Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Acrobat Pro - Industry-leading PDF editor for creating, editing text, images, forms, and signatures in editable PDFs with advanced security and collaboration features.
- 2#2: Foxit PDF Editor - High-performance PDF editor offering robust text editing, form creation, redaction, and conversion tools at a fraction of Adobe's cost.
- 3#3: Nitro Pro - Windows-focused PDF solution for editing content, assembling files, applying Bates numbering, and e-signing with strong Microsoft Office integration.
- 4#4: Wondershare PDFelement - Affordable cross-platform PDF editor with AI-assisted editing, OCR, form filling, and batch processing for professional workflows.
- 5#5: PDF-XChange Editor - Feature-rich editor with precise text and image editing, annotations, OCR, and customization options in a lightweight free and pro version.
- 6#6: ABBYY FineReader PDF - Advanced PDF editor excelling in OCR for scanned documents, text reflow, and accurate editable conversions with automation capabilities.
- 7#7: PDF Expert - Intuitive Mac and iOS PDF editor for seamless text editing, annotations, merging, and signing optimized for Apple ecosystems.
- 8#8: Sejda PDF - Online and desktop tool for editing text, adding images, compressing, and protecting PDFs with no watermarks on pro plans.
- 9#9: Smallpdf - User-friendly online PDF editor for quick text edits, page management, e-signing, and conversions accessible via web or apps.
- 10#10: PDF24 Creator - Free Windows toolset for basic PDF editing, merging, splitting, and OCR with a portable creator for everyday editable PDF needs.
We ranked these tools based on core functionality (text/image editing, form creation, OCR), performance, user-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring the highest-ranked solutions deliver exceptional value across diverse workflows.
Comparison Table
Navigating the best editable PDF software can be challenging, but this comparison table simplifies the process, highlighting key features, user-friendliness, and practical applications of tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro, Foxit PDF Editor, Nitro Pro, Wondershare PDFelement, and PDF-XChange Editor. Readers will learn how each tool stacks up across essential criteria, from editing capabilities to cost, to find the ideal solution for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Acrobat Pro Industry-leading PDF editor for creating, editing text, images, forms, and signatures in editable PDFs with advanced security and collaboration features. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | Foxit PDF Editor High-performance PDF editor offering robust text editing, form creation, redaction, and conversion tools at a fraction of Adobe's cost. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 | Nitro Pro Windows-focused PDF solution for editing content, assembling files, applying Bates numbering, and e-signing with strong Microsoft Office integration. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Wondershare PDFelement Affordable cross-platform PDF editor with AI-assisted editing, OCR, form filling, and batch processing for professional workflows. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 5 | PDF-XChange Editor Feature-rich editor with precise text and image editing, annotations, OCR, and customization options in a lightweight free and pro version. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 6 | ABBYY FineReader PDF Advanced PDF editor excelling in OCR for scanned documents, text reflow, and accurate editable conversions with automation capabilities. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | PDF Expert Intuitive Mac and iOS PDF editor for seamless text editing, annotations, merging, and signing optimized for Apple ecosystems. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Sejda PDF Online and desktop tool for editing text, adding images, compressing, and protecting PDFs with no watermarks on pro plans. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 9 | Smallpdf User-friendly online PDF editor for quick text edits, page management, e-signing, and conversions accessible via web or apps. | other | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | PDF24 Creator Free Windows toolset for basic PDF editing, merging, splitting, and OCR with a portable creator for everyday editable PDF needs. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 10/10 |
Industry-leading PDF editor for creating, editing text, images, forms, and signatures in editable PDFs with advanced security and collaboration features.
High-performance PDF editor offering robust text editing, form creation, redaction, and conversion tools at a fraction of Adobe's cost.
Windows-focused PDF solution for editing content, assembling files, applying Bates numbering, and e-signing with strong Microsoft Office integration.
Affordable cross-platform PDF editor with AI-assisted editing, OCR, form filling, and batch processing for professional workflows.
Feature-rich editor with precise text and image editing, annotations, OCR, and customization options in a lightweight free and pro version.
Advanced PDF editor excelling in OCR for scanned documents, text reflow, and accurate editable conversions with automation capabilities.
Intuitive Mac and iOS PDF editor for seamless text editing, annotations, merging, and signing optimized for Apple ecosystems.
Online and desktop tool for editing text, adding images, compressing, and protecting PDFs with no watermarks on pro plans.
User-friendly online PDF editor for quick text edits, page management, e-signing, and conversions accessible via web or apps.
Free Windows toolset for basic PDF editing, merging, splitting, and OCR with a portable creator for everyday editable PDF needs.
Adobe Acrobat Pro
enterpriseIndustry-leading PDF editor for creating, editing text, images, forms, and signatures in editable PDFs with advanced security and collaboration features.
Native PDF editing with dynamic reflow, allowing precise text and layout changes as if editing in a word processor
Adobe Acrobat Pro is the premier PDF editing software, enabling users to create, edit, convert, sign, and secure PDF documents with professional-grade tools. It excels in direct editing of text, images, forms, and layouts within PDFs, including OCR for scanned documents and advanced redaction for compliance. As the original PDF creator, it offers seamless integration with creative workflows and robust collaboration features for teams.
Pros
- Comprehensive editing tools rivaling desktop publishers
- Advanced security, redaction, and e-signature capabilities
- AI-powered features like Document Summarization and OCR accuracy
Cons
- Expensive subscription model
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware
Best For
Professionals, legal teams, and businesses needing enterprise-level PDF editing, compliance, and workflow automation.
Pricing
$19.99/month or $239.88/year for individuals; volume and enterprise licensing available.
Foxit PDF Editor
enterpriseHigh-performance PDF editor offering robust text editing, form creation, redaction, and conversion tools at a fraction of Adobe's cost.
ConnectedPDF for secure, trackable cloud sharing and real-time collaboration
Foxit PDF Editor is a robust PDF editing software that enables users to directly edit text, images, and objects within PDF files without needing to convert them to other formats. It offers advanced tools for form creation, digital signatures, OCR scanning, redaction, and collaboration via ConnectedPDF technology. As a cost-effective alternative to Adobe Acrobat, it supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android platforms for seamless cross-device workflows.
Pros
- Native PDF editing with precise text reflow and object manipulation
- Lightning-fast performance and lightweight resource usage
- Strong security features like redaction, encryption, and e-signatures
Cons
- Interface can feel overwhelming for beginners
- Some advanced AI tools require extra purchase
- Mobile app lacks full desktop feature parity
Best For
Business professionals and teams seeking a high-performance, affordable PDF editor for daily document workflows.
Pricing
Perpetual license at $209 (one-time), subscription from $159/year or $10.99/month; 14-day free trial available.
Nitro Pro
enterpriseWindows-focused PDF solution for editing content, assembling files, applying Bates numbering, and e-signing with strong Microsoft Office integration.
Direct PDF editing that allows modifying text and images natively without converting to Word or other formats
Nitro Pro is a robust desktop PDF editor designed for creating, editing, converting, and securing PDF documents with professional tools rivaling Adobe Acrobat. It supports direct text and image editing, form filling, digital signatures, OCR for scanned files, and batch processing for efficiency. Ideal for Windows users, it integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office and offers strong security features like encryption and redaction.
Pros
- Comprehensive editing tools including direct text/image manipulation and OCR
- Perpetual license option for long-term value
- Batch processing and Microsoft Office integration
Cons
- Primarily Windows-focused with limited cross-platform support
- Interface feels slightly dated compared to modern competitors
- Advanced features may require some learning curve
Best For
Business professionals and teams needing powerful, non-subscription PDF editing on Windows.
Pricing
Perpetual license at $179.99 or annual subscription at $119.99/year.
Wondershare PDFelement
specializedAffordable cross-platform PDF editor with AI-assisted editing, OCR, form filling, and batch processing for professional workflows.
Word-like direct editing that preserves original PDF formatting without conversion hassles
Wondershare PDFelement is a comprehensive PDF editing software that enables users to modify text, images, and layouts directly within PDFs, convert files to and from various formats, and handle tasks like OCR, form filling, and digital signing. It supports batch processing, annotations, redaction, and security features, making it suitable for professional document workflows. Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, it positions itself as a user-friendly, cost-effective alternative to Adobe Acrobat.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with strong value compared to competitors
- Intuitive interface resembling familiar office apps
- Robust editing tools including OCR and batch processing
Cons
- Subscription required for full AI features and updates
- Collaboration tools lag behind top enterprise solutions
- Occasional glitches with very large or complex PDFs
Best For
Small businesses and professionals seeking a reliable, budget-friendly PDF editor for everyday editing and conversion needs.
Pricing
Free version with limits; paid plans start at $79.99/year (individual annual) or $159.99 perpetual license, with team options available.
PDF-XChange Editor
specializedFeature-rich editor with precise text and image editing, annotations, OCR, and customization options in a lightweight free and pro version.
Advanced in-place text editing with automatic font matching and reflow capabilities
PDF-XChange Editor is a versatile PDF editing software from Tracker Software that enables users to view, edit, annotate, fill forms, and manipulate PDF documents directly. It offers advanced features like OCR for scanned PDFs, redaction, Bates numbering, and digital signatures, making it suitable for professional workflows. The tool is available in free and paid versions, providing a lightweight alternative to heavier competitors like Adobe Acrobat.
Pros
- Highly feature-rich with tools like OCR, redaction, and advanced annotations
- Lightweight and performs well on older hardware
- Perpetual licensing offers excellent long-term value
Cons
- Steep learning curve for some advanced features
- Free version includes watermarks and limitations
- User interface can feel cluttered and dated
Best For
Professionals and businesses seeking powerful PDF editing capabilities at a one-time cost without subscription fees.
Pricing
Free version with limitations; Plus edition $72 one-time per user; Expert edition $92 one-time per user.
ABBYY FineReader PDF
enterpriseAdvanced PDF editor excelling in OCR for scanned documents, text reflow, and accurate editable conversions with automation capabilities.
Industry-leading OCR engine with 99.8% accuracy on complex layouts, uniquely enabling editable text from any scan.
ABBYY FineReader PDF is a comprehensive OCR and PDF editing solution that excels at converting scanned documents, images, and non-editable PDFs into fully searchable and editable formats. It provides advanced tools for text recognition, document comparison, redaction, and batch processing across 190+ languages. Ideal for professionals handling paperless workflows, it combines accuracy with robust editing features to streamline document management.
Pros
- Superior OCR accuracy for making scanned PDFs editable
- Advanced automation and batch processing capabilities
- Multi-format support including Word, Excel, and EPUB exports
Cons
- Higher price point compared to basic PDF editors
- Steeper learning curve for advanced OCR features
- Occasional performance lags with very large files
Best For
Professionals and businesses processing high volumes of scanned documents who require precise OCR for editable PDFs.
Pricing
Starts at $5.99/month or $129.99/year for PDF Reader; $199/year or $299 perpetual for Standard edition; volume licensing available.
PDF Expert
specializedIntuitive Mac and iOS PDF editor for seamless text editing, annotations, merging, and signing optimized for Apple ecosystems.
Advanced text reflow editing that allows modifying PDF text like in a word processor without breaking layout
PDF Expert is a robust PDF editing application tailored for macOS and iOS users, enabling direct text and image editing, form filling, annotations, and document organization. It supports advanced features like OCR for scanned documents, digital signatures, redaction, and page management tools such as merging and splitting. Known for its speed and native Apple integration, it provides a seamless experience across Mac, iPad, and iPhone devices.
Pros
- Exceptional text editing with reflow capabilities
- Lightning-fast performance on Apple Silicon
- Seamless sync and Apple ecosystem integration
Cons
- Limited to Apple platforms (no native Windows/Android support)
- High one-time purchase cost for full Pro features
- Free version lacks core editing tools
Best For
Apple users like professionals and students needing intuitive, high-performance PDF editing on Mac and iOS devices.
Pricing
One-time Pro purchase: $139.99 (Mac/iOS); Subscription: $49.99/year or $6.67/month.
Sejda PDF
specializedOnline and desktop tool for editing text, adding images, compressing, and protecting PDFs with no watermarks on pro plans.
Browser-based visual editor for directly editing text and images inline
Sejda PDF is a user-friendly online and desktop toolset for editing PDFs, enabling direct modifications to text, images, forms, annotations, and links without needing complex software installations. It supports a wide array of PDF tasks including merging, splitting, compressing, signing, and batch processing for efficiency. Ideal for quick edits and everyday document handling, it balances accessibility with professional-grade features while prioritizing user privacy through automatic file deletion.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for effortless editing
- Generous free tier with no watermarks or sign-ups required
- Strong privacy with files auto-deleted after 2 hours
Cons
- File size and task limits even on paid plans (e.g., 200 pages max)
- Limited advanced features like OCR or complex redesign compared to Adobe Acrobat
- Online reliance may concern users with sensitive data or poor internet
Best For
Small businesses and individuals needing quick, reliable PDF edits without heavy software commitments.
Pricing
Free plan (50MB/200 pages limit, 3 tasks/hour); Pro online from $5/week or $58/year; Desktop Pro $63/year.
Smallpdf
otherUser-friendly online PDF editor for quick text edits, page management, e-signing, and conversions accessible via web or apps.
Fully browser-based PDF editor with real-time text and image manipulation
Smallpdf is a web-based PDF toolkit that allows users to edit PDFs directly in the browser by modifying text, adding images, annotations, shapes, and links, as well as rearranging pages and filling forms. It also supports converting files to and from PDF, compressing, merging, splitting, and e-signing documents. Designed for quick, hassle-free PDF management without software installation, it caters to both casual and professional users via a freemium model.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for instant edits
- No installation required, works on any device with a browser
- Versatile toolkit including conversion, compression, and signing
Cons
- Requires constant internet connection
- Free version limited by daily quotas and watermarks
- Lacks advanced features like scripting or precise layout control found in desktop editors
Best For
Casual users and small teams needing quick, on-the-go PDF edits without complex software.
Pricing
Free plan with 2 tasks/day and limits; Pro at $12/month or $108/year for unlimited access and advanced tools.
PDF24 Creator
otherFree Windows toolset for basic PDF editing, merging, splitting, and OCR with a portable creator for everyday editable PDF needs.
Integrated virtual PDF printer that creates editable PDFs from any Windows application
PDF24 Creator is a free Windows-based PDF software suite that offers a range of tools for creating, editing, converting, and managing PDFs. Its built-in editor supports basic text editing, adding images, shapes, annotations, and form fields, along with page reorganization and optimization features. While suitable for straightforward edits, it lacks advanced capabilities like precise font matching or complex layout changes found in professional tools.
Pros
- Completely free with no ads or watermarks
- Intuitive interface for quick edits
- Comprehensive toolkit beyond just editing (merge, split, compress)
Cons
- Limited advanced editing (e.g., no precise text reflow or font replacement)
- Windows-only, no macOS or mobile support
- Basic form handling without advanced scripting
Best For
Windows users needing a no-cost solution for basic PDF edits and everyday document management.
Pricing
Entirely free with no paid upgrades or subscriptions.
Conclusion
Among the top editable PDF tools, Adobe Acrobat Pro shines as the leader with its extensive features and security, while Foxit PDF Editor offers high performance at a fraction of the cost, and Nitro Pro excels for Windows users with strong Microsoft Office integration. Each provides unique strengths, but Adobe sets the standard with its versatility. For those seeking tailored solutions, Foxit and Nitro remain top alternatives for specific needs.
Dive into seamless PDF editing—start with Adobe Acrobat Pro to unlock powerful creation, editing, and collaboration capabilities for your workflow.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison