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Top 10 Best Pdf Edit Software of 2026

Discover the top 10 PDF edit software options to streamline document management. Compare tools, find your fit, and start editing efficiently today.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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PDF editing software is indispensable for managing, refining, and securing digital documents in today’s work landscape; the right tool balances functionality, ease of use, and adaptability to diverse needs—from basic edits to enterprise-level workflows. This curated list highlights the top options to help you find the perfect fit.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Adobe Acrobat Pro - Industry-leading PDF editor for creating, editing, signing, and securing documents with advanced features.
  2. 2#2: Foxit PDF Editor - High-performance PDF editor offering robust editing, conversion, and collaboration tools at a fraction of Adobe's cost.
  3. 3#3: Nitro PDF Pro - Comprehensive Windows-based PDF editor for editing, reviewing, and e-signing documents efficiently.
  4. 4#4: Wondershare PDFelement - Affordable all-in-one PDF solution with AI-powered editing, form filling, and batch processing.
  5. 5#5: PDF-XChange Editor - Feature-packed PDF editor with free version supporting annotations, OCR, and advanced editing.
  6. 6#6: PDF Expert - Intuitive PDF editor optimized for macOS and iOS with seamless editing and annotation capabilities.
  7. 7#7: Bluebeam Revu - Professional PDF editor tailored for construction and engineering with markup, measurement, and collaboration tools.
  8. 8#8: ABBYY FineReader PDF - Advanced PDF editor excelling in OCR, document conversion, and precise text/image editing.
  9. 9#9: Kofax Power PDF - Secure enterprise-grade PDF editor with editing, redaction, and compliance features.
  10. 10#10: Soda PDF - User-friendly PDF editor for merging, editing, converting, and securing documents across platforms.

Tools were chosen based on a rigorous evaluation of core features, performance, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring a mix of industry leaders, cost-effective solutions, and specialized tools for specific workflows.

Comparison Table

Navigating PDF editing software can be challenging, with options from industry staples to user-focused tools. This comparison table explores top solutions like Adobe Acrobat Pro, Foxit PDF Editor, Nitro PDF Pro, Wondershare PDFelement, PDF-XChange Editor, and more, examining features, ease of use, and unique benefits to help readers identify the best fit for their needs.

Industry-leading PDF editor for creating, editing, signing, and securing documents with advanced features.

Features
9.8/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
8.2/10

High-performance PDF editor offering robust editing, conversion, and collaboration tools at a fraction of Adobe's cost.

Features
9.3/10
Ease
8.9/10
Value
9.6/10

Comprehensive Windows-based PDF editor for editing, reviewing, and e-signing documents efficiently.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
9.5/10

Affordable all-in-one PDF solution with AI-powered editing, form filling, and batch processing.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
9.0/10

Feature-packed PDF editor with free version supporting annotations, OCR, and advanced editing.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
8.1/10
Value
9.5/10
6PDF Expert logo8.6/10

Intuitive PDF editor optimized for macOS and iOS with seamless editing and annotation capabilities.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
9.4/10
Value
7.9/10

Professional PDF editor tailored for construction and engineering with markup, measurement, and collaboration tools.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.0/10

Advanced PDF editor excelling in OCR, document conversion, and precise text/image editing.

Features
9.3/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
8.0/10

Secure enterprise-grade PDF editor with editing, redaction, and compliance features.

Features
8.9/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
9.1/10
10Soda PDF logo7.6/10

User-friendly PDF editor for merging, editing, converting, and securing documents across platforms.

Features
7.5/10
Ease
8.1/10
Value
7.2/10
1
Adobe Acrobat Pro logo

Adobe Acrobat Pro

enterprise

Industry-leading PDF editor for creating, editing, signing, and securing documents with advanced features.

Overall Rating9.5/10
Features
9.8/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

Direct PDF editing that allows reflowing text, resizing images, and restructuring layouts like a word processor

Adobe Acrobat Pro is the industry-leading PDF editing software, offering comprehensive tools for creating, editing, converting, signing, and securing PDF documents. It excels in advanced editing capabilities, including direct text and image manipulation, OCR for scanned files, redaction, Bates numbering, and seamless integration with Microsoft Office and cloud services. With robust collaboration features and compliance tools, it's designed for professional workflows handling complex PDF tasks.

Pros

  • Unmatched feature depth including advanced editing, OCR, and automation
  • Excellent cross-platform support and cloud integration
  • Superior security, redaction, and e-signature tools

Cons

  • Expensive subscription model
  • Steep learning curve for advanced features
  • Resource-heavy on lower-end hardware

Best For

Professionals, legal teams, and businesses needing enterprise-grade PDF editing and compliance.

Pricing

$22.99/month or $239.88/year for individuals; enterprise plans available.

2
Foxit PDF Editor logo

Foxit PDF Editor

specialized

High-performance PDF editor offering robust editing, conversion, and collaboration tools at a fraction of Adobe's cost.

Overall Rating9.1/10
Features
9.3/10
Ease of Use
8.9/10
Value
9.6/10
Standout Feature

Ultra-fast rendering and editing speed with minimal system resources, outperforming heavier alternatives like Adobe Acrobat

Foxit PDF Editor is a powerful, lightweight PDF solution that enables users to create, edit, convert, sign, and secure PDF documents with professional-grade tools. It supports advanced editing like text reflow, image manipulation, OCR for scanned docs, form creation, and batch processing, rivaling Adobe Acrobat in functionality. Known for its speed and cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android), it's ideal for efficient PDF workflows without heavy resource demands.

Pros

  • Exceptionally fast and lightweight performance even with large files
  • Comprehensive editing tools including AI-assisted features and OCR
  • Perpetual license option for long-term value without subscriptions

Cons

  • Interface can feel slightly dated compared to modern competitors
  • Some advanced collaboration features require additional ConnectedPDF subscription
  • Mobile app lacks full desktop feature parity

Best For

Business professionals and teams needing a cost-effective, high-performance PDF editor for daily editing, signing, and compliance tasks.

Pricing

Personal edition $99/year or $159 perpetual; Pro $159/year or $255 perpetual; enterprise pricing on request.

3
Nitro PDF Pro logo

Nitro PDF Pro

specialized

Comprehensive Windows-based PDF editor for editing, reviewing, and e-signing documents efficiently.

Overall Rating8.8/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
9.5/10
Standout Feature

Highly accurate PDF-to-Excel conversion that preserves complex tables and formulas

Nitro PDF Pro is a comprehensive PDF editor designed for Windows users, offering robust tools to create, edit, convert, sign, and secure PDF documents. It supports direct text and image editing within PDFs, OCR for scanned files, batch processing, and accurate conversions to formats like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. As a strong alternative to Adobe Acrobat, it emphasizes productivity with an Office-like ribbon interface and cost-effective licensing.

Pros

  • Perpetual license option provides excellent long-term value
  • Powerful editing, conversion, and OCR capabilities rival Adobe
  • Intuitive ribbon interface speeds up workflows

Cons

  • Limited native support for Mac (web/cloud only)
  • Some advanced collaboration features require internet
  • Occasional glitches with very complex PDFs

Best For

Professionals and small businesses needing a full-featured PDF editor with one-time purchase affordability.

Pricing

Perpetual license: $179.99 (one PC, lifetime updates for first year); Annual subscription: $119.99/year.

4
Wondershare PDFelement logo

Wondershare PDFelement

specialized

Affordable all-in-one PDF solution with AI-powered editing, form filling, and batch processing.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

Word-like direct editing of text and layouts in PDFs, including scanned documents via OCR

Wondershare PDFelement is a comprehensive PDF editor designed for creating, editing, converting, annotating, and securing PDF files across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android platforms. It offers intuitive tools for direct text and image editing, form filling, digital signatures, OCR for scanned documents, and batch processing. As an affordable alternative to Adobe Acrobat, it balances robust functionality with ease of use for everyday PDF tasks.

Pros

  • Intuitive Word-like interface for seamless editing
  • Strong OCR and batch processing capabilities
  • Multi-platform support with consistent experience

Cons

  • Lacks some enterprise-grade security features
  • Performance can lag on very large files
  • Advanced AI tools require higher-tier plans

Best For

Small businesses, professionals, and students seeking an affordable, user-friendly PDF editor for daily editing and conversion needs.

Pricing

Annual subscription starts at $79.99 (often discounted), perpetual license at $159.99; free trial available with watermarks.

5
PDF-XChange Editor logo

PDF-XChange Editor

other

Feature-packed PDF editor with free version supporting annotations, OCR, and advanced editing.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
8.1/10
Value
9.5/10
Standout Feature

Built-in OCR with multiple language support for converting scanned PDFs to fully editable documents

PDF-XChange Editor is a powerful PDF editing software that enables users to edit text, images, and pages directly within PDFs, add annotations, fill forms, and perform OCR on scanned documents. It supports advanced functionalities like digital signatures, Bates numbering, JavaScript actions, and redaction tools. Available in free and licensed versions, it provides a lightweight alternative to subscription-based editors like Adobe Acrobat.

Pros

  • Extensive feature set including OCR, scripting, and Bates numbering
  • Lightweight and performs well on older hardware
  • One-time purchase licensing with a capable free version

Cons

  • Free version adds watermarks to certain outputs
  • Interface feels cluttered with too many toolbars for beginners
  • Limited collaboration and cloud integration compared to competitors

Best For

Professionals and power users needing advanced PDF editing tools without recurring subscription costs.

Pricing

Free version available with limitations; Editor Plus license from $56.50 one-time for personal use, $132.50 for commercial.

Visit PDF-XChange Editortracker-software.com
6
PDF Expert logo

PDF Expert

specialized

Intuitive PDF editor optimized for macOS and iOS with seamless editing and annotation capabilities.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
9.4/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Direct in-place text and image editing with automatic reflow, mimicking desktop software on mobile devices

PDF Expert is a robust PDF editing app optimized for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS, enabling users to edit text and images directly, annotate, sign, merge, split, and organize documents with ease. It supports OCR for scanned PDFs, password protection, and compression, all within a native Apple environment that leverages hardware acceleration for smooth performance. While powerful for everyday editing tasks, it shines brightest on Apple Silicon devices with intuitive touch and Pencil support.

Pros

  • Exceptional speed and fluidity on Apple devices
  • Intuitive interface with excellent Apple Pencil integration
  • Comprehensive editing tools including direct text reflow and OCR

Cons

  • Limited to Apple ecosystem (no native Windows or Android support)
  • Subscription required for full cross-device sync and premium features
  • Higher cost compared to some cross-platform alternatives

Best For

Apple users on Mac, iPad, or iPhone seeking a native, high-performance PDF editor for personal or light professional workflows.

Pricing

One-time purchase $139.99 for Mac/iOS or $79.99/year subscription (billed annually) for Premium features like cloud sync.

Visit PDF Expertpdfexpert.com
7
Bluebeam Revu logo

Bluebeam Revu

enterprise

Professional PDF editor tailored for construction and engineering with markup, measurement, and collaboration tools.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Advanced quantity takeoff and measurement tools with automatic scaling, calibration, and area/volume calculations for precise bid estimation.

Bluebeam Revu is a specialized PDF editor tailored for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, offering robust tools for markup, measurement, and document collaboration. It supports advanced PDF editing features like OCR, text editing, form creation, and batch processing, while excelling in handling large drawing sets and blueprints. Its Studio platform enables real-time cloud-based collaboration, making it ideal for project reviews and approvals in professional workflows.

Pros

  • Powerful markup, measurement, and takeoff tools optimized for AEC workflows
  • Seamless collaboration via Bluebeam Studio for team reviews
  • Highly customizable profiles, tool chests, and scripting for efficiency

Cons

  • High pricing may deter individual or casual users
  • Windows-only compatibility limits accessibility
  • Steep learning curve for advanced features despite intuitive basics

Best For

AEC professionals and teams needing advanced PDF markup, quantity estimation, and collaborative document management.

Pricing

Annual subscriptions from $240/user (Basics) to $350/user (Complete); perpetual licenses available starting at $360 with required maintenance fees.

8
ABBYY FineReader PDF logo

ABBYY FineReader PDF

specialized

Advanced PDF editor excelling in OCR, document conversion, and precise text/image editing.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.3/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

AI-powered OCR with adaptive recognition for over 198 languages and complex layouts

ABBYY FineReader PDF is a powerful document processing software renowned for its industry-leading OCR technology, enabling the conversion of scanned documents and images into fully editable and searchable PDFs. It provides comprehensive PDF editing capabilities, including text reflow, image adjustment, form filling, redaction, and batch processing for high-volume workflows. The tool also supports document comparison, automation via hot folders, and export to various formats like Word, Excel, and EPUB, making it versatile for professional use.

Pros

  • Superior OCR accuracy exceeding 99% for multilingual documents
  • Robust PDF editing with real-time text reflow and layout preservation
  • Efficient batch processing and automation for large document sets

Cons

  • Premium pricing may deter casual users
  • Interface can feel complex for absolute beginners
  • Limited real-time collaboration compared to cloud-based competitors

Best For

Professionals and businesses handling scanned or image-based documents that require precise OCR conversion and advanced editing.

Pricing

Perpetual license from $199; PDF Standard subscription at $5.99/month or $69.99/year; PDF Corporate from $9.99/month.

9
Kofax Power PDF logo

Kofax Power PDF

enterprise

Secure enterprise-grade PDF editor with editing, redaction, and compliance features.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
8.9/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
9.1/10
Standout Feature

Advanced OCR engine that accurately converts scanned documents into fully editable and searchable PDFs

Kofax Power PDF is a comprehensive PDF editor designed for creating, editing, converting, and securing PDF documents with professional-grade tools. It offers advanced features like OCR for scanned files, digital signatures, redaction, form filling, and batch processing, making it suitable for business workflows. As a cost-effective alternative to Adobe Acrobat, it provides perpetual licenses alongside subscription options for flexibility.

Pros

  • Perpetual licensing avoids recurring subscriptions
  • Strong OCR and document comparison tools
  • Robust security features including permanent redaction

Cons

  • Windows-centric with limited Mac support
  • Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
  • Occasional performance issues with large files

Best For

Professionals and small businesses needing a reliable, one-time purchase PDF editor for secure document handling without subscription costs.

Pricing

Perpetual licenses from $129.99 (Standard) to $199.99 (Advanced); annual subscriptions start at $59.99.

10
Soda PDF logo

Soda PDF

other

User-friendly PDF editor for merging, editing, converting, and securing documents across platforms.

Overall Rating7.6/10
Features
7.5/10
Ease of Use
8.1/10
Value
7.2/10
Standout Feature

Fully functional online PDF editor that requires no downloads and works seamlessly in any modern browser

Soda PDF is a comprehensive PDF editor available as a web app, desktop software, and mobile app, enabling users to create, edit, convert, merge, split, and secure PDF files. It supports text and image editing, OCR for scanned documents, digital signatures, form filling, and batch processing. While versatile for everyday tasks, it caters to users seeking an accessible alternative to more expensive suites like Adobe Acrobat.

Pros

  • Intuitive interface suitable for beginners and non-experts
  • Cross-platform availability (web, desktop, mobile) with no installation needed for online use
  • Solid set of core editing tools including OCR and e-signatures

Cons

  • Advanced features like unlimited OCR and batch processing locked behind paid plans
  • Performance can lag with very large or complex PDFs
  • Free version has significant limitations and watermarks

Best For

Small businesses and individuals needing straightforward, browser-based PDF editing for daily document workflows without heavy investment.

Pricing

Free limited version; Pro plans start at $9.99/month or $79.99/year; lifetime license around $149.99.

Visit Soda PDFsodapdf.com

Conclusion

The reviewed PDF editing tools offer varied strengths, with Adobe Acrobat Pro emerging as the top choice, setting the standard for comprehensive features. Foxit PDF Editor and Nitro PDF Pro follow as compelling alternatives, catering to different needs—Foxit for cost-efficiency and Nitro for streamlined Windows functionality. Together, they highlight the diversity of options in the field.

Adobe Acrobat Pro logo
Our Top Pick
Adobe Acrobat Pro

Begin with Adobe Acrobat Pro to leverage industry-leading functionality, or explore Foxit or Nitro if your priorities lie in affordability or specific platform optimization, ensuring you find the right fit for your editing needs.