is also a consideration. Then, we investigate the pricing structure (one-time purchase vs. subscription) and whether or not bulk license purchases are eligible for a discount.
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