Creating or reading a PDF file is simple enough, but if you want to edit or annotate a PDF file without changing its format (or disturbing its layout), tomorrow you’ll need a dedicated PDF editor.
What is a PDF file?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format. The file format was created in the early 1990s by Adobe co-founder John Warnock and had two goals: to provide a standardized document type that could be read by any computer hardware or system. a document whose layout will not be changed because it has been reviewed by these various systems and materials. Currently, PDF files can be opened and read using a browser, PDF reader, or dedicated word processor, but you will need separate software to edit or annotate them.
What to look for in PDF editing software?
1. Adobe Acrobat
Adobe makes it easy to create, edit, and sign PDF files (and track their activity) with a modern and intuitive interface. The software allows you to compare two versions to spot differences, convert PDF files to several other formats, turn scanned documents into editable and searchable PDF files, and even edit on the fly on your smartphone.
The software can handle more advanced tasks such as adding watermarks, bookmarks, and headers; save or delete hidden confidential information; and adding audio and video. And sign the PDF file? No problem. Receive real-time status updates while collecting legally binding signatures and obtain certificate signatures. Adobe also supports simultaneous live collaboration for editing and annotation, message stamping, and exporting comments to Microsoft Word. Overall, if there’s something you need to do in a PDF (and if you want it to look good and stay safe), Adobe Acrobat is your best bet.
2. SwifDoo PDF
You may ask yourself how to edit a PDF file ? Well, the key is to find a good editor that will allow you to move, edit, add or delete content and keep your changes intact. All editors use the same basic principles but have different interfaces. Among the PDF editors listed in this article, you’re sure to find something that will meet your needs. But before that, let’s learn how to edit PDF files for free.
SwifDoo PDF is comprehensive PDF software that allows you to create, edit, protect, convert and merge PDF files. There is a completely free trial available. The program is compatible with Windows 11, 10 and 7. Some of its features include the ability to compare two PDF files side by side, take screenshots of PDF files, format text, and view recently used page actions. It has a new and improved text formatting dialog and a new menu structure that makes the program easier to use.
The full version allows you to create PDF files from scans, convert files from various formats such as Word and Excel, sign PDF files, secure documents, add watermarks, and more. SwifDoo PDF Pro includes additional features such as OCR, PDF information editing, word processing, document comparison, splitting and merging.
3. Xodo
Xodo is a great option for those who need to edit a PDF file but don’t have the budget (or don’t want to spend) on a premium PDF editor. Although it’s free, Xodo still has solid features and a beautiful modern interface (available online and as apps for iOS and Android). Xodo focuses on providing simple and clean functionality, rather than burying the document in a complicated and cluttered interface like many other editors do.
4. PDF Architect
If you need a PDF editor that looks like Adobe and works without the Adobe tag, check out PDF Architect. With the app, you can open and read any PDF file, view two documents simultaneously for comparison, create PDF files from Microsoft documents or scan a document, and reorder, delete or move pages in a PDF file.
5. PDFescape
For those who will primarily be annotating PDF files rather than creating or modifying them, PDFescape (free) is a great program for this. Although its interface is much more dated than other options, it is still quite easy to navigate and contains all the basic tools you need to annotate and slightly modify/customize your PDF file. You can add text and images, draw freehand, hide or highlight existing text, add sticky notes, and add links. It also allows you to add lines, arrows, circles, rectangles, checkmarks, and text strikethroughs.
Final words
Are you looking for a reliable and free PDF editing software to make changes to your PDF documents? Perhaps you need to quickly edit your CV, correct a mistake, or add notes. Many companies need good quality PDF editors, especially if they work with digital materials. PDF files can also be edited to add notes – which is very important for proofreaders and publishers. Many people need online PDF editing software.
Some of editors are web-based and can be used in a browser. A good online PDF editor should allow you to add, delete, draw or move content and save changes. Free online editors such as Google Docs can edit PDF files, but this can be time-consuming, and these PDF editors do not necessarily support all the features of this file format.
Free desktop software such as SwifDoo PDF can open, modify, and save PDF documents, and guarantee perfect behavior and compatibility. but sometimes they are enough to edit PDF forms or turn Word documents into a high-quality PDF file.