With Adobe Acrobat, users can create, view, and edit any PDF files without any hassle. However, in spite of its features and effectiveness, not all users can afford to have this tool since it costs hundreds of dollars. And it’s quite complicated for beginners. In this case, many users are looking for some simple and cheaper alternatives to Acrobat. There are bunches of PDF editing software on the internet today, and to help you out some of the finest Adobe Acrobat substitute are shown after the cut.
- If you want a basic alternative to Adobe Acrobat for macOS 10.15 Catalina, and you do not want to spend a dime, PDF Studio is the tool for you. With PDF Studio, you get almost all of the file management functionalities of Adobe Acrobat, but for a price of zero dollars.
- Full list of the top Document Management Software apps that are similar to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, including Grammarly, PDF Split and Merge, FileMinimizer, Image to PDF Converter, MyScript for.
Top Adobe Acrobat Replacement
ApowerPDF
This is a PDF editor software that can be used in creating or modifying any existing PDF files and forms. ApowerPDF features all of the must-have functions that a PDF editor must have. These includes the ability to manage PDF pages whether you need to delete, extract, crop, or rotate a specific portion of a PDF document.
Plus, it provides security by allowing users to add passwords and signatures to a certain PDF file. And if you need to convert a PDF document into an editable format, then this tool can help you to convert your file into editable formats like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
This program can be a great Adobe Acrobat alternative due to the fact that it is compact and provides most of the functions that can be done on Acrobat. It is definitely one worth checking out.
Changes to Adobe Acrobat Pro DC Licensing. The Adobe Acrobat Pro DC licensing model has changed to a subscription-based model, which means University of Waterloo departments/units will now have to purchase a subscription for Acrobat Pro DC directly from the Adobe online store or the reseller Softchoice, and they will be paying a higher yearly cost for use of this software. Jun 11, 2020 DigiSigner is a free alternative to Adobe Acrobat that is compatible with Mac, Windows and also the Linux operating system, and is used to see PDF files and create digital signatures on them employing the X.509 certificates.
PDFescape Desktop
Another substitute to Adobe Acrobat that you can utilize is a program called PDFescape Desktop. This application mimics some of the functions that can be found on Acrobat such as the ability to adjust, delete, insert, and crop PDF pages. It also supports encryption of PDF contents with the use of a password, modifies PDF information tag, and allows the use of scanned signature to sign PDF files.
This is a decent tool to use as a replacement for doing some basic modifications into your PDF file. And the desktop version of this app requires a premium account so it means you need to avail their service before you can utilize it.
Foxit Phantom PDF
The next alternative to Adobe Acrobat is called Foxit Phantom PDF. Unlike the usual PDF converters, this tool is equipped with easy to use editing functions which can be used to crop, add watermarks, cut, rotate, resize, etc. It also supports OCR technology and font recognition which is very useful in modifying or starting a new PDF document. You need to spend a little bit to get this program but it’s worth giving a try.
Anyone can use this as an alternative to Adobe’s PDF editor for it offers similar if not the same function as the Acrobat. Just be aware that this tool can’t save into few formats, which the developer needs to address.
Mac Preview
Now if you are a Mac OS user, then a program similar to Adobe Acrobat that you can use is Preview. This PDF editor is made for Mac OS users’ convenience and is capable of editing as well as creating new PDF documents. By using this program, you can modify multiple portion of a PDF text, at the same time trim, and label multiple pages together. All of its functions are quick and easy to utilize making it a fair alternative to Acrobat.
With its attributes it surely fits in as one of the must have free alternative for Adobe Acrobat. And this application is for free, but it only runs on OSX devices.
PDFPen
This next PDF editor for Mac OS is named PDFPen. It has the basic features that a PDF editor has, including modifications in typos in the text documents, capable of adding texts, images, and signatures. Aside from these, PDFPen even supports OCR technology helping users in converting images into an editable text document.
It is easy to say that this tool can be a good choice as an Acrobat alternative. But note that it’s exclusive for Mac users only.
Those are the finest Adobe Acrobat replacement that you can use on a daily basis. You might notice that most of them have similar functions, but some programs have additional functions than the others. Feel free to try all of the alternative programs that we provide above to know which app suits your needs.
Related posts:
Changes to Adobe Acrobat Pro DC Licensing
The Adobe Acrobat Pro DC licensing model has changed to a subscription-based model, which means University of Waterloo departments/units will now have to purchase a subscription for Acrobat Pro DC directly from the Adobe online store or the reseller Softchoice, and they will be paying a higher yearly cost for use of this software.
Do I still need Adobe Acrobat Pro DC?
Many commonly used features of Adobe Acrobat Pro DC are available in other applications Waterloo employees already have access to (e.g. Microsoft Office, Preview). Alternate, less expensive applications may also be available for purchase. Please see the list of alternatives below.
You may still require Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, if you:
- create and/or edit fillable PDF forms
- make remediations for accessibility (i.e. adjust tags or reading order)
- need to edit content directly in a PDF document (Note: edits can be made to some files using Microsoft Word)
Alternatives to Acrobat Pro DC
Adobe Acrobat Pro Dc Mac
Requirement | Alternative | Instruction |
---|---|---|
Creating PDF documents | Microsoft Office |
|
Preview |
| |
Editing content in PDF documents | Microsoft Office (with original file) |
|
Microsoft Office (without original file) |
| |
Adobe Acrobat Export PDF(purchase required) |
| |
Adding comments and marking up text in PDF documents | Preview |
|
Filling and signing PDF forms | Preview |
|
Adding, deleting and rearranging pages in a PDF document | Preview |
|
Combining multiple PDF documents into a single PDF document | Preview |
|
Replacing a signature page in a PDF document | Preview |
|
Related articles
Need Help?
Adobe Acrobat Pro Alternative For Mac
Contact the IST Service Desk at helpdesk@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567 ext. 44357.