Best PDF Editors

PDF Editors Guide

PDF editors are software programs used to edit, comment on, convert and secure PDF documents. They are becoming increasingly popular as the need for document collaboration on multiple devices grows.

PDF editors enable users to make modifications to text, images, annotations and more in a PDF file. This can include editing existing content or adding new text or graphics.  It's possible to rearrange the order of pages in a PDF document and combine multiple documents into one with a PDF editor. Additionally, tools such as Bates numbering can be used to stamp each page of the document with its own number when creating legal documents.

The ability to comment on a document is an essential feature for PDF editors. Most come equipped with commenting features that allow users to highlight text, draw shapes and arrows directly onto the page; leaving notes without making permanent changes; quickly filling out forms; and digitally signing documents from any device. With the right program these comments can also be turned into sticky notes or highlights so they are visible even when printed out.

For users who want greater control over how their PDFs look after editing, most programs provide image-editing capabilities including cropping, resizing and rotating images within the file itself as well as supporting various image formats such as JPEG and TIFF files. There may also be support for converting various types of media such as audio or video files into PDF format too.

Security is another major concern when it comes to sharing sensitive information electronically which most modern-day PDF editors have provisions for in terms of password protection (which allows only authorized people access) adding digital signatures (to verify authenticity) and setting various levels of permission limiting what viewers can do with the document once they have opened it up (e.g., print/copy/edit).

Lastly many programs offer OCR (optical character recognition) functionality that helps convert scanned images into searchable text within the document making it easier for users to find specific words or phrases inside their files quickly eliminating manual searching through large chunks of data.  This feature is especially helpful if someone has a physical copy of their paperwork but wants it digitized for storage purposes or need specific information extracted from it quickly without having type all out by hand again (such as invoices).

Features of PDF Editors

• Edit Text: PDF editors provide the ability to edit the text present in a PDF document, making it easy to update information or correct typos. This can be done by selecting the text and then entering new content over it.
• Insert Images: PDF Editors allow users to insert images into a PDF document, such as adding logos or inserting screenshots.
• Add Links: Links can be added from one place in a document to another part of the same document, so readers can easily navigate between sections. Users can also add external links that link out to websites outside the document.
• Annotate Documents: PDF Editors enable users to annotate documents with notes, comments, highlights and more. This is useful for sharing feedback with other collaborators on a project or for providing additional context within a document.
• Create Forms: With some pdf editor tools, users can create interactive forms that serve as surveys or questionnaires. They make it easy for individuals to fill out and submit forms electronically without having to print them out and mail them back in paper form first.
• Insert Watermarks: Watermarks enable users to add a digital signature or watermark to a document. This can be useful for preventing copyright infringement or verifying the authenticity of a document.
• Extract Pages: Users can use PDF editors to extract single pages from documents or split large files into multiple smaller documents. This makes it easy to send only the relevant parts of a document without having to send an entire file over email.
• Merge Documents: Multiple PDF documents can be merged into one larger file using an editor, making it easier to keep all related information in one place.
• Convert to Other Formats: PDF editors can be used to convert documents from their original format into a PDF. This makes it easier to share information in an universally readable format that preserves layout and formatting.
• PDF Annotation: PDF editors can also feature PDF annotation tools so users can annotate pages of a PDF.

Trends Related to PDF Editors

1. Increased Security Features: PDF editors are increasingly incorporating features that allow users to set passwords and restrict access to documents, ensuring sensitive information is kept secure.
2. Improved Form-Filling Capabilities: PDF editors are now allowing users to easily fill out forms online and make changes to existing forms with ease, making it easier for people to complete essential paperwork without having to print and mail documents.
3. Enhanced Collaboration Tools: The ability for multiple users to work on a single document in real-time has become more common in PDF editors, streamlining the process of working together on projects from afar.
4. Increased Cloud Storage Options: Most PDF editors now offer cloud storage options, allowing users to store their documents remotely, which can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for external hard drives or flash drives and allows for quick and easy sharing of documents with colleagues or other contacts.
5. Optical Character Recognition (OCR): OCR technology has become a staple of modern PDF editors, allowing them to convert scanned documents into editable text automatically and accurately. This speeds up the process of data entry significantly, as well as making it possible to search through text within a document much faster than before.
6. Improved File Compression: To keep the file size of documents manageable, many PDF editors now offer powerful PDF compression tools that can drastically reduce the size of large files without compromising on quality or content.
7. Added Annotations and Comments: PDF editors now support adding annotations and comments to documents, allowing for better collaboration and feedback among team members, as well as simpler edits when reviewing documents.
8. Easier Document Conversion: It’s now much simpler to convert a PDF from one format to another, with most PDF editors offering support for different formats, such as HTML and Word documents, as well as the ability to create PDF files from scratch.
9. Greater Mobility: The emergence of mobile PDF editors has made it possible for users to access, edit and share documents on the go, making it much easier for people to remain productive when away from their desks.

Types of PDF Editors

• Desktop PDF Editing Software: This type of software is designed to open, view, and edit PDFs on a desktop or laptop computer. It may also include features such as annotations, form-filling capabilities, and password protection.
• Mobile PDF Editing Apps: These apps are designed to open, view and edit PDFs on a mobile device. They may have similar features as the desktop software but are usually tailored for a smaller mobile device screen.
• Online/Cloud-Based PDF Editors: These types of editors allow users to access, view and edit PDFs from any internet connected device by uploading the document to an online service provider’s website or cloud platform.
• Plugins/Add-Ons: There are also plugins available for popular web browsers that can add additional features for viewing and editing PDFs without having to download any extra software. Some examples could include the ability to annotate documents directly in the browser window or adding signature fields for electronic signatures.
• Dedicated Online Services: In addition to plugins, there are also dedicated services available that offer additional features that can be used when working with PDF files such as converting documents into other file formats, merging files together, splitting them apart, etc. These services often offer more features than a basic web browser plugin and may also have a mobile app counterpart.

Advantages of PDF Editors

1. Convenience: PDF editors provide the ease and convenience of editing documents without having to print them out or wait for someone else to make corrections. With a PDF editor, you have the ability to easily add text, delete pages, rearrange content, insert images, and more.
2. Versatility: One great advantage of PDF editors is their versatility. They can be used on any device with an internet connection and are compatible with most operating systems. This makes it easy to collaborate on projects with colleagues who may not be in the same room or even the same country.
3. Compatibility: PDF editors allow you to open documents from any source – including those created in different software programs such as Microsoft Word or Adobe InDesign – and save them in a format that is compatible with other programs. This eliminates the need for manual conversion of files and ensures that you always get exactly what you expect when working with documents saved in PDF format.
4. Security: Since there is no need to send sensitive information over email, using a PDF editor provides added security for your documents. You can control who has access to editing privileges and protect your data by setting passwords or creating digital signatures for each document shared electronically.
5. Editing Tools: Most PDF editors come equipped with an array of features designed specifically for editing. These include text formatting tools like bolding, italicizing, underlining; font selection options; page layout adjustments; object alignment options; drawing tools; spell-checkers; search functions; and much more.
6. Affordability: Many PDF editors are free to download and use, which makes them an attractive option for those on a budget. For users who require more advanced features, most PDF editors also offer paid upgrades that provide access to more powerful tools and additional features.

Who Uses PDF Editors?

• Business Professionals: These users need PDF editors to create, edit, or sign business-related documents. They may also use them to fill out forms or review contracts.
• Students: Students may need to edit PDFs for school projects or to view important documents sent by their teachers or professors.
• Researchers: Researchers use PDF editors to save and organize research materials, including journal articles and other sources of information.
• Writers: Writers can benefit from a PDF editor's features for formatting text, adding images, and creating ebooks.
• Graphic Designers: Graphic designers rely on PDFs for creating artwork and prints with high levels of accuracy in color and layout.
• Web Developers: Web developers often need to edit the content of webpages stored in the form of a PDF file before they can be published online.
• Government Officials: Government officials use PDF editing software to create official documents such as policies, regulations, and notices that are posted online or circulated through print media.
• Journalists: Journalists often have to work with scanned documents that require edits before they can be used in news stories. They may also need a good PDF editor for inserting images into their stories.
• Educators: Teachers and trainers may want to manipulate the contents of educational resources found on the internet before using them in class or making them available as study material for students.
• Small Business Owners: Small business owners commonly use PDF editors to create invoices, purchase orders, or contracts. They may also need to scan and edit documents related to their business operations.
• Medical Professionals: Medical professionals use PDF editors to store and share patient data, such as medical history forms or insurance documents.
• Legal Professionals: Lawyers and other legal professionals can benefit from the features of a PDF editor for creating documents related to their cases and managing large volumes of files.

How Much Do PDF Editors Cost?

The cost of PDF editors can vary depending on the features you're looking for. At the lower end, you'll find basic PDF editors that provide basic functionality such as editing text, adding images and organizing pages, which can cost anywhere from $0 (as in the case of free online PDF tools) to around $20 or more.

At the higher end, you can find more robust solutions with additional features like creation and conversion tools, support for digital signatures, automated form filling and password protection options that typically range between $60-$100 (although there are some exceptions). There are also subscription-based offerings available that provide ongoing access to all the latest updates and feature releases. With this option, pricing will depend on the plan chosen and could range anywhere from about $5-$50+ per month.

What Integrates With PDF Editors?

PDF editors, such as Adobe Acrobat, can be integrated with a number of different types of software. These include document management software, annotation tools, OCR and ICR technologies, cloud storage solutions, project management applications, electronic signature solutions, and other productivity applications. When integrated into PDF editors these applications allow users to create and manage documents more easily and securely. For example, document management software helps to organize files so they can be accessed by multiple users simultaneously; annotation tools allow users to add notes or markup on the documents; OCR and ICR technologies allow users to scan paper documents into digitized versions that are easier to modify; cloud storage solutions provide secure backups for important documents; project management applications help teams collaborate on projects seamlessly; electronic signature solutions enable digital signatures for contracts and forms; and other productivity apps give users easy access to common office management tasks.

How to Choose the Right PDF Editor

1. Understand Your Needs: Before selecting a PDF editor, assess your project and determine what type of editing needs to be done. There are different types of software available for different levels of editing; for example, if you need to make small changes like adding text or signing documents electronically, basic software may suffice whereas more complex projects may require advanced versions with extra features like form-filling capabilities or optical character recognition (OCR).
2. Research Different Options: Once you have determined your needs, research the different options available – consider factors such as price, compatibility with other programs and platforms, customer support and security measures used by the vendor. It’s also helpful to read customer reviews online to get an idea of how satisfied people have been with their experience using that particular product. Use the comparison tools on this page to compare PDF editors by pricing, user reviews, operating systems, integrations, features, and more.
3. Try Before You Buy: Many vendors offer free trials so make sure to take advantage! This will give you an opportunity to try out each feature before making a decision about which one to purchase – this can save time and money in the long run.
4. Ask Questions: If there are any features that you’re unsure about or don’t understand completely, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer support teams with questions – they can provide valuable insight and help clarify any confusion or concerns you have before committing to buy.