PDF is a popular format for digital documents, and it’s easy to create one using any software that supports the PDF file type. However, if you want to edit your PDF files in-depth, you need an editor that will allow you to make changes without losing all formatting information. Here is a guide on how to choose the best PDF editor software.
What is a PDF?
A portable document format (PDF) is a file format originally created in 1993. It was designed as a way to share electronic documents across different platforms and operating systems. In 2005, PDFs became standard for printable documents, and until now, nothing has threatened to replace PDFs. (1)
Why use PDF editing software?
When you use an editing tool to modify your PDF files, you can add comments, change fonts, insert hyperlinks, crop images, remove unwanted elements, and more. You may also convert your PDF files into another format, such as Microsoft Word or Excel.
When you have a large number of PDF files, it may not be practical to open each one individually to perform these tasks. Today, most businesses use electronic purchase orders, invoicing, reports, and other document formats in PDF format. That’s why it’s best to use an editing tool to manage them all at once. (2)
Choosing the right PDF editor
There are many free PDF editors available online that claim to be capable of editing PDF files. Some even offer advanced features that you won’t find with most desktop editors. However, there are several important factors to consider when choosing which program to use.
The number of pages of your file
If you plan to use your PDF editor frequently, you should opt for a program with a larger memory footprint. It means that it’ll require less hard drive space than smaller tools.
An average document contains between 10 and 100 pages, but the exact number depends on the original file’s size. Hence, you don’t need anything beyond a text editor’s basic functionality if you have a single-page document.
Most businesses receive hundreds of PDF files every day. So they typically use a tool that allows them to batch process multiple files at once.
Availability of trial versions
Some PDF editors come with trial versions that let you try out their functions before purchasing the full version. If this option isn’t offered, you should check whether the company provides a demo version of its product.
Some developers provide a free PDF editor that lets you use their products without paying anything. These editors usually offer the basic editing needs for simple documents.
Important features
The next factor to consider when choosing a PDF editor is the number of features available. You should look for a PDF editor that offers all of the features you need. These include:
- adding annotations
- tracking changes made to their files
- viewing pages at different zoom levels
- searching through text
- image cropping
- text highlighting
- page numbering
- commenting
- merging multiple PDF files
- adding new pages
- creating forms
- saving a copy of the edited file
- compressing the file
- converting the file to another format
Many editing software like https://www.youtube.com/c/FoxitSoftwareInc/ is available and ready to download online.
The developers behind the software
The developers behind the software should be reputable companies that produce high-quality products. They should also be willing to answer questions about their products and help users resolve issues.
The company’s customer service
One of the most important aspects of any software is customer service. In fact, 90% of Americans consider customer service the most crucial factor in determining whether or not to buy from a business. When looking for a good PDF editor, make sure to look up reviews of the developer online. (3)
These are some of the questions that you should ask yourself before buying a particular tool:
- When you encounter problems using the software, how easy is it to get support from the developer?
- Do they respond quickly to emails or phone calls?
- How much time does it take to fix issues?
The customer service team at a company should be helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive. In addition, they should respond quickly to any problems that you encounter.
Most companies offer some type of technical support. Although some provide live chat support, it is usually limited to email and phone calls, except for Foxit who provides a 24/7 live customer support team to answer all your questions.
Your editing time
You don’t necessarily need a full-featured PDF editor right away. You may start with something simple to get comfortable with the interface before moving on to more complex functions. If you only have limited time to work on your PDF files, you should look for a lightweight application that allows you to perform basic edits quickly.
Formats supported
You should always check whether your PDF editor supports multiple formats. It includes support for common document types, such as .docx, .pptx, and .txt. Also, ensure that it supports the latest versions of those file types.
Documentations Available
It’s helpful to learn about the capabilities of your PDF editing program by reading through the user manual or other documentation available. Moreover, it’ll give you an actual experience of using the program.
Security
When looking for a PDF editor, you should ask yourself whether it offers adequate security measures. Most reputable PDF applications use passwords to encrypt data stored on your computer to protect against unauthorized access. Additionally, you should ensure that it prevents malware from infecting your system.
If you’re a business owner, you’ll probably want to choose a PDF editor that offers additional security features. In addition to this, you might want to look at a program that allows you to restrict access to certain pages within your document.
Other programs that offer similar functionality
Lastly, many PDF editors are available that offer the same solutions but provide different functions. However, some of them are better suited for specific purposes. For example, there are tools designed primarily for creating and modifying PDF files. They also offer all of the same features found in most PDF editors and include additional tools helpful in working with PDF documents.
Final thoughts
There is no one best tool for every situation. Instead, it would be best to consider what functionality you require and pick an app that meets your needs. As long as you keep these things in mind when choosing a PDF editor, you can be confident that you’ve chosen the right application.
References:
- “PDF statistics – the universe of electronic documents,” Source: https://industrytoday.com/pdf-files-for-business-solutions/
- “PDF Files for Business Solutions,” Source: https://industrytoday.com/pdf-files-for-business-solutions/
- “Why Customer Service is Important: 16 Data-Backed Facts to Know,” Source: https://blog.hubspot.com/service/importance-customer-service