PDF documents are now essential in our diverse digital landscape. This versatile format enables seamless viewing and distribution of files on different devices, regardless of operating systems or applications.

Free applications can handle basic PDF viewing and annotations, but advanced tasks like modifying content, rearranging sections, or team collaboration often demand stronger capabilities. For these purposes, comprehensive PDF editing software proves more effective.

Leading PDF editors enable users to modify, generate, adjust, and transform PDF files similarly to standard word processors. Adobe Acrobat Pro stands out as the most recognized choice, earning its status through superior tools and functionality, though it comes at a steep price.

Thankfully, numerous third-party solutions offer reliable and even superior alternatives to Adobe's flagship offering at lower costs.

EaseUS PDF Editor combines creation, editing, conversion, and viewing functions into a single package with essential capabilities. Its straightforward design streamlines tasks such as modifying, transforming, noting, marking up, combining, dividing, altering backgrounds, pages, watermarks, signing, and completing forms in PDFs. Batch operations enhance efficiency for multiple files. A 25% discount is available with code PCWORLD25, and a free version exists for download.

The recommendations that follow address diverse PDF editing requirements and financial considerations.

PCWorld's credibility in reviewing PDF editors and offering purchase guidance stems from over four decades of evaluating computer hardware and software. Assessments involve practical, in-depth testing based on everyday scenarios, ensuring only personally endorsable products are suggested.

Adobe Acrobat Pro holds its position as the benchmark due to its extensive array of creation, modification, review, and protection tools, which competitors strive to replicate, yet it excels overall. A recent update to its user interface simplifies access to powerful features compared to previous complex menus, while subscription plans make advanced options accessible to more solo professionals and small enterprises. (Compare it with Adobe Acrobat Standard.)

Even though similar capabilities appear in more affordable competitors, Acrobat serves as the reference point for evaluation. This year, it introduces AI integration as the first known PDF editor to do so. Explore '5 ways Adobe Acrobat’s AI Assistant boosts productivity' for details.

Consult the complete Adobe Acrobat Pro evaluation.

Foxit PDF Editor delivers premium performance, rivaling Adobe Acrobat effectively. It includes comprehensive editing instruments, review and annotation options, form completion and signing, plus access controls and encryption for demanding users.

The business-oriented Foxit PDF Editor+ subscription ($159.99 annually versus $129.99 for personal use) incorporates electronic signing, AI-enhanced redaction, and expanded cloud storage to 150GB from the base 20GB.

Foxit handles numerous formats effortlessly, allowing simple addition of links, graphics, and attachments to PDFs.

User-friendliness defines Foxit, featuring a ribbon layout reminiscent of Microsoft Office that organizes functions logically for smooth incorporation into routines. It also integrates ChatGPT for AI-supported document assistance.

Despite its elevated cost among PDF tools, Foxit justifies the investment through its strengths. A seven-day trial allows testing without obligation, making it a strong Adobe substitute.

View the detailed Foxit PDF Editor assessment.

EaseUS PDF Editor lacks widespread fame compared to others here but competes well in the competitive field. It supplies core PDF management features without overwhelming or confusing extras, enabling quick access to editing functions.

Its tools are solid yet typical for the category. The distinguishing factor is its budget-friendly pricing: $29.95 monthly, $49.95 yearly, or $79.95 lifetime. This appeals to frequent users seeking value without high expenses.

A free edition with watermarks on outputs lets users evaluate it fully before purchase.

Examine the in-depth EaseUS PDF Editor analysis.

PDF Candy distinguishes itself as a gratis PDF editor providing premium-level features like scanning, diverse conversions, and optical character recognition. It encompasses 44 utilities total, setting it apart from basic free alternatives.

As a no-cost tool, limitations exist. The layout feels scattered, with icons not clearly categorized. Familiarity resolves this for efficient use.

The gratis tier restricts to one task hourly, suitable for light, infrequent use. Unlimited access requires $6 monthly or $48 yearly.

PDF Expert integrates perfectly within Apple's environment, earning our recommendation for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS devices.

Although macOS's Preview handles basic PDF editing, iOS lacks a built-in equivalent, which PDF Expert addresses effectively.

It features a sleek, user-friendly design with abundant straightforward editing choices, including page handling, converting scans to editable text, and format transformations. Pricing undercuts most competitors, ideal for Apple enthusiasts.

The newest version adds an AI chat helper, useful for extensive or intricate files, such as pulling out main ideas, condensing content, or creating tags for easier navigation.

Read the full PDF Expert (iOS) review.

macOS users can rely on the built-in Preview for PDF editing, offering robust markup options like encryption, passcodes, and file permissions to meet typical personal and professional demands.

Preview's PDF tools are robust for standard operations, though limited to Apple hardware.

Check the comprehensive Apple Preview PDF editor review.

pdfFiller operates via web browser, supporting nearly all PDF activities—modification, safeguarding, distribution, generation, and storage—through its accessible online dashboard.

Resembling traditional software, it displays a top toolbar and side panel for page previews, facilitating easy selection and actions like inserting, removing, or copying text; adjusting fonts, sizes, and hues; and more. Standard annotation tools are included. It provides substantial depth for individual and corporate applications, such as a Premium plan's extensive legal templates and SignNow integration.

Its versatility means not every advanced tool fits all, but tiered plans allow customization: Basic at $8/month, Plus at $12/month, Premium at $15/month annually. Monthly billing costs more.

Michael Ansaldo serves as PCWorld's lead PDF evaluator. A seasoned technology writer, he has assessed hardware, programs, and services for outlets like TechHive, Wired, Macworld, Mac|Life, Mobile Magazine, Enterprise.Nxt, Executive Travel, and more. He previously led PCWorld's small business coverage.

Opting for paid desktop PDF software over abundant free web-based ones often yields better results. Free online tools typically support text addition, annotations, merging/splitting, and basic conversions but rarely allow direct text changes, impose size/page limits, and add watermarks. Thus, they suit quick, basic tasks; use robust editors for complex work.

PDF editing applications vary widely in scope, from essential to advanced user features. Identifying workflow-aligned capabilities is key before selecting one.

Core PDF editor roles include producing files from new content, scans, or conversions from sources like Office suites, images, or web pages, while retaining layouts. Optical character recognition should enable searchable, editable text. Exporting to formats like Word, PowerPoint, HTML, or text must preserve links, visuals, and elements.

Editors should facilitate text alterations, image adjustments and repositioning, and page reordering as intuitively as in word processors or presentations, supporting inline changes, drag-and-drop, and link management.

Effective tools permit annotations and comments during reviews, suitable for text or image-rich files. Features often encompass notes, highlights, drawings, stamps for statuses like approved or confidential.

For sensitive information, seek editors with robust security: passwords, permissions, and redaction to obscure content. Electronic signing options are standard.

Though intensive editing suits desktops, mobile review and markup add convenience. Prioritize editors with dedicated apps, mobile optimization, or browser-based cloud access.

PDF universality allows cross-program compatibility for reading and editing. Beyond listed traits, personal tastes should influence choices.

For an all-encompassing PDF solution, PCWorld endorses Adobe Acrobat Pro as the definitive leader. Its subscription model ensures ongoing updates and enhancements, plus a capable mobile counterpart.

Various PDF variants exist, but all qualify as PDF documents. PDF forms feature fillable fields amid fixed content, like surveys with uneditable prompts and selectable or open text areas.

Yes. PDFs and Word files differ fundamentally. Conversion is possible, but Word suits editing and processing (.doc variants), while PDFs prioritize viewing, sharing, and printing (.pdf, often read-only).

Yes. To secure a PDF against edits, use Acrobat: select Tools > Protect, choose password restrictions or encryption, set credentials, and save.

Indeed, several free editors support merging PDFs. With PDF Candy, access the merge function, upload files, order pages, and combine into a single output.

Partially. Google lacks a native free PDF editor, but Chrome add-ons assist, or upload to Drive, open via Google Docs for edits, then download as PDF. This works for simple files but may disrupt complex layouts like tables; dedicated editors are preferable.