8 Best PDF editor software in 2023

We have a variety of pdf editor software in the world. Therefore, if you are looking for software to help you in editing your texincludingude your graphics, adding images, and more another related task. You need to check out our list after conducting our research on the best PDF editor software. Some of the software we have included are websites where you’ll be required to upload your PDF documents online. Thereafter, you can make your changes and then upload the file back to your device. However, you should know that taking the path of uploading on the web has some disadvantages compared to those one done directly on a computer.

One weakness of using the web is that your file will be exposed to the internet. In case your content is sensitive, or confidential it might not be the perfect option for you. Therefore, you can try using the software that is in other forms i.e offline app. Our list comprises all the software you can use to edit your PDF. You can read more about them and maybe you can pick the one that you’ll find great.

We have made your work easier by putting down some of the features, advantages, disadvantages, and more. Some of the software below have more advanced features that will require you to pay to access. Before I take you through thy list of best PDF editor software, check on what makes PDF editor software to be great.

What makes a good PDF editor software

Below are the factors we have considered in selecting our best PDF editor software.

1. Basic functions

This is a simple thing but it’s important when selecting the best PDF editor software. The basic functions include scanning hard copies into PDF, converting PDF into documents, and more. When you have good PDF software, you’ll be able to convert Microsoft word into other forms like PDF and then regain it back.

2. Simple and great at editing your content

A great pdf editing software should allow you to edit your content easily. You should be able to reorganize and modify your text. Moreover, it should allow you to resize as well as move the images on your PDF. To seal things up, your PDF editing software should allow you to edit images and text, you should also be able to remove and add hyperlinks and more others.

3. Optical character recognition

This is another thing we have to check while taking the best PDF editor software. We have some wonderful pdf documents that can connect with your scanner. This is wonderful since you’ll be able to convert paper documents into pdf files. This is one digital way which has helped many in offices. When your PDF editing software is able to connect with the scanner. You’ll need to have an optical character recognition (OCR) which will be converting those scanned images into PDFs. Those images can also be turned in form of the text so that one can edit them. Your PDF editor will be able to identify those characters in your image.

4. Password protection

You might be working for an organization or institution and the information to be converted to PDF is confidential. A great pdf editor software will allow you to protect your data with a security password. Besides giving permission to set your password, you should also be able to revoke shared or published information.

1. Adobe Acrobat

Adobe is a popular brand in the world, it has different software that have done quite well. An example of one of their most successful software is Adobe photo editing software. They also invented their PDF editing software and you should expect it to be outstanding. They have adequate experience, therefore we can’t deny they are worth opening this list. To get more outstanding features in Adobe acrobat, you’ll be required to pay for a subscription.

This software offers DC which means document cloud where you’ll be required to store your documents in the cloud. We have two versions, that is acrobat DC, and Acrobat Pro DC. If you don’t require more editing features, you can just go for Acrobat DC. The Acrobat DC is the standard version while the acrobat DC pro has more advanced features. The acrobat DC goes for $12.99/£13.14 every month. The pro version is slightly high, you’ll pay $14.99/£15.17 every month. The pro version will offer a number of advanced features, it also has mobile and Marc support.

Pros

Great tools for editing text It is user-friendly with a good interface You can edit scanned documents with its OCR technology.

Cons

Requires subscription hence not the best option for small businesses and individuals. No alternative to get a lifetime license hence somewhat expensive.

2. Foxit PDF editor

Foxit pdf editor was previously known as phantomPDF. This PDF software comes in pro and standard versions. The pro and standard has every editing feature one can expect in those with payment options. This software is available for Windows, android, Oddly, iOS, and more. However, the pro version only works in Windows. Though you can take the cloud version which is cheaper and not necessarily need a dedicated desktop app. Foxit pdf editor has some wonderful features, including a great user interface. Moreover, it has support options which are easily accessible.

The platform makes sure you understand everything before getting started, it has provided tutorial videos for you. To access more advanced features you’ll go for the pro version. The features includes file compression, high security, advanced editing, plus more. You can go for the free trials available before you make your decision.  Maybe You may go through the standard version to go for it. The free version offers basic editing options like signing PDF, annotation, and more. You will also get the foxit rFoxit for free.

Pros

14 days trial for customers Has OCR function for users

Cons

Limited features in the trial version

3. WPS office

WPS office is a popular software for reading PDF, and other forms of documents. A number of phones may come with WPS office installed on them. You can use WPS to edit your PDF files for free. Thanks to its compatibility with a number of devices like android, windows, Marc, Linux, and more. The WPS app will even work on Android phones with less storage, it’s very compatible. It also provides tools to convert PDF into word, PowerPoint, JPG, Excel, and more other formats. Moreover, you can secure your documents with their password protection feature.

Pros

Compatible with many devices Highly secured Maintain the original document

Cons

The free version doesn’t have all features like the paid version

4. Pdffiller by airSlate

The name PDFfiller just suggests the work of this software. The PDFfiller will let you fill out forms easily then share them. Besides filling out forms, you can also use them in other different ways. You will be able to merge PDF files, convert into docs, PNG, txt, jpeg, rtf, ppt, and more. In addition to that, you can also split your pdf files. We tried using this software and we noticed it’s simple to add text in your PDF, change font, size, and color of characters. You can just upload your document then use the tools offered in pdffiller to work on the documents you have uploaded. Below is a summary of its features.

Features

Can compress and convert PDF files. Merge/split PDF files View then edit your PDF files Has OCR technology You can include a digital signature

Looking at the above features, pdffiller may be a perfect solution for you. You will be given a 30-day free by pdffiller to explore it.

Pros

Has a website and android apps Spellcheck function Simple interface for users our forms can be filled by others

Cons

To get more features you’ll have to pay.

Price

The basic plan costs $8 every month. The plus plan has a total of $12 every month. The premium plan has a total of $15 monthly. All the plans will be paid for every yeFirst-timetime users will enjoy a 30-day free trial before getting restricted from some features.

5. Smallpdf

This is one of the best PDF editing software. Smallpdf will perform different functions, you will be able to convert PDF into JPG, Excel, word, ppt, and more. Moreover, you will also be able to sign PDF documents. You will be able to access several features for free within your first 14 days.

To access everything throughout, you’ll be required to pay a monthly fee of $12. This software will allow you to merge, split, and rotate the PDF document. Small pdf also has a password protection feature in case your content is sensitive. Checking from a number of reviews, Smallpdf is easy to use as many have loved it.

Pros

Fantastic tool for file compression Has PDF tools for security, signing, conversion, editing e.t.c

Cons

Not the best alternative for large PDF files Users are unable to set names before saving their processed files

6. Wondershare PDFelement

This PDF editor software is free however you will encounter a number of limitations on the free version. One big limitation is that it prints watermarks on all pages of your files. Though the watermark won’t interfere with your content visibility. However, that free version will still offer you a number of PDF editing features.

The free version will always post its watermark when you save it. You can choose to live with the watermark depending on what you’ll be doing with the document. The good thing is that you’ll be given a number of features for free. After you’ve completed editing your documents, you can save them back to PDF, and other supported formats, for instance, Microsoft word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and more. To save your work or export, you’ll be required to possess a Wondershare account. It supports iOS, MacOS, windows, and Android.

Pros

You can edit your PDF text directly Allows you to include links, custom watermarks, and images. You can edit PDF pages background You can include footers and headers on your PDF You can merge different pdf’s into one Allow you to crop pdf pages Has a password protection feature

Cons

For the free version paste a watermark in your PDF. Needs an OCR that’s large to download

7. Nitro PDF productivity

Nitro PDF productivity or nitro pro can help you to edit, create, collaborate, and share your PDF files easily. When you edit with this software, you will maintain your formatting and original layout. Therefore, you will save your time since you won’t necessarily need to format your work. Another fantastic feature is that the pdf document will be universal. That means that you’ll be able to open it in other PDF programs, for example, Adobe Acrobat pro. Just like in many other software, nitro pro also offers PDF conversions.

You will be able to transform your document from PDF into Microsoft office. Microsoft office comprises Microsoft word, Excel and PowerPoint. There are morer advanced tools in nitro pro that’ll help you in other complex operations. Nitro Pro is easy to learn and use in even a slower Ram machine. The software has security features to secure your files and you can include your private password. It is a great PDF editing software that will give you the best. Below are its pros and cons.

Pros

Offers a high-quality output. Allows you to fill forms digitally Has MicrosoftOfficee interface Securely sign your documents.

Cons

Problems when it comes to conversion of some PDF files into word.

8. Lumin PDF for G suite

This is another PDF editing software in the industry. Lumin pdf has a number of digital tools you can make use of it. Users can make use of G suite features to collaborate, create, and edit PDF files. If you need a powerful tool to edit your PDF, G suite is the best option for you. Below are the best features of G suite.

Features

Can sync alongside Google tools. Has an excellent interface that is easy to use Can edit PDFs directly within your documents.

Pros

Cloud storage Can edit files online easily Offers a number of digital tools A number of advanced PDF features

Cons

Limited fonts

Final Thoughts

The best PDF editor software should be easy to use and secure. Furthermore, it should come with all the editing, protection, and conversion features. WPS is the best affordable and all-around PDF editor software. It's free yet contains high-quality features.  You can try the WPS PDF offline or online editor using this link.