PDF files have become one of the most used elements when working on our computer because they have an advantage over other formats in that they are not easy to edit.
When thinking about a program with which you can create and edit PDF files, certainly the first option that comes to mind is Adobe Acrobat Pro although it is not the only option as there are various alternatives that can be equally valid for a large number of users.
About Adobe Acrobat
That Adobe Acrobat is the most popular PDF editor on the market because it was the forerunner when it comes to PDF files. A format that appeared in 1993 and has been an open standard since 2008. These files are characterized by the fact that they contain graphics, texts, forms, multimedia elements, bookmarks, etc., but they never lose their shape. Thanks to the Adobe application, we can read, create and edit these files by simply changing the text and images.
Acrobat allows us to make all sorts of variations to PDF files by adding, replacing, moving or resizing images on the page. We can also automatically adjust paragraphs whenever we add text, lines, and bulleted lists. Its main drawback for those who want to use all the tools it contains is its price. We are therefore dealing with quantities that are not available to a large number of users.
Therefore, today we will talk about alternatives to Acrobat that are usually cheaper or even free and offer similar features to the giant Adobe.
Alternatives to paid Adobe Acrobat
SwifDoo PDF, edit PDF files like a pro
SwifDoo PDF is a complete PDF editor with which we can perform all kinds of tasks. Thanks to it, it will be possible to create a PDF file from scratch or covert it from another file. It also allows us to edit, encrypt and combine different files in one document.
Editing tasks are extensive as you can add and move images, create and modify web links, or change fonts. Moreover, it allows you to sign digital documents, and convert PDF documents to Word, Excel, EPUB, HTML, etc. And the ability to protect our PDF files with passwords cannot be missed.
SwifDoo PDF has a free trial version that we can download from the developer's website. If you want to buy the full version, you can get it from just $20, which makes it a serious alternative to Adobe Acrobat.
Foxit PhantomPDF, the most popular alternative
This is probably the most popular Acrobat alternative among the paid options. With this program we can organize, edit and export PDF files. It has an interface similar to that of Adobe, although it is much lighter, cheaper and simpler. It has key features such as the ability to correct text, add notes, encrypt documents, add media files, forms, etc.
Moreover, it is able to analyze any paper document through character recognition (OCR) to convert the processed image into text. If we want to test Foxit PhantomPDF, we can download the free trial version from its website. If we want to use it permanently, we can buy its standard or the Business versions.
Nitro PDF Pro, a professional tool aimed mainly at companies
Another great alternative we can find for Adobe Acrobat Pro is Nitro Pro. This is a professional tool aimed mainly at companies with which we can create, convert, edit, sign and share PDF files or even create them in batches.
The idea is that we can create or manage our PDF files as we like by inserting, deleting or organizing pages, as well as combining multiple files into one. It also has full integration with both Microsoft Office 365 suite as well as popular cloud storage service such as Google Drive Dropbox OneDrive and Box. Its main disadvantage with respect to Adobe's usability is that it has fewer compatible formats and its price is not the cheapest.
Soda PDF, an affordable option as an alternative to Acrobat
This tool allows us to work with PDF documents, having the ability to create, edit, convert, share and protect PDF files. Editing functions allow us to modify text, upload images and graphics, and cut out various parts from them. We can also convert it to another format, e.g. Word, Excel, HTML, or create an image.
In addition, it gives us the ability to encrypt documents so that they are secure, with which it is compatible OCR technology and allows us to create PDF documents from the scanned image. Therefore, it has enough options for all types of users, being a clear alternative to Adobe.
If we want to test all the features of Soda PDF, we can download a free trial version from its website. In case we want to use it permanently, we have to pay a monthly license that starts from $7.25 for the Standard version.
Ashampoo PDF, smooth and secure PDF editing
We are now faced with a program for creating and editing PDF files that is characterized by smoothness when opening and creating documents, so we are dealing with a fast and lightweight tool , which makes it a great alternative to Acrobat, which among its advantages does not include smoothness.
The Ashampoo program has its own integrated search system for the documents we upload and allows us to reorganize, delete or insert pages from other PDF files to add additional content. We can also convert documents, has OCR support, spell checking and allows you to add graphics and drawings. Moreover, it has its own 128-bit AES encryption system to protect our documents.
PDF24 Creator, edit PDF from your web browser
We are dealing with a free program that allows us to create PDF files from other sources such as Microsoft Office Suite or convert images. Among its various editing features are the ability to combine, compress, rotate or add watermarks, signature, number of pages, etc.
Moreover, it supports OCR technology. All its functions are implemented from a web browser because they are hosted in the cloud. Although its main drawback is that the customization options are a bit sparse, which we can consider normal considering its free nature.
Sejda PDF Editor, ideal for occasional PDF editing
This program stands out for having a basic and free edition and another Pro version, both for PDF editing. It includes functions such as highlighting and crossing out text, blackening, signatures and inserting text. It also gives us the ability to insert images, create links, hyperlinks and create annotations. Additionally, it will be possible to convert PDF files to Word or other formats such as JPG.
Although it must be added that although it has a free version, it has some limitations since we can perform at most 3 tasks per day, so its use is aimed at occasional users who only need to make some modifications to PDF punctually.
Choose the proper one to serve your purpose
Creating, combining, splitting, compressing, converting and many other activities are necessary when preparing PDF files. We use them every day, but not everyone knows how to edit them.
When it comes to PDF editors, Adobe Acrobat Pro is one of the best PDF editors. But at the same time, it is expensive compared to its rivals and tries to lock you into the Adobe ecosystem. Use any of the above-mentioned programs and I am sure you will not miss the Adobe solution.
