Top 5 Alternatives to Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat Pro PDF Editor
PDF stands for Portable Document Format. PDF files allow you to send and receive documents on any device while maintaining the original formatting. While this is very useful for sending legal documents, company presentations, resumes, and other business files, PDFs are difficult to edit.
There are many software companies that have developed PDF editing solutions. The most well known PDF editor is Adobe Acrobat Pro. This makes sense since the PDF was literally invented by Adobe’s Co-Chairman, Dr. John Warnock, in 1993. Adobe Acrobat has the most comprehensive features for editing, creating, and merging PDF files. However, Adobe Acrobat is not inexpensive. Its desktop version costs $449. Because Adobe is so expensive, it is best for companies such as law firms and corporations that frequently need to edit or convert important files under the PDF format. Fortunately, there are many cheaper alternatives to Adobe Acrobat for individuals who do not require all the robust features of Adobe.
Best Adobe PDF Alternatives
Nitro Pro 10 is one of the most advanced PDF software editors. It includes a wide range of comprehensive features and fully integrates with Microsoft Office. With Nitro Pro 10, users can convert PDFs into Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint files. The software comes in 12 different languages and has a slick interface. It can be downloaded for $159.99. However, Nitro Pro does not include the the ability to embed video into documents. In the end, Nitro Pro is ideal for small and larger businesses who need a thorough PDF editor.
PDF Pro is a web-based PDF editor that is best for lighter editing needs. PDF Pro allows users to edit, password protect, and create PDF files. Their service is good for individuals who do not want to download software. One of the advantages of PDF Pro is it offers a PDF to Microsoft Word converter. This feature allows users to make edits and then resave the file as PDF. However, their service does require an Internet connection in order to use their service and many large corporations do not want their private documents hosted online. Overall, it’s a cheaper alternative to Adobe Acrobat but lacks a few of the robust features.
PDFescape is a web app that allows users to edit and create PDF files. Features include making style changes (font, size, color, links etc.), highlighting contents, modifying existing fields, and adding signatures, among others. Users can make changes to files without adding watermarks to documents, unlike other free editors. PDFescape has three plans: free, premium, and ultimate. The free plan includes online pdf editing and filling out forms. However, for some of the more advanced options and greater document storage, users have to pay a monthly subscription. Overall, PDFescape is a good option to consider for individuals who would like to edit files online and are looking for a free or less expensive Acrobat alternative.
Foxit Reader is another software tool that provides an Adobe PDF alternative. It is fast and includes a wide range of features and annotation tools. Foxit allows users to create, view, and print PDF files. One of its unique components is that it allows for sharing reviews and adding feedback comments, meaning users can collaborate on documents together. It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Citrix, and is available in eight different languages. Foxit offers two payment options: Business and Standard. The Business plan costs $129.00 and the Standard costs $89.00. Both are less expensive alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Pro and offer 30 day free trials.
Inkscape is a free, open source tool for editing vector graphics that also supports PDF editing. Using Inkscape, PDF files have to be imported and edited as vector graphic, then exported back to PDF. It’s main advantages are that it includes advanced drawing and editing tools, similar to Adobe Illustrator. However, because the software is not specifically designed for PDF editing, only one page at a time can be edited. The software can be used on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Inkscape is ultimately an excellent free Acrobat alternative.
Conclusion: Alternatives to Adobe
There are many available alternatives to Adobe Acrobat. However, all PDF editors come with different advantages and disadvantages. While Adobe is the most comprehensive PDF editor on the market, it is expensive. This list includes and overview of some free and cheaper Acrobat alternatives that users can test before deciding what works best for them.
