List of Top PDF Editors 2023

What are PDF Editors?

PDF Editors allow users to perform edits and capture information from .pdf files, enter data into fields, or convert PDFs into different file types. Increasingly, PDF Editors also provide users with the option to build .pdf files from the ground up, saving time typically spent on converting files or using additional word processing programs.

PDFs are images of documents, as opposed to editable text files (such as a Word document). A PDF Editor solutions turns a PDF into a working, editable document such as Word or GDoc. PDFs can be created internally or uploaded into these platforms. PDF Editors often includes password protection to view and edit documents and designated fields. PDF Editors can be used in conjunction with OCR Software which allows for PDF documents to be editable and searchable, or convert them into other file formats. PDF Editors use OCR Software to capture information and facilitate the editing process.

PDF Editors benefit users who frequently work with contracts, including salespeople and realtors. They can use it to alter contract templates for each customer. They can often integrate with document scanning software. Users can also scan PDFs with document scanning software and edit necessary fields.

PDF Editor Features

PDF Editors typically have the following features:

• Attachments
• Built-in document security
• Commenting and text annotations
• Document outlines
• E-Signature
• Extracting
• File comparison
• File conversion (PDF to .doc, .jpeg, .ppt, etc.)
• Form building
• Highlight tool
• Hyperlinks
• Image support
• Object transformations (scaling, rotating, etc.)
• Print to PDF
• Rubber stamps
• Saving and exporting
• Text editing
• Vector drawings

PDF Editor Comparison

Mobile Support: Businesses that support a “bring your own device” (BYOB) work environment should consider purchasing a PDF Editor that supports mobile device capabilities. Some PDF Editors provide support for when employees are on a phone or tablet so that they can view, review and annotate files anywhere. A PDF Editor that offers a dedicated mobile app will also create opportunities for out of office work.

Ease of Use: Since PDF Editors are incorporated into almost every work environment, businesses that have employees with minimal IT experience should consider a PDF Editor that has only essential business operations features. Too many features can cause not only confusion, but also permission errors when it comes to being able to access and edit business documents.

Security features: Most businesses deal with some form of private information that needs protection. Businesses that need extra security for their documents should consider a PDF Editor that provides security features like password protection to limit access capabilities, as well as the ability to restrict features like printing, filling in forms, and modifying the document. They should also consider a PDF Editor that offers certificate protection to secure documents, while specifying individual permissions for each person.

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Pricing Information

Pricing for PDF Editors is very competitive. There is a variety of free-to-use PDF Editors on the market. However, those typically have only the most basic of features and may not be suitable for businesses that rely heavily on sharing documents that need, for example, signatures and external edits. For a one-time use trial period, advanced PDF Editors can cost as low as $5. The most common however, are monthly subscriptions that cost around $15/mo for the most advanced features.

PDF Editors Best Of Awards

The following PDF Editors offer award-winning customer relationships, feature sets, and value for price. Learn more about our Best Of Awards methodology here.