# Best PDF Editors - Page 9 *By [Neeraja Prakash](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/neeraja-prakash)* PDF editor software enables users to edit text, images, and layouts within PDF documents, converting fixed-format PDFs into editable documents, and supporting functions such as merging, splitting, annotating, signing, password-protecting, and converting files to and from PDF format. ### Core Capabilities of PDF Editor Software To qualify for inclusion in the [PDF Editor](https://learn.g2.com/best-pdf-editor) category, a product must: - Have the ability to edit text, images, and pages within PDFs - Allow users to create new PDFs within the platform - Be able to annotate and sign PDFs - Allow for file conversions to or from PDFs - Enable users to password-protect PDFs ### Common Use Cases for PDF Editor Software Salespeople, HR professionals, legal teams, and anyone who works frequently with contracts, invoices, or forms use PDF editors to manage document workflows. Common use cases include: - Editing and customizing contract templates and invoices without converting to a word processor format - Merging, splitting, or compressing PDF files for streamlined document management - Annotating, signing, and password-protecting PDFs for secure review and approval workflows ### How PDF Editor Software Differs from Other Tools PDF editors should not be confused with [document creation software](https://www.g2.com/categories/document-creation), which is suited for fully editable text files where any user can modify any part of the document. PDF editors work with fixed-format files and include permission controls that limit what can be edited and by whom. They often integrate with [office software](https://www.g2.com/categories/office-suites) and [document scanning software](https://www.g2.com/categories/document-scanning) to support broader document management workflows. ### Insights from G2 on PDF Editor Software Based on category trends on G2, annotation tools and PDF conversion accuracy stand out as standout features. These platforms deliver time savings from eliminating paper-to-digital conversion and streamlined signing workflows as primary benefits of adoption. ## Top PDF Editors at a Glance | # | Product | Rating | Best For | What Users Say | |---|---------|--------|----------|----------------| | 1 | [Adobe Acrobat](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (4,648 reviews) | Enterprise PDF editing with e-signature workflows | "[Consistent Formatting Across Devices, Easy Editing and Signing](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/adobe-acrobat-review-13000539)" | | 2 | [Foxit PDF Editor](https://www.g2.com/products/foxit-pdf-editor/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (3,452 reviews) | PDF editing with Adobe-like features at lower cost | "[Reliable PDF Editing with Superior Conversion Features](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/foxit-pdf-editor-review-13147190)" | | 3 | [Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/products/wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (1,028 reviews) | Perpetual-license PDF editing with OCR | "[PDFelement Makes Editing, Converting, and Signing Highly Effiecient.](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/wondershare-pdfelement-review-12598352)" | | 4 | [pdfFiller](https://www.g2.com/products/pdffiller/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (875 reviews) | Editing and signing PDFs without Adobe | "[Easy PDF Editing and Templates That Keep Document Work Fast and Consistent](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pdffiller-review-13119845)" | | 5 | [UPDF](https://www.g2.com/products/updf/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (443 reviews) | Cross-platform PDF editing with AI summarization | "[Great PDF editor cross platform with Cloud](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/updf-review-12868170)" | | 6 | [Adobe PDF Pack](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-pdf-pack/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (333 reviews) | PDF conversion and document merging workflows | "[All-in-One Mobile PDF Editing with Smooth Dropbox Integration](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/adobe-pdf-pack-review-12411596)" | | 7 | [Xodo PDF Studio](https://www.g2.com/products/xodo-pdf-studio/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (110 reviews) | Cross-platform PDF annotation with stylus support | "[Effortless Document Stitching with Extra Useful Features](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xodo-pdf-studio-review-11962967)" | | 8 | [Tungsten Power PDF](https://www.g2.com/products/tungsten-power-pdf/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (62 reviews) | — | "[Powerful and superior to Adobe](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tungsten-power-pdf-review-12837403)" | | 9 | [PDFgear](https://www.g2.com/products/pdfgear/reviews) | 4.8/5.0 (146 reviews) | — | "[Free, No-Signup PDF Tool with Fast Desktop App and AI Summaries](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pdfgear-review-12869979)" | | 10 | [Smallpdf](https://www.g2.com/products/smallpdf/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (299 reviews) | Browser-based PDF compression and format conversion | "[Fast PDF Management with Smart AI Tools](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/smallpdf-review-13156793)" | ## G2 Grid® for PDF Editors ![G2 Grid® for PDF Editors plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/pdf-editor/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=1531&focus%5B%5D=10856&focus%5B%5D=16921&focus%5B%5D=18691&focus%5B%5D=1176473&focus%5B%5D=52012&focus%5B%5D=1428628&focus%5B%5D=89334) Highlighted products: Adobe Acrobat, Foxit PDF Editor, Wondershare PDFelement, pdfFiller, UPDF, Adobe PDF Pack, Xodo PDF Studio, and Tungsten Power PDF. Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/pdf-editor/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=adobe-acrobat&focus%5B%5D=foxit-pdf-editor&focus%5B%5D=wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement&focus%5B%5D=pdffiller&focus%5B%5D=updf&focus%5B%5D=adobe-pdf-pack&focus%5B%5D=xodo-pdf-studio&focus%5B%5D=tungsten-power-pdf) ## How Many PDF Editors Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 209 ### Category Stats (Jul 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.46/5 (↑0.02 vs Jun 2026) The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product**: PDFBEAR (+9.35%) - Among all products in this category, PDFBEAR recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month *Last updated: July 24, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank PDF Editors Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 17,300+ Authentic Reviews - 209+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. --- **Sponsored** ### BoldSign BoldSign® by Syncfusion® is an easy-to-use and secure electronic signature solution. With BoldSign you can quickly sign documents or send them out for signature, complete contracts, fill out forms, approve invoices, confirm service appointments, onboard new employees, and more. Its easy set-up, user-friendly interface, and intuitive auto-reminder settings smooth the way for the quick turnarounds you're looking for. BoldSign is a top alternative to DocuSign, offering flexible month-to-month plans and budget-friendly pricing options tailored to your needs. Key features: - Use a solution that meets U.S. ESIGN and EU eIDAS eSignature standards, is SOC 2® Type 2 certified, and fully compliant with HIPAA and GDPR. - No hidden document limits, feature restrictions, or surprise overage fees. - Intuitive, easy-to-use web interface. - Comprehensive, highly responsive API available, to easily embed the entire eSignature process within your apps. - Create reusable templates to streamline recurring document workflows. - Request signatures via both email and SMS. - Add your company’s branding to eSignature requests. - Effortlessly send documents to multiple recipients using bulk sending and bulk links. - Instantly generate signing links for easy sharing and faster completion. - Ensure signer authenticity with identity verification options. - Embed sending and signing directly into your applications. - Get real-time document status updates through webhooks. - Enjoy dedicated customer care, even for free-plan users in email, chat, and the ticketing system. - Securely store and retrieve documents with automatic cloud backups. Syncfusion, the company behind BoldSign, has been helping developers worldwide to build powerful line-of-business software for over 20 years. Syncfusion serves a wide spectrum of customers, empowering individual developers and Fortune 500 companies alike to build high-impact line-of-business software. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=1660&secure%5Bchosen_at%5D=2026-07-25T07%3A22%3A00Z&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=152&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=neighbor_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=152&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=158589&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=1660&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=llm_category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fpdf-editor&secure%5Btoken%5D=9b63282407c26bb73051e0c3eeadc2464df94e9ac9973b2d072637760e86da82&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fboldsign.com%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=free_trial) --- ## What Are the Top-Rated PDF Editors Products in 2026? ### 1. [SysInfo PDF Split & Merge Tool](https://www.g2.com/products/sysinfo-pdf-split-merge-tool/reviews) SysInfo IMAP Email Backup Tool is a reliable solution designed to download, export, and create backups of emails from IMAP servers. In addition to emails, it also supports the migration of attachment files. The software includes multiple filters and advanced options that help users achieve accurate results and simplify the migration process. With this tool, users can easily transfer IMAP emails to Office 365, Gmail, and other IMAP-supported accounts. Furthermore, it allows users to back up IMAP server emails into multiple file formats using its simple and efficient IMAP Backup wizard. **Who Is the Company Behind SysInfo PDF Split & Merge Tool?** - **Seller:** [SysInfoTools Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sysinfotools-software) - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** Uttarakhand, India - **Twitter:** @SysInfoTools (414 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/6619925/ (23 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 2. [SysTools PDF Media Remover](https://www.g2.com/products/systools-pdf-media-remover/reviews) SysTools PDF Media Remover is a reliable utility designed to remove embedded multimedia from PDF documents quickly and securely. It enables users to delete images, audio, video, attachments, and Flash (SWF) content from single or multiple PDF files. The tool supports batch processing and works without requiring Adobe Acrobat installation. It maintains the original formatting and structure of the document while cleaning unnecessary media. Removing heavy multimedia elements helps reduce PDF file size and improves document performance and shareability. So, download the software on a Windows or macOS machine. **Who Is the Company Behind SysTools PDF Media Remover?** - **Seller:** [SysTools Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/systools-software) - **Year Founded:** 2007 - **HQ Location:** Pune, IN - **Twitter:** @SYSTOOLS (396 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/2976252/ (137 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 3. [SysTools PDF Password Remover](https://www.g2.com/products/systools-pdf-password-remover/reviews) SysTools PDF Password Remover Tool is a reliable software designed to remove restrictions and passwords from secured PDF files. It helps users unlock protected PDFs by eliminating owner-level permissions such as copying, editing, printing, and text extraction. The tool allows you to access and use the PDF content without limitations while maintaining the original file quality. With a simple interface and fast processing, SysTools PDF Unlocker supports batch unlocking and works smoothly with multiple PDF versions, making it ideal for professionals handling protected documents. **Who Is the Company Behind SysTools PDF Password Remover?** - **Seller:** [SysTools Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/systools-software) - **Year Founded:** 2007 - **HQ Location:** Pune, IN - **Twitter:** @SYSTOOLS (396 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/2976252/ (137 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 4. [ToolsGround PDF Unlock Tool](https://www.g2.com/products/toolsground-pdf-unlock-tool/reviews) Download ToolsGround ToolsGround PDF Unlock Tool and Removal multiple PDF files at a time. 100% safe unlocking of PDF files. Now, users can easily copy, edit and print the content of PDF documents. No need to possess technical skills to perform the task and a free PDF Unlock Tool version are also available for testing purpose. More Info:- https://www.toolsground.com/pdf-unlock-tool/ **Who Is the Company Behind ToolsGround PDF Unlock Tool?** - **Seller:** [ToolsGround](https://www.g2.com/sellers/toolsground) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 5. [Total PST Repair](https://www.g2.com/products/total-pst-repair/reviews) Total PST Repair Tool efficient to repair corrupted PST & perform recovery of deleted PST file items. It supports all editions of Outlook. **Who Is the Company Behind Total PST Repair?** - **Seller:** [Totalpst](https://www.g2.com/sellers/totalpst) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 6. [UsePDF](https://www.g2.com/products/usepdf/reviews) All-in-One Online PDF Editor & Converter UsePDF is a powerful, secure, and scalable all-in-one online PDF editor and PDF converter designed for professionals, businesses, and teams that need fast, accurate, and reliable document workflows in the cloud. It is a modern PDF software alternative that allows users to manage all PDF tasks from one intuitive platform, without downloading or installing any software. Advanced PDF Editing & Conversion Tools With UsePDF, users can edit PDF online and perform high-quality conversions such as PDF to Word, PDF to Excel, PDF to PowerPoint, PDF to JPG, PDF to PNG, PDF to TXT, and PDF to HTML, while preserving formatting, fonts, layouts, and structure. The platform also supports Word to PDF, Excel to PDF, image to PDF, and HTML to PDF, making it ideal for business documents, contracts, invoices, reports, and presentations. Additional tools include PDF compression, PDF merge, PDF split, PDF rotation, PDF page management, digital PDF signing, and PDF password protection, allowing users to handle complete PDF document management workflows in one place. Cloud-Based & Cross-Platform UsePDF works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile browsers, ensuring full cross-platform compatibility. It integrates directly with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, enabling smooth cloud workflows, remote access, and efficient document handling for distributed teams and professionals working online. Fast processing speeds and professional output quality make UsePDF suitable for both everyday PDF tasks and high-volume business use. Security, Privacy & GDPR Compliance Security is a core pillar of UsePDF. The platform uses encrypted file transfers (HTTPS/TLS), automatic file deletion after processing, strict privacy controls, and GDPR-compliant infrastructure. Uploaded files are never reused, shared, or resold, making UsePDF a trusted solution for sensitive and confidential documents. Built for Professionals & Teams UsePDF is designed to scale from individual users and freelancers to organizations and enterprise teams. It offers a clean, modern interface with zero learning curve, flexible subscription plans, affordable trials, and reliable customer support. By replacing multiple standalone PDF tools with one unified solution, UsePDF helps users save time, reduce friction, and improve productivity. Why Choose UsePDF Whether you need a fast PDF to Word converter, a professional online PDF editor, a secure PDF compressor, or a complete cloud-based PDF solution, UsePDF delivers a powerful, efficient, and trustworthy experience. For users looking for a modern alternative to legacy PDF software and fragmented online tools, UsePDF stands out as a comprehensive, high-performance PDF platform built for today’s digital workflows and future growth. **Who Is the Company Behind UsePDF?** - **Seller:** [UsePDF](https://www.g2.com/sellers/usepdf) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 7. [ViceVersa PDF Lock and Unlock Software](https://www.g2.com/products/viceversa-pdf-lock-and-unlock-software/reviews) The ViceVersa PDF Lock & Unlock Software is the safest solution for locking and unlocking PDF files without losing any data. Multiple PDF documents can be easily locked and unlocked without any data loss. This software works with all Windows OS versions like 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP, Vista, and others. It is simple to use for techy and non-techy users without hassle. This tool locks PDF files by creating new passes and unlocking several PDF files by removing passwords. This software is simple for anyone to use without the need for another email client users can easily lock PDF files and unlock PDF files. It efficiently exchanges PDF documents while maintaining the original file format for the main concept. Because of its lightweight and intuitive design, this tool can be used by anyone. The tool's free trial version allows users to test it out and analyze its features. Users can produce new PDF files with ease thanks to this application. **Who Is the Company Behind ViceVersa PDF Lock and Unlock Software?** - **Seller:** [ViceVersa Tools](https://www.g2.com/sellers/viceversa-tools) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/viceversa-tools (2 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 8. [Visual PDF](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-pdf/reviews) Free online tools to edit and create PDF files. Visual PDF allows its users to edit their PDF documents by duplicating, deleting, rotating, ordering or croping pages. They also can split a PDF, merge serveral PDFs into one, turn a PDF into images or turn images into images. Visual PDF also provides security features as signing a document, adding or removing a password. **Who Is the Company Behind Visual PDF?** - **Seller:** [Visual PDF](https://www.g2.com/sellers/visual-pdf) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 9. [YesPDF](https://www.g2.com/products/yespdf/reviews) YesPDF is a comprehensive enterprise PDF management platform designed for organizations that prioritize document security and compliance. Built as a powerful alternative to Adobe Acrobat Pro and ABBYY FineReader, YesPDF delivers advanced PDF processing capabilities including true content redaction, format conversion, merging, splitting, OCR, and batch processing — all through a secure, API-driven architecture. Unlike traditional PDF tools that only apply cosmetic redaction (leaving sensitive data recoverable underneath), YesPDF performs irreversible, forensic-grade redaction that permanently removes confidential information from documents. This makes it the trusted choice for banks, government agencies, and enterprises handling sensitive data under GDPR and other regulatory frameworks. Key Capabilities: - True content redaction with forensic-level security - PDF conversion, merging, splitting, and compression - OCR and text extraction - Batch processing for high-volume document workflows - REST API for seamless integration into existing systems - On-premise and cloud deployment options - Multi-user subscription and license management - GDPR-compliant document handling Who It's For: YesPDF serves IT departments, compliance teams, legal professionals, and document management administrators in banking, government, construction, and other regulated industries who need reliable, secure PDF processing at scale. **Who Is the Company Behind YesPDF?** - **Seller:** [YesPDF](https://www.g2.com/sellers/yespdf) - **Year Founded:** 2025 - **HQ Location:** Şişli, TR - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/yespdf/ (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ## What Is PDF Editors? [Collaboration & Productivity Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/collaboration-productivity) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to PDF Editors? - [E-Signature Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/e-signature) - [Document Creation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/document-creation) - [Document Generation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/document-generation) - [File Reader Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/file-reader) - [File Converter Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/file-converter) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right PDF Editors? ### What You Should Know About PDF Editor Software ### What is PDF editor software? PDFs, or portable document formats, are file types that cannot be edited; they are electronic images that look like printed documents but cannot be edited directly. For quick creation and editing, PDF editor software helps convert PDFs into live, editable documents, including .doc, .png, .jpg, and .xls.  PDF editors provide a wide variety of protective features. For example, users can password-protect PDFs, sign documents digitally, split and merge files, remove specific text areas, choose desired PDF sizes, etc. This is ideal for users who frequently work with PDF documents like contracts, legal documents, invoices, resumes, etc. In addition to password protection, users can add watermarks to PDFs to protect the copyright of the information in the PDF. PDF editors come with various other [data protection](https://learn.g2.com/data-protection) features that benefit professionals in an industry that encourages the safety of distributed information. Moreover, it provides tools to hide, remove, and prevent data from being exposed.  Redaction, password protection, and user restriction settings all help encourage the safety of PDFs. When using PDF editor software, professionals who handle sensitive documents can be fully prepared to manage and create them. PDF editor software benefits various users, including businesses that distribute physical copies, who often need to convert documents into digital versions. After a document is scanned, it can be manipulated and shared using PDF editor tools. PDF editors should not be confused with [file reader software](https://www.g2.com/categories/file-reader), which allows users to view any file type, including PDF files. Users who want to adjust the content in a PDF file require a PDF editor.  ### PDF editor features PDF editors come with many features related to editing and distributing a PDF: - [Optical character recognition (OCR)](https://www.g2.com/articles/ocr): One of the significant features of PDF editor software is the ability to turn the PDF into a document that can be edited. OCR scans the document and locates the text within it. Once the scan is complete, it allows the user to manipulate the text. This converts the image of text within the PDF into editable text that a user can edit. - Text boxes: Users can manipulate editable text after using the OCR feature. Size, color, and alignment are all common text adjustments that can be done on the platform. - Crop: The crop feature makes specific portions of the PDF smaller. The size and shape of the crop can be manipulated based on the user's needs. - Delete: The delete function enables users to remove a page from the document easily. - Watermarks: Watermarks are transparent images that users can include to indicate branding and ownership. It is one of the few security features that come with PDF editors since they protect the copyright of the PDF once a document is distributed. - Redaction: Redactions are another common security feature within PDF editor software. This tool allows users to remove sensitive information within the document, such as an entire area of text. In most cases, a redaction cannot be undone once it is made. - Password protection: Password protection guards the document from being edited by someone else, an essential feature for confidential files or files with sensitive information. For example, if someone downloads a PDF and opens it in their PDF editing tool, password protection prevents that user from making their edits. - Page merge: With the page merge function, users can combine multiple PDF pages into a single page. Also, PDFs can be opened from various sources and combined on the platform into a single PDF. Users can also use this tool to split merged pages apart with this tool. - Page rearrangement: This feature moves pages around so users can choose the order in which pages will appear in the document. Users can rotate a page or select several and rotate many pages at once. - Annotations: Annotations are notes that can be added to the PDF. Annotations are typically used to add a comment to a specific area of the PDF. They can also direct a client’s attention to a specific area of the PDF, such as a signature box. - [Electronic signature](https://learn.g2.com/digital-signature): This feature enables users to sign a PDF electronically. Clients and users, with permission, can view and sign a PDF digitally, commonly done with electronic proposals, contracts, or other types of client documents. ### Types of PDF editors - Basic PDF editors: These editors allow users to make basic changes to their PDFs, such as correcting typos, adding text, and deleting pages. They are suitable for simple tasks, but they may not be able to handle more complex editing needs.  - Advanced PDF editors: These editors offer more advanced features than basic editors, such as the ability to edit images and PDF forms, add headers and footers, and create bookmarks. They are a good option for users who need to do more than just make simple changes to their PDFs.  - PDF annotation software: This type of PDF editor software allows users to add comments and annotations to their PDFs. This can help users collaborate on documents or provide feedback. - Online PDF editors: Several online PDF editors allow users to edit their PDFs on web browsers without installing software. These are ideal if only a few changes need to be made to a PDF or if there isn't much storage space on the computer.  ### Benefits of using a PDF editor - Text and image manipulation: Unlike static PDFs, editors enable users to modify PDF text content, insert or delete images, and adjust layouts to tailor documents to their needs precisely. - Form creation and editing: PDF editors help create fillable forms directly within PDFs, eliminating the need for paper copies and manual data entry. Additionally, existing forms can also be edited and updated for optimal functionality. - Improved collaboration and workflow: PDF editors contain advanced annotation tools that add comments, highlights, underline text, and even draw directly on PDFs to facilitate effective feedback and document review. Some PDF editor software also allow multiple users to work on the same PDF document simultaneously. This can enhance team productivity and streamline editing processes. - Password protection and encryption: Users can easily secure sensitive documents with passwords and encryption algorithms to prevent unauthorized access and ensure data privacy. They also allow users to add legally binding digital signatures to documents for authentication and tamper-proof verification. - Streamlined document management: A significant benefit of PDF editor software is that it reduces the file size of large PDFs without compromising quality. This helps optimize storage space and facilitate document sharing. Many editors seamlessly integrate with cloud storage services, document management systems, and other productivity tools for a streamlined workflow. ### PDF editor vs. PDF reader PDF readers are a type of digital viewer used for reading or research. They allow users to preview, open, zoom, scroll through web pages, and add essential markups or notes.  PDF readers usually offer basic functions such as text search, adding bookmarks, and printing documents.  Some advanced readers can enable digital signatures or limited annotation tools. PDF readers are best for students, professionals, or anyone who needs to access and read PDFs regularly. They are user-friendly and ideal for basic tasks without editing skills. On the other hand, PDF editors are powerful PDF word processors. They allow users to read and modify content. Users can edit text, add or delete images, reorder pages, create fillable forms, and even password-protect the document.  PDF editors offer a much more comprehensive range of features, including text editing, image editing, page management, form creation, password protection, and OCR to convert scanned PDFs into editable text. PDF editors are best suited for graphic designers, authors, editors, and anyone else who frequently works with editable documents in PDF format. ### Who uses PDF editing software? Any professional has a use case for a PDF editor since PDF is a standard file format used across all industries. However, some professionals may benefit from using PDF editors more than others. - Proposal and contract writers: Users who write proposals and contracts use PDF editor software to create password-protected files that can be distributed digitally. Agreements and proposals often require signatures; most PDF editors include a tool that makes fillable text boxes so clients can sign the PDF document electronically if necessary. - Lawyers: Lawyers use PDF editors to send confidential files to clients or other viewers to distribute legal documents that require electronic signatures. Lawyers may also redact sensitive information within legal documents using this software. - Human resources: HR departments, or departments that handle hiring, may use PDF editors to edit new hire contracts, legal documents about the employee, or other employment agreements. Similar to lawyers, they may also use PDF editor software to obtain an electronic signature from a new hire. ### PDF editor pricing The pricing models for PDF editing software vary depending on the features offered, target audience, and distribution method. Here is a breakdown of the most common ones: - One-time purchase: This is the most common model for basic and mid-range PDF editors. Here, users pay a fixed fee for a perpetual license to use the software on a single device or a limited number of devices. The price range of one-time purchases ranges between $20-$100. - Subscription: Subscription models are becoming increasingly popular, especially for advanced PDF editors and cloud-based solutions. Users must pay a monthly or annual fee to edit PDF documents and access the software and its features. The price range subscription models are between $5 and $50 per month or $50 and $500 per year. - Freemium: This model offers a limited free version of the software with basic features, while premium features require a paid subscription or one-time purchase. This model is popular for attracting new users and offering an idea of the software's capabilities. - Per-page/per-feature: This model charges users based on the number of pages they edit or the specific features they use. It is less commonly seen but suitable for occasional users or those needing specific functionalities. - Enterprise licensing: Some advanced PDF editors offer special pricing for businesses and organizations, often based on the number of users or required features. These can be customized to meet the organization's specific needs and are charged accordingly. ### Software and services related to PDF editor apps OCR and document scanning software integrate well with PDF editor software and are commonly used together. - [OCR software](https://www.g2.com/categories/ocr): While several PDF editor software have an in-built OCR feature, users may choose a tool that focuses solely on OCR capabilities for more text-heavy PDFs. - [Document scanning software](https://www.g2.com/categories/document-scanning): Document scanning software and PDF editors are commonly used alongside each other, especially for businesses that need to scan many physical documents. Document scanning software can upload files into PDFs, which can be edited within a PDF editor. - [Document creation software](https://www.g2.com/categories/document-creation): Document creation software focuses on creating text-based rather than PDF documents. However, many businesses commonly use document creation software to convert a text-based document into a PDF. The converted PDF can then be edited within a PDF editor. ### Challenges with PDF editing software - Compatibility: Not all editors are compatible with every PDF version and operating system. Opening a file created in a newer version with an older editor might lead to formatting issues or lost data.  - Editing and accessibility: PDFs with intricate layouts or nested elements can pose challenges for users with visual or cognitive disabilities. Maintaining intricate formatting, especially across different platforms and editors, can be challenging and require careful attention to detail. - Cost: Advanced editing features, security options, and other functionalities often have a heavy price tag. This can deter users on a tight budget. Moreover, while offering flexibility, some subscription models can add to the overall cost for users needing specific features only occasionally. - [Data breaches:](https://www.g2.com/articles/data-breach) Storing sensitive information within editable PDFs, even with password protection, carries inherent security risks in case of software vulnerabilities or hacking attempts. ### How to choose the best PDF editor Choosing the best PDF editor software depends on the organization's specific needs and budget. Here are some factors to consider: #### Identify business needs and priorities To gather requirements for PDF editor software, it is essential to identify the specific needs and objectives of the organization. Many free PDF editors are available, but they often have limited features. Paid PDF editors offer more features and functionality but can be expensive. Hence, it is vital to understand the budget based on current workflows and desired outcomes. #### Choose the necessary technology and features Shortlisting software products based on their features is an essential step in buying. While it may be daunting to filter through various products, users can get help by utilizing [G2’s compare](https://www.g2.com/compare) feature. This feature will take products of choice and display them side by side so the buyer can quickly determine which software ticks the essential boxes on the list.  Apart from ease of use, user-friendly interface, and customer support, buyers must evaluate features like: - Basic editing: A free or basic PDF editor will suffice if one only needs to make basic edits, such as correcting typos or adding text. - Advanced editing: If users require more complex editing, such as adding images, tables, or forms, they'll need a more robust PDF editor with additional features. - OCR: Users will need an editor with OCR capabilities to edit scanned PDFs. - Security: To edit sensitive documents, users need a PDF editor with strong [data security](https://www.g2.com/glossary/data-security-definition) features. #### Consider the platform Not all editors are compatible with every PDF version. It is essential to consider the platforms in use before purchasing.  - Many PDF editors are available for Windows, including Adobe Acrobat Pro and Nitro Pro. - Fewer PDF editors are available for MacOS, but some popular options include Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, PDFpenPro, and Sejda PDF. - Several PDF editors, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader and Xodo, are also available for Android and iOS mobile devices. #### Conduct demos Buyers should also request demos from shortlisted PDF editor software providers to experience the software firsthand. They can utilize trial periods to test the software’s functionality and suitability for their business. Additionally, buyers should consider reading reviews from other users to get an idea of the pros and cons of different PDF editors. #### Final decision Before making the final decision, buyers must not forget to collect stakeholder feedback. They should involve staff, employees, and users in the organization in the evaluation process to gather feedback and ensure the PDF editor software aligns with the needs of all stakeholders. Buyers must remember the best PDF editor software is not just about features and functionality; it's about finding a solution that meets their needs, integrates seamlessly with their existing formats, and provides ongoing support to ensure their company's success. ### PDF editing software trends #### Cloud-based editing Web-based cloud PDF editors are becoming increasingly popular as they offer many advantages over traditional desktop-based software. Cloud-based editors are accessible from any device with an internet connection, and they automatically save work, so users never have to worry about losing their data. #### AI-powered features [Artificial intelligence (AI)](https://www.g2.com/articles/what-is-artificial-intelligence) is powering several new intuitive features in PDF editor software, such as automatic document summarization, content extraction, and redaction. These features can save users a lot of time and effort when editing PDF files and help improve document accuracy. #### Collaboration tools PDF editor software are increasingly equipped with collaboration tools that allow multiple users to work on a document simultaneously. This can be helpful for teams working on projects together, as it can help improve communication and efficiency. #### Mobile editing With the increasing popularity of smartphones and tablets, there is a growing demand for PDF editor software that can be used on mobile apps. Mobile PDF editors allow users to edit documents on the go, which can be helpful for busy professionals who are always on the move. _Written and researched by_ [_Marina Schlosser_](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/marina-schlosser?_gl=1*7c1uw2*_gcl_au*MjU3ODEwOTUzLjE3MTc0MDYzNTguODI2ODE1OTA5LjE3MTg5NTYzNzUuMTcxODk1NjM3Ng..*_ga*MTE3ODE1MzUyMS4xNjU0NzUwNjk0*_ga_MFZ5NDXZ5F*MTcxODk1MTkyMS41My4xLjE3MTg5NTYzODQuNTEuMC4w) --- ## What Are the Most Common Questions About PDF Editors? *AI-generated · Last updated: June 3, 2026* ### Which solution supports secure redaction of sensitive data Based on G2 reviews, these products are most often mentioned for redaction, security controls, and protecting sensitive PDF content. - [Adobe Acrobat](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat) — redaction, encryption, secure document handling. - [Foxit PDF Editor](https://www.g2.com/products/foxit-pdf-editor) — redacting information and document protection. - [UPDF](https://www.g2.com/products/updf) — signing and blacking out sensitive information. - [Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/products/wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) — redaction, securing, and document protection. ### Which tool supports batch processing of PDF documents Based on G2 reviews, these products are commonly used for combining, converting, organizing, and handling multiple PDF files efficiently. - [Adobe Acrobat](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat) — merge, compare, convert, and organize. - [Foxit PDF Editor](https://www.g2.com/products/foxit-pdf-editor) — combine, extract, and review files. - [Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/products/wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) — repetitive edits and batch conversion. - [UPDF](https://www.g2.com/products/updf) — merge, split, rearrange across devices. ### Which vendor provides AI-powered PDF text recognition Based on G2 reviews, these vendors are most associated with OCR, text extraction, and AI-assisted PDF understanding. - [Adobe Acrobat](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat) — OCR, AI summaries, and extraction. - [Wondershare PDFelement](https://www.g2.com/products/wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement) — OCR and AI document summaries. - [UPDF](https://www.g2.com/products/updf) — OCR, summaries, and text search. - [Foxit PDF Editor](https://www.g2.com/products/foxit-pdf-editor) — OCR and text recognition workflows. ### What should buyers look for in pdf editors According to verified users, buyers evaluating pdf editors usually focus on how well one tool handles everyday document work without forcing extra apps or manual workarounds. Across recent reviews, the most recurring needs are direct text and image editing, file conversion, page organization, comments and markup, form filling, e-signatures, OCR for scanned files, and reliable document security. Reviewers also repeatedly mention ease of use, smooth performance on large files, and consistent formatting across devices as important decision points. For teams that process contracts, reports, forms, or study materials often, products that combine editing, signing, conversion, and organization in one workflow appear to reduce friction the most. ### How do teams use PDF Editor for document workflows G2 reviewers mention that teams use PDF Editor tools to keep document work moving without printing, rescanning, or switching across multiple applications. Common workflows in recent reviews include combining files into one package, editing finalized documents, requesting or applying signatures, filling forms, reviewing with comments or highlights, and converting files between PDF, Word, Excel, images, and presentations. Reviewers also describe using these tools to standardize client deliverables, manage contracts, process invoices, organize reports, and make scanned content searchable with OCR. In collaborative settings, PDF workflows are most valuable when files stay easy to share, preserve formatting, and remain protected with passwords, permissions, or redaction when sensitive information is involved.