8 Greatest PDF Editors I Discovered After Testing 20 Instruments

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 the whole lot from important instruments to feature-packed apps. I’ve realized which of them do the job with out making you wish to throw your pc out the window. And truthfully? A few of them are absolute lifesavers.

In the event you’ve ever struggled with PDFs, whether or not modifying, merging, changing, or simply attempting so as to add a signature, this listing is for you. I’ve rounded up the very best PDF editors primarily based on my private experiences, so you may spend much less time looking out and extra time doing issues.

8 finest PDF editors I attempted: My sincere opinion

PDF editors are my go-to instruments after I must 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 must tweak a doc with out ranging from scratch.

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 types and including e-signatures to collaborating on paperwork. If I must do one thing with a PDF, these instruments have me coated.

How I narrowed down the very best PDF editors: My guidelines

Under are the elements I thought-about 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, easy navigation, and minimal pointless muddle. A device 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 sophisticated.
• Enhancing capabilities: For me, the first job of a PDF editor is to let me edit textual content, photos, and different components 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 might’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 sorts 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 typically take care of PDFs which might be basically simply photos of textual content, and an excellent 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 group 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 at all times 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 types. Figuring out my information are safe offers 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 annoyed if the software program crashes or slows down throughout primary duties like modifying or saving. Efficiency is a deal-breaker for me.
• Platform compatibility: I typically change between units, so I search for editors that work throughout a number of platforms, comparable to Home windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Cloud-based options are nice as a result of they let me entry my information from wherever. Consistency throughout platforms is vital.
• Superior options: I search for PDF modifying 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 good for advanced duties.
• Worth for cash: Value issues, however so does worth. Free instruments are nice for fundamentals, however paid editors typically excel at superior duties like OCR and encryption. I weigh the price of one-time purchases in opposition to subscriptions, checking for hidden charges and profiting from trials. A great 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 primarily based on the standards that matter most to me. From ease of use and modifying capabilities to superior options like OCR, batch processing, and safety instruments, I evaluated how effectively every editor carried out in real-world situations. I transformed information, 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 any case this hands-on testing, I narrowed the listing to the 8 finest PDF editors that excel in usability, performance, and general worth. These are the instruments I belief and advocate for anybody needing dependable PDF modifying options.

To be included within the PDF editor class, a product should:

• Assist modifying of textual content, photos, and pages immediately inside PDFs
• Present instruments to create new PDFs seamlessly inside the platform
• Embody options for annotating and signing PDFs effortlessly
• Provide file conversion choices to and from numerous codecs
• Allow password safety to safe PDF information

*This knowledge was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some critiques might have been edited for readability.  

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 drawback. It’s filled with options that may deal with absolutely anything you’d ever must do with a PDF, but it surely doesn’t at all times make it simple.

First, the modifying instruments are phenomenal. I can edit textual content, add or resize photos, and even rearrange pages immediately within the PDF—no exporting or juggling a number of applications. And on the subject of 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 reside 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 types.

The fillable types function is one other standout. I’ve turned boring, static types into interactive ones that folks can fill out immediately on their units. It’s made accumulating suggestions or signatures ridiculously simple. And talking of signatures, the e-signature device 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 protected. I really like with the ability to lock down information or prohibit permissions so individuals can’t edit or copy them with out my permission. Relating to 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 strong device could be intuitive. However no, even primary duties like merging PDFs or extracting pages take far more steps than they need to. Once I first began utilizing it, I spent a lot time watching tutorials and digging by means of boards to determine the way to get issues executed. It’s positively not essentially the most user-friendly expertise.

Efficiency is one other factor that bugs me. Adobe Acrobat generally is a critical useful resource hog, particularly when working with bigger information. There have been instances when it slowed all the way down to a crawl or crashed in the course of one thing necessary. And don’t even get me began on the updates. They’re not at all times 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 price. I imply, there’s a free model, but it surely’s so restricted that it barely scratches the floor. If you need modifying, signing, and safety, you’ve obtained 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 information from different applications didn’t work as anticipated.

What I dislike about Adobe Acrobat:

• For such a strong device, it’s surprisingly not intuitive. Duties like merging or extracting pages really feel far more sophisticated 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 course of an necessary undertaking with a decent 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. Perhaps prohibitive for small enterprises or lone customers.”

– Adobe Acrobat Overview, Abhishek U.

In the event you work with PDFs every day, Foxit PDF Editor is likely to 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 easy 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 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 respect this PDF modifying device’s OCR capabilities. It might probably simply flip scanned or image-based paperwork into totally searchable and editable textual content. 

I used to be impressed by the big selection of superior modifying instruments Foxit PDF Editor gives. I may seamlessly modify textual content, exchange photos, 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 monitor real-time adjustments. This integration makes it excellent 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 no 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 security measures, together with password safety, encryption, and redaction instruments that guarantee delicate info 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 colour scheme. It’s unapologetically purple. Whereas it doesn’t have an effect on performance, I’d love an choice to customise it to higher go well with private preferences. Then there’s the licensing mannequin, which restricts you to a single machine per license. For customers like me, who continuously change 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 blended outcomes. Lastly, whereas uncommon, there are occasional minor bugs, like edits not saving correctly or sudden app crashes. These points don’t occur typically, however they will disrupt your workflow once they do.

What I dislike about Foxit PDF Editor:

• I discover it irritating that the license solely works on one machine. Switching between my desktop and laptop computer means I would like to purchase one other license, which feels unnecessarily restrictive.
• Whereas file conversion is usually good, it struggles with advanced layouts. Once I convert PDFs with tables or intricate designs into Phrase or Excel, the formatting doesn’t at all times 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’d give it full marks. I feel you want the power to extract textual content from photos.”

– Foxit PDF Editor Overview, Billy S.

You realize that second if you discover a device 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 may convert numerous file sorts 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. 

Enhancing PDFs was a trouble, 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 every one my paperwork are accessible throughout units, which is ideal for somebody always on the transfer. Sharing paperwork for assessment or signature is easy, 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 modifying of photos or layouts inside present PDFs. Customers requiring such functionalities must 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 dislike about Adobe PDF Pack:

• I discover it irritating that Adobe PDF Pack would not enable me to immediately 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 power 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 price is on the upper aspect, and its efficiency may be sluggish with giant paperwork. Regardless of these drawbacks, I’m glad with its different options, which contribute to environment friendly doc administration in my workflow.”

– Adobe PDF Pack Overview, Civic V.

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 obtained fast entry to the whole lot: textual content modifying, 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 types.

I additionally respect the AI-powered summarization device. 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 by means of content material. It’s good for research-heavy duties.

Wondershare PDFelement’s batch processing capabilities are one other lifesaver. I typically must 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 possibly can design interactive types with checkboxes, radio buttons, and textual content fields. Plus, it might acknowledge present type fields in a scanned doc, making modifying and enhancing types 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 the whole lot is.

I additionally felt that the software program may be gradual when dealing with very giant information or advanced paperwork with plenty of photos 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 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 accustomed to the place the whole lot is, and I want it had a extra streamlined design.
• The software program typically slows down or crashes solely when working with very giant or advanced PDFs. It’s irritating, particularly after I’m in the course of an necessary 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 modifying instruments are wonderful, however there are typically formatting issues if 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 instances.”

– Wondershare PDFelement Overview, Piotr D.

Let me share my expertise with UPDF, a flexible PDF editor that has considerably streamlined my doc administration duties.

One among 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, wherever. 

I can effortlessly add, delete, or modify textual content inside my PDFs. The flexibility to regulate font fashion, measurement, and colour ensures that my paperwork preserve an expert look.

Managing photos is intuitive with UPDF. I can insert new photos, resize, crop, rotate, or exchange present ones, all by means of a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. Including or modifying hyperlinks inside paperwork is easy, 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 means of 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 participating.

UPDF gives superior PDF modifying 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 info may be completely faraway from paperwork, safeguarding confidential knowledge. Including digital signatures to paperwork is easy, streamlining the approval course of.

I want UPDF performed nicer with different apps. For example, it doesn’t combine effectively with instruments like Pacer, which makes it a little bit of a headache when you depend on third-party software program for doc workflows. There’s no text-to-speech function, which looks like a missed alternative. It will be tremendous useful, particularly for these lengthy PDFs the place I’d somewhat pay attention than learn.

I’ve seen that sure actions lead to flattened information, which implies you lose layers or interactivity within the doc.

I additionally actually want UPDF had direct integration with well-liked 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 dislike about UPDF:

• I miss having a text-to-speech function. Listening to PDFs when multitasking or on the go could be superb.
• The updates are a bit too frequent for my liking. Whereas it’s nice that they’re enhancing issues, it might interrupt my workflow after I’m in the course of one thing.

What G2 customers dislike about UPDF:

“I want to place digital bookmarks, as is completed on the Kindle. Perhaps it’s a necessity to have buyer assist in Portuguese or Spanish.”

– UPDF Overview, Alexsandro B.

Smallpdf is like having a digital multitool in your again pocket, whether or not compressing, changing, modifying, or signing paperwork.

Smallpdf does the fundamentals exceptionally effectively. Must 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 e-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, easy, and extremely user-friendly. Even when you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll discover it intuitive. I can rapidly add a file, choose the device 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 a giant deal as a result of I hate cluttering my units with software program I won’t use every day.

One other function I’ve grown to like is the e-signature device. 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 seen that changing PDFs to Phrase paperwork doesn’t at all times protect the formatting completely. 

The free model is incredible for infrequent use, however when you’re like me and want it usually, the subscription is a must have. The pricing is affordable, but it surely’s one thing to think about when you’re on a decent funds.

Additionally, whereas the interface is usually flawless, I’d tweak some minor issues. For example, when merging PDFs, the file names aren’t at all times totally seen, which makes organizing the order a bit cumbersome. On uncommon events, the device has struggled with very giant or advanced information, although it’s not a typical situation.

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 at all times 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 device helps changing a PDF file into numerous different file codecs, I’ve seen that the formatting typically turns into improper when changing right into a Phrase file. Moreover, whereas it might convert PDF information to many different file sorts, it lacks the aptitude to transform different file codecs again to PDF, which I discover limiting when utilizing this software program.”

– Smallpdf Overview, Bikash P.

In the event you’re utilizing FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac, you’ve obtained many PDF modifying instruments at your fingertips. 

I’ve been in a position to 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 info or including digital signatures.

On the Mac, although, it’s a special story. FineReader for macOS leans closely into OCR and file conversion, which it does phenomenally effectively. However when you’re searching for these superior PDF modifying instruments—like modifying textual content immediately or working with types—you is likely to be upset. Personally, I discovered myself needing one other device to deal with these duties on my Mac.

I respect FineReader’s OCR accuracy. It’s incredible at dealing with advanced layouts, like paperwork with tables or twin columns. For Home windows customers, the modifying 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 seen a recurring gripe amongst Mac customers. They need higher modifying instruments. I fully perceive the frustration; the Mac model feels stripped down when you’re used to Home windows-level options.

What I dislike about FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac:

• The Mac model feels barebones on the subject of modifying instruments. I can’t edit textual content immediately or work with types, which is irritating in comparison with the strong Home windows model.
• When working with tabular knowledge, 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 Overview, Mike M.

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 simple to navigate, with a minimal studying curve for primary duties. 

Nitro Professional excels in PDF creation and modifying. Whether or not I’m combining a number of information 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 outstanding 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. This can be a lifesaver for somebody who continuously 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 security measures, like password safety and the power to redact delicate info.

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 plenty of photos. I’ve additionally encountered a couple of compatibility points with information created in different PDF instruments, which may 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 at all times deal with lingering bugs. I’ve additionally skilled crashes when working with giant or advanced paperwork.

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 continuously check in is irritating, although I’ve just lately realized utilizing a license key can mitigate this situation.”

– Nitro Professional Overview, Efe W.

Must convert a doc to a special file kind? Discover the very best file converter software program choices.