Best PDF Software of 2025

Use the comparison tool below to compare the top PDF software on the market. You can filter results by user reviews, pricing, features, platform, region, support options, integrations, and more.

Overview of PDF Software

PDF software, or Portable Document Format software, is a type of program used to create and manipulate documents in the PDF format. The PDF format was developed by Adobe Systems in the early 1990s and is now an industry-standard file format for sharing documents between computers, applications, and platforms. With PDF software, users can create, view, edit, collaborate on, and share documents with ease.

PDF software provides users with an abundance of features for handling their digital document needs. For instance, many PDF software packages provide features for annotating or adding comments to existing documents; tools for securing sensitive files by setting permissions or restricting access; support for creating digital signatures that can be used to authenticate important transactions; as well as optical character recognition (OCR) capabilities that enable scanned images to be transformed into text-searchable PDFs.

The most basic functionality of a PDF system involves editing existing documents. Users can add text or images to a document and adjust font size and color as needed. More advanced features may include integrating external content such as spreadsheets or webpages into a single file; converting non-PDF documents into the PDF format; merging multiple files together into one document; cropping pages within a document; adding headers/footers or watermarks; rearranging page order without having to manually retype anything; splitting large files into smaller pieces; as well as compressing large amounts of data while retaining the original formatting of the document itself.

Most modern operating systems come pre-installed with some form of basic PDF reader program so users can open any type of file with a .pdf extension right away without needing additional software. These basic programs usually provide limited function beyond simply viewing the document—they likely won't allow you to edit it any way shape or form—but most offer tools for searching words contained within the text at least. For more advanced tasks such as editing existing files or creating new ones from scratch, however, you'll need dedicated third party programs from companies like Adobe or Foxit Software instead.

PDF readers are generally free but depending on which package you get there may be some paid features available too — if you're interested in multiple-user collaboration for instance then perhaps look out for services that include cloud storage space so others can view your work from anywhere in the world regardless of device compatibility issues that might otherwise arise while trying to share via email attachments etc.. Some popular options would include Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (freemium), Foxit PhantomPDF Standard (free trial), Nitro Pro (paid subscription), Infix Pro (one-time purchase), among many other options out there too.

What Are Some Reasons To Use PDF Software?

1. PDFs are universally accessible: PDF documents can be opened, viewed and printed on any operating system or device, regardless of the program used to create them.
2. Improved collaboration: Because anyone with access to a PDF file can view it, even without having the native software that created it, it's easy for multiple team members to collaborate on the same document from different locations.
3. Security features: PDF files have built-in security features that allow users to restrict editing and printing privileges, making them an ideal way to share confidential information securely over the internet.
4. Efficiency: By converting paper documents into digital forms which are easier to handle and manage electronically, you save time and money by eliminating many of the manual steps involved in document processing such as mailings and paperwork filing systems.
5. Professionalism: A polished PDF portfolio is an effective way for individuals or businesses to communicate professionalism without needing a professional designer's help because most word processors have tools built in for creating professional-looking documents in this format quickly and easily.

Why Is PDF Software Important?

PDF software is an important tool for business owners, professionals, and individuals alike. It allows us to maintain the integrity of documents while simultaneously providing a versatile platform to share and store them securely.

For businesses, PDF software is essential for quickly sharing large amounts of information in a concise format with clients, colleagues, or partners. The ability to combine multiple documents into one easy-to-manage file ensures that nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for paper copies and makes tracking changes or notes simple and efficient. Business owners can also rest assured knowing their confidential data is safe as PDFs are almost impossible to breach without authorization.

Professionals often use PDFs for conducting research or creating presentations. In addition to having the same advantageous features described above, PDFs allow user access from any device regardless of the operating system or location— making remote collaboration hassle-free. Many PDF programs come equipped with annotation tools that provide users with additional capabilities such as adding comments/text bubbles directly onto files or compressing large images down to a suitable size while maintaining quality—allowing them to create professional-looking materials quickly and efficiently.

For everyday individuals who are simply dealing with day-to-day tasks like paying bills online or submitting job applications via email; the ability to convert documents into PDFs ensures that vital information remains secure throughout each step of the process. Additionally, these features make sending large files easier since they can usually be compressed down significantly before being securely sent off—this keeps emails concise while avoiding any potential annoyances related with attachments too big for inboxes.

In conclusion, it can be seen that PDF software brings countless advantages both professionally and personally; allowing us all (no matter what our background is) increased security when sharing sensitive information as well as time savings associated with document conversion/formatting functions which increase productivity across multiple platforms.

What Features Does PDF Software Provide?

1. Editing: Most PDF software provides various editing tools, such as adding annotations, highlighting or underlining text, changing the font and size of text, and inserting images or graphics.
2. Security Features: Most PDF software offer password protection and encryption options to keep documents secure. PDFs can also be digitally signed with electronic certificates, helping to ensure that the document’s authenticity is maintained.
3. Compression: Many PDF software products allow users to reduce the file size of a document by applying compression algorithms that remove redundant information without compromising on quality. This feature is especially useful for large documents which need to be quickly shared over email or the web..
4. Conversion Tools: Oftentimes, PDF software will provide conversion tools that allow users to convert their files from one format (e.g., Word)to another (e.g., HTML). This allows for easier sharing/publishing on different platforms as well as ensuring formatting remains intact when converting from one format to another.
5. Scanning Support: Many programs have integrated support for scanning documents directly into a PDF file format so you don't have to worry about manually converting physical documents into digital versions.

Types of Users That Can Benefit From PDF Software

• Office Professionals: PDF software helps office professionals quickly create, edit and share files securely with colleagues. They can also add annotations to documents, merge multiple documents into one PDF file, and set up automated actions for frequently used tasks.
• Business Owners: PDF software allows business owners to easily generate forms from existing templates or create their own custom versions. They can streamline processes related to customer onboarding and product distribution by sending documents for e-signature digitally.
• Web Designers: With PDF software, web designers can convert HTML pages into print-ready formats without sacrificing the integrity of their designs. They can also secure their designs with password protection and watermarking tools if needed.
• Educators: Teachers and professors benefit from using PDF software to quickly grade homework assignments online while providing feedback in an efficient manner. Additionally, they can collaborate on lesson plans with other educators using digital annotation tools as well as exchange forms within a shared network such as an intranet or learning management system (LMS).
• Students: Students often need to submit assignments in a convenient format that is accepted at most universities and colleges across the United States. By utilizing a user-friendly PDF editor, students can combine multiple sources of information into one single document for quick submission or storage in the cloud.

How Much Does PDF Software Cost?

PDF software typically comes at a variety of price points and features, depending on the brand and version you choose. Generally speaking, basic PDF viewers are free of charge and offer basic functions such as viewing, printing, and commenting. If you need to create or edit PDFs, then you may need to look into an upgrade package or purchase a license for additional software like Adobe Acrobat Pro or Foxit PhantomPDF Business. These packages can range from $150 - $500. Alternatively, some companies offer subscription plans with different levels of access ranging from $10 per month up to $50+ per month depending on your specific needs.

Risks To Consider With PDF Software

• Outdated security protocols: Many PDF programs do not have the latest encryption technology, which can leave files and sensitive information vulnerable to attacks from hackers.
• Malware infiltration: Malicious actors can inject malicious code into a PDF file, which can be used to gain access to a system or steal confidential data.
• Unauthorized access:If unsecured, unauthorized users may be able to gain access to the contents of a PDF file without permission. This could lead to data theft and other security breaches.
• Unintended disclosure of confidential information:If a PDF document contains sensitive or confidential information, it can easily be accidentally shared with an unintended recipient if proper security measures are not in place.
• Data leakage due to formatting errors: Formatting errors can cause parts of the content within a PDF file to become visible even when the document is secured with password protections or encryption technologies.

What Does PDF Software Integrate With?

PDF software can integrate with a variety of different types of software. For example, it can integrate with document creation and management software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. It can also be used to share information between other programs such as database management systems, accounting applications, and web browsers. PDF software is capable of creating editable documents for editing in other applications and converting existing documents into a PDF format so they are easier to access from any device that supports the program. Additionally, PDF software offers tools for digitally signing documents and creating secure encrypted electronic forms. Lastly, it allows users to quickly create electronic portfolios or brochures by merging multiple documents into one convenient file.

What Are Some Questions To Ask When Considering PDF Software?

1. What platforms does the software work on? Does it have both Mac and Windows versions?
2. Does the software have the ability to create, edit, and sign PDFs from any device or web browser?
3. Does the software offer features such as text box editing, image insertion, document annotation and watermarking capabilities?
4. Is there an option for password protection so I can secure documents with a unique password?
5. Are there customization options available such as adding branding elements or customizing settings for each individual user?
6. Is there OCR capability included with this software so that my scanned documents are searchable within the system?
7. Can I integrate other existing applications such as cloud storage solutions or existing office programs to maximize efficiency in my workflow process?
8. Are there additional features like page numbering that can help streamline workflows further?
9. Can I easily collaborate with others on documents by allowing access privileges to be set at different levels of access control based on roles within my organization or workspace groupings?
10. Are support services available and what is the cost associated with them if needed in case of technical issues or general inquiries related to use of the software?