Adobe Acrobat is the mighty juggernaut of PDF software, and the beta version that I tested of Acrobat 9 Pro proves that a juggernaut can get smarter and more fl About VintageCAD We provide an important and cost effective alternative for businesses to purchase much needed software at heavily discounted prices. Adobe Acrobat Reader for Mac Versus Adobe Acrobat DC Adobe Acrobat DC is a complete PDF viewing and editing solution packed with best-in-class tools to satisfy all PDF needs. Whereas Adobe Acrobat Reader for Mac is aimed chiefly at the consumers of PDF files, Adobe Acrobat is aimed at the authors of PDF files.
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is the brand’s newest PDF editor.
Advertised as an all-encompassing solution, it seems great for heavy-duty PDF users. But it also costs $14.99/month after a free, week-long trial. If you’re an equally cost-conscious and tech-savvy person, you may be wondering about free alternatives.
A Free Adobe Acrobat Pro DC Alternative
One Adobe alternative that I’ve used in the past is PDFescape. For this post, I’m going to compare PDFescape to Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, just to see if Adobe really is better.
PDFescape is available in three versions, including PDFescape Basic. This version is free, and it’s the version I’ll be comparing to Adobe Acrobat Pro DC below. I’ve downloaded the desktop version of this PDF tool for WindowsThe 6 Best PDF Readers for Windows in 2019The 6 Best PDF Readers for Windows in 2019The best PDF readers don't cost any money. Read our roundup of feature-rich PDF viewers that out perform even Adobe Reader.Read More rather than using the web version. I think this will give me the most accurate comparison.
If you want to splurge for the Premium or Ultimate versions of PDFescape, those cost $2.99 or $5.99 per month respectively, billed yearly. Otherwise, pay $5.99 or $8.99 on a monthly billing cycle.
PDFescape lets you manipulate PDFs for a drastically lower price than what Adobe Acrobat Pro DC costs. (That is, for free.) But how does this free PDF editor stack up against Adobe Acrobat Pro DC?
Let’s take a look.
Download:PDFescape (Free Basic version for Windows users) | Adobe Acrobat Pro DC (Works with both Windows and Mac platforms and costs $14.99/month after a two-week free trial)
User Interface
Both Acrobat Pro DC and PDFescape have a similar, multi-pane interface structure.
The main pane in each program lets you view your uploaded PDF. There are tools to edit it on the right and left bars.
In PDFescape, there’s also a toolbar at the very bottom of the software window.
Check out the top pane and the tools inside it, also. PDFescape uses the Ribbon interface you’ll recognize from Microsoft Word and other Microsoft product, perhaps as a way to make the software more intuitive for users.
In contrast, Adobe doesn’t mirror any other commonly used software programs, unless you frequently use Adobe products. Acrobat Pro DC features tool menus that are set up similarly to older versions of Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader.
This is nice if you’re already familiar with Adobe productsYour Guide to Choosing the Right Adobe ProductYour Guide to Choosing the Right Adobe ProductWhen most people think of Adobe, they either think of Photoshop or Acrobat Reader. But the company has a plethora of other useful software packages that most people know nothing about.Read More, but if you’re not, it can be a little difficult to get used to Acrobat’s setup.
The features on the right side of Acrobat’s interface let you access additional commands and manipulation options, whereas the features on the right and left side of PDFescape seem to offer a few additional feature, but otherwise don’t reveal much.
The options at the top of the interface offer more features, but some of these are a bit redundant. For example, there are several Edit and View buttons, which contribute to the toolbars being overly cluttered.
Looking back to Acrobat, you may notice that Adobe’s Home interface has more words than icons. The file list in the middle pane shows you all the files that you’ve recently uploaded to Acrobat Pro Dc.
PDFescape has a similar feature, though instead of a list the software lists your recent documents in thumbnail views.
And the winner is: PDFescape.
Despite my dislike of PDFescape’s redundant menu options, I do like that this software makes it extremely easy to navigate through the different PDF options, all from the top menu bar.
In contrast, Acrobat only lets you review certain options at one time.
You can easily just click the X to get out of any PDF management pane you have open, but I like being able to see all my options in one location, which PDFescape allows.
Editing Capabilities
The Tools tab in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC reveals a wealth of well-organized options.
Combine Files allows for combining material from several PDF files into one. After clicking the Combine Files button, you’ll be prompted to upload the PDFs you want to combine. Then just click Combine.
Your combined PDFs will show up in a new Binder tab. You can easily adjust the order of the combined pages by clicking Organize Pages. Just drag and drop the pages the way you’d like them ordered, and close the pane.
You can also combine files in PDFescape. From the main interface, go to Create PDF, then click Combine Files.
Upload both PDF files you want to merge and click Combine.
Adobe Reader For Mac
Just like with Acrobat, this combines both PDFs into a single document.
Both the 'Preview' program (that comes with Mac OS X) and Adobe Reader (extra software they may have already installed) can open PDF files. Tips on creating encrypted PDF files Here are some additional things to know: You can also use this method with an existing confidential regular document (Word, Excel, etc.).
Unfortunately, you can’t further adjust the page order with the Basic version of PDFescape. If you want to use the Page Preview panel to reorder your PDF pages, you’ll have to upgrade to a paid account.
Unfortunately, this seems to be the case for a lot of PDFescape’s features.
Here are a few more things you can’t do with the free version that you can unlock with the paid versions:
- Insert or edit images
- Add page numbers
- Add a header or footer
- Split the PDF’s pages
- Convert your PDFs to other formats (such as Word, Excel or HTML)
- Highlight text or add review notes
- Password secure your PDF or set secure permissions
And these limitations are just to name a few.
However, it is worth pointing out that some of these features can be accessed with the (still free) online version of PDFescape.
You can’t do anything complicated, but you do gain the ability to highlight, comment, and annotate the PDF, though the editing features here are less powerful. Additionally, you can use the online PDF editor offered by PDFescape to encrypt your PDF, which the desktop version doesn’t give you free access to.
Conversely, editing PDF text and images in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a straightforward process. This is likely because Acrobat Pro DC is a paid PDF editor already.
You can easily crop photos, enjoy a convenient automatic spell check feature, and watch formatting automatically adjust to added text.
And the winner is: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
I found it super inconvenient that PDFescape would allow me to combine filesHow to Edit, Combine, and Sign a PDF File for FreeHow to Edit, Combine, and Sign a PDF File for FreeWe show you how to split, merge, downsize, and do all kinds of magic with PDF files. Read on if you're ready to take your PDF documents to the next level!Read More, but then not let me rearrange those file pages. I also don’t think that giving users image editing permissions is too much to ask of a free tool, so I have to say I found PDFescape really lacking here.
I’m also just straight up confused by the inability to comment or highlight in the desktop version of the free software when these features are offered for free on the software’s online version.
There’s no way around it, Acrobat Pro DC is just way easier to work with when editing PDFs.
Signature Capabilities
There are many instances when you might need to sign a PDFThe Best Apps to Sign, Annotate, and Edit PDFs on iPadsThe Best Apps to Sign, Annotate, and Edit PDFs on iPadsIf you find yourself dealing with a lot of PDF files, it's only natural you'll want something other than Apple's basic iBooks before long. Here are our favorite PDF tools for your iPad.Read More. After filling out a W-2 form for tax purposes or reviewing your rental contract, for example.
Unfortunately, the complimentary, basic version of PDFescape does not offer a native PDF-signing feature. You’d have to upgrade to a PDFescape Ultimate membership in order to unlock those features.
You can, however, sign PDFs in PDFescape’s web interface. Go back to the web platform we discussed in the previous section and upload the PDF you need to sign. Click on the Text feature to type out any information you need to include in blank fields throughout the document.
Then, when you’re ready to sign, just use the dropdown font menu to select the Signature font.
Sign your name, and click the double green arrow button to automatically save and download your signed PDF file.
To add a signature in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, click the Fill & Sign option in the right-hand menu.
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Choose Sign from the top toolbar. If you’ve previously signed something in Acrobat Pro DC, the software will remember your signature, as you can see in the screenshot below.
If this is your first time signing a PDF in Acrobat, all you have to do is click Add Signature. Then, simply type, draw, or upload an image of your signature to the software and click Apply.
You’ll then be able to place your signature on the appropriate line and adjust the size.
And the winner is: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
Okay, both of these programs can work equally well to sign your PDF documents, but PDFescape will only let you sign your documents if you upload them to the web platform. If you already have the free software downloaded on your computer, this just creates an extra step.
With Acrobat Pro DC, however, you get easily accessible and convenient signing features right at your fingertips.
Accessibility Options
Initially, PDFescape was a purely cloud-based application (i.e. the web platform was its only platform). More recently, the service developed the offline-friendly desktop version, which I’ve been using throughout this article. A blog post about the desktop version mentions using PDFescape “on the go.” However, PDFescape does not have a smartphone or tablet app, so you’re still dependent on a laptop.
Furthermore, only Premium or Ultimate users get offline access; as a free user, you’re out of luck.
As for Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, it has both Android and iOS apps. The apps are free with your Adobe subscription, so if you really feel like editing PDFs from your iPhone or Android device, you certainly can.
And the winner is: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
The sheer convenience of having access to your PDFs from a mobile app gives Acrobat Pro DC a clear advantage over PDFescape here.
The Final Verdict…
While PDFescape is convenient if you just need to combine a few PDFs or use the web portal to sign a contract, the free software fell tremendously short in this comparison.
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is your best choice for extensive PDF editingThe Adobe Acrobat Pro DC Mini Guide for Managing PDFsThe Adobe Acrobat Pro DC Mini Guide for Managing PDFsAdobe Acrobat Pro DC is a comprehensive solution for managing PDFs. This article covers the key features you must know to create and edit PDFs like a pro.Read More, signing, and manipulation since you can do pretty much anything you want to your PDFs with your Acrobat subscription. It’s also easy to use and has a beautiful interface.
In comparison, PDFescape isn’t necessarily difficult to use, but its crowded interface isn’t always the most intuitive, and many of the tools in the software are inaccessible with the free software.
Also, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC boasts even more features not covered here in detail. There is a Compare feature that contrasts differences between two PDFs. You can also integrate with Dropbox or track PDF forms sent to others.
Purchasing the Premium or Ultimate version of PDFescape unlocks numerous capabilities, too. But as far as its free version goes, there’s really no contest. The free version of PDFescape has numerous limitations where the Adobe program performs easily.
Is Acrobat Pro DC Worth the Money?
I think it is, but what do you think? Would you still rather jump through hoops with a free PDF editor, or have all of the features you need in one place? Or can you recommend another free PDF editor with more options and fewer limitations?
And for Adobe apps that are worth installing7 Lesser-Known Adobe Apps Worth Downloading7 Lesser-Known Adobe Apps Worth DownloadingEveryone knows Adobe offers apps for mobile platforms, but do you know about these hidden gem Adobe apps on Android and iOS?Read More, check out this helpful list.
Explore more about: PDF, PDF Editor.
- I use Nitro pdf editor at work. All I need to be able to do is add text to pdf's and it does the job for me, as the newest version of Adobe (Free) doesn't allow any editing. Nitro pro does cost equivalent if not more than Adobe Pro, but you can get a week free trial (bonus: no credit card required!) and then have option to buy or not. If you don't you can still add text at least. http://www.gonitro.com
- PDF was created as a drug to cause an addiction for it's users. This has the wonderful effect of ensuring a constant stream of revenue to it's pusher.Perhaps, the solution is to use a program that is free and available to all without pawning the TV!
Just silly thought! - 'And the winner is: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.'
It would be a shocker if it wasn't. After all, Adobe just about owns PDF. The comparison seems unfair. You are comparing a Pro version of Acrobat with a light-weight, basic version of PDFescape. It's like comparing MS Word against Notepad++ and declaring that Word is better. Like DUH!For the past few months I have been using MasterPDFeditor to massage my PDF files. Originally I downloaded and installed the Linux version but have since found out that it is included as part of the default application suite of many Linux distros.Since I have not pushed MasterPDFeditor to the limit of its capabilities, I cannot speak to its abilities or how it compares with other PDF editors. So far it has done the job for me. - Most of the commonly needed options for Acrobat are available in various freeware programs. Unfortunately, if you need color separation previews and to edit layers, you need the full Pro version and to spend the money. Worse, getting the 'cloud' version to work with good security and a corporate firewall that allows Adobe to do what they want for authentication/licensing can be a pain in someplace beside your wallet.
To edit PDF text in Adobe Acrobat is fairly simple, there are ways to go about it. However, it can be a little complicated for someone who has never used it before. Plus, a lot of the options, like editing and annotating text, doesn't appear by default. You will have to purchase a subscription with Adobe in order to be able to use them.
You might have tried looking for an alternative before. There are a couple online pdf editors out there, that allow you to edit PDF text. Those don't require much outside of uploading the PDF file to their website. However, it's always best to have an actual PDF editor that you can download and install to use offline and has all the same capabilities, if not more, that Adobe Acrobat has.
You might have tried looking for an alternative before. There are a couple online pdf editors out there, that allow you to edit PDF text. Those don't require much outside of uploading the PDF file to their website. However, it's always best to have an actual PDF editor that you can download and install to use offline and has all the same capabilities, if not more, that Adobe Acrobat has.
Part 1. How to Edit PDF Text in Adobe Acrobat Alternative
The Best Adobe Acrobat Alternative to Edit PDF Text
If you are looking for a good alternative to Adobe Acrobat, that has multiple PDF editing tools to help you edit PDF texts and also easy to use, I suggest giving iSkysoft PDF Editor 6 Professional for Windows (or iSkysoft PDF Editor 6 Professional for Mac)a try. With this PDF editor you can edit text in PDF, rotate PDF images and edit pages in PDF files easily. This PDF professional PDF editor will help you to add text-box to PDF files, to change font size and font style of the text content in PDF documents with ease. There are a lot of things that can be done involving the editing of PDF text.
How to Edit PDF Text in Acrobat Alternative
Step 1. Import PDF to the PDF Editor
Once it has been installed, launch the program in other to begin. You're going to have import the PDF file into the program, which is very simple. All you have to do is to click on the 'Open File' button, this will then prompt you to locate the PDF file that you want to edit. Highlight said file and press the 'Open' button. That's all it takes to import the PDF file successfully.
Step 2. Edit PDF Text
Once the file has been imported, you will be able to see the editable text outline. All you have to do is click on the 'Edit' button and move the cursor to select the text to be able to edit. A toolbar will pop-up that will allow you to edit the text in a couple of different ways. Things like changing the font, size, color, italicizing, bolding, underlining, and so much more.
Add tex-box to PDF: Under the 'Edit' tab, you can click on the 'Add Text' button. Then you can move the cursor to add text-box to PDF files with ease. Then you can enter the text content you wanted.
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Edit PDF font size: To edit PDF font size, you can easily move the cursor to select the text content and click on the 'Number box' to change the font size according to your needs.
Edit PDF font style: This PDF editor also allows you to change PDF font style according to your demand. After you've selected the text content, you will get a pop up window and you can click on the 'Font Style' box to open the drop down list and select the font style you needed.
Edit PDF font color: Sometimes, you may want to change the font color of the text contents to make the important information stand out. Now you can use this PDF editor to achieve this goal. Click on the 'T' icon on the pop up window or on the 'Properties' menu on the right side of the main interface. You can choose the color from the list or customize the color by clicking on the 'More Colors' button.
Step 3. Annotate/Markup PDF Files
In order to annotate, click on the 'Comment' tab, and then you will find many PDF annotation tools. Next up, all you have to do is to click on the 'Note' button and place the 'Note' icon to the text part you would like to comment on. A pop-up box will open up asking you to leave your comment. It will record not only your name but also the date and time that you made said comment. This will also highlight the text automatically and add a little thought bubble icon on top of the text. If you hover over the now highlighted text, the comment will now appear and can be read by anyone who has access to the PDF.
Step 4. Save PDF Files
Edit the PDF text as much as you want. When you are done, you can save it. In order to do that, you have to click 'File.' The screen will change, and you'll see the 'Save' or 'Save as' options. There are other options as well that will allow you to convert and or optimize the PDF. However, if you would just like to save it as a regular PDF document, all you have to do is click 'Save.' This will open up a windows pop-up that will prompt you to save the file.
Why Choose iSkysoft PDF Editor 6 Professional to Edit PDF Text
With iSkysoft PDF Editor 6 Professional for Windows (or iSkysoft PDF Editor 6 Professional for Mac), you not only can edit PDF texts, but also edit PDF images, links, pages and other elements. Advanced OCR feature enables you to edit and convert scanned PDF files easily.
Main features of iSkysoft PDF Editor 6 Pro:
- Easy rotate, crop, flip and replace images in PDF files.
- Adjust PDF texts by changing: font, size, color, etc.
- Markup and or Annotate PDF documents with multiple PDF annotation tools.
- Convert a PDF file into your desired formats: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Images, etc.
Part 2. How to Edit PDF Text in Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat can be the another choice to edit PDF texts easily. Most of the users downloads and use Adobe Acrobat to edit PDF files. Follow the steps below, you can easily edit PDF text with Adobe.
Step 1. Install and Launch Adobe Acrobat
As mentioned, you are able to edit PDF text with Adobe Acrobat. Once you've installed the program on your computer, all you have to do is import the PDF into Adobe Acrobat and you will now be able to view the PDF.
Adobe Pdf Reader For Mac
Step 2. Edit PDF Text in Acrobat
In order to be able to edit, you're going to have to open the Edit tools option. To do that, click the 'Tools' tab. You will see an Edit PDF option. If you have not signed up for a prescription, just press 'Open' and 'Add.' This will send you over to their available licenses, which you can purchase. Doing so will allow you to edit the PDF text with Adobe Acrobat.
Part 3. Comparison on Adobe Acrobat vs iSkysoft PDF Editor 6 Pro
Items | Adobe Acrobat | iSkysoft PDF Editor 6 Professional |
---|---|---|
Edit PDF | Edit PDF files basically. | Built-in multiple PDF editing tools. |
Annotate PDF | Easily higlight PDF text and add comments to PDF files. | Annotate PDF with professional PDF annotation tools and easy to use. |
Single License | $14.99 per month (Yearly payment) $24.99 per month | $99.95 |
Multi-license | Same as single license | $187.91 (up to 20 PCs). |
Supported System | Windows/Mac | Windows 10, Windows 8, 7, XP Mac OS X 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10 |
Customer Support | Excellent | Excellent |
Running Speed | Great | Fast |
User Friendly Crack for adobe premiere pro cc 2017 mac. | For Advanced Users | For Advanced Users |