Adobe introduced the PDF format for the first time many years ago, making it possible to share documents, keeping the original formatting and preventing it from being changed. Since then, the PDF format has become a worldwide standard for exchanging documents in various fields. Working at school and for home use; subsequently, however, an alternative was sought to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and that is how various software were launched that allow the management of PDF files.
The need to find an alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC was born from the fact that this program, thanks to the addition of new features and functions, has become a bit ‘too heavy, so not ideal for those who want something light and fast or for those not in possession of latest-generation performance computers.
Below we are going to propose some good alternatives to Adobe Acrobat DC, which allow the creation, editing and management of PDF files.
1. PDFelement
PDFelement is an excellent program for editing PDF files, designed with extreme care to make the management work simple and intuitive, the graphical user interface is clear and the functions are presented so as to be easily understood.
The options available to the user are numerous and include creating, opening, annotating, editing, sharing, organizing, converting and protecting PDF files.
PDFelement is able to perform any type of operation on a PDF file, after the start you can see what you can do immediately: you can open a document and proceed with the change by adding text, images and links and much more; you can convert a PDF to another format thanks to the Convert PDF entry; you can create a new PDF using the Create PDF entry, or decide to combine PDFs and perform blocking operations. More features are explained in this 30 seconds video from Wondershare about PDFelement.
What positively affects PDFelement is the ease and speed of use, it is an extremely versatile software that allows you to edit and work PDFs with the same simplicity as you work on text documents in word format
Pros:
- Edit and annotate PDFs quickly.
- Create and convert PDFs from/to other file formats.
- Fill forms and sign contracts easily.
- Use OCR to transform scanned PDFs into editable text.
- Fully compatible with Windows 10.
Cons:
- Interface details need to be optimised further
Price and Cost:
You can download free trial for PDFelement from this link.
2. Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is the first valid alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC launched a few years ago, it was a very intuitive and fast program, then after several updates, it is weighed down a bit ‘due to the introduction of new features, but still remains a very good product.
It allows you to view multiple PDFs at the same time and to edit them with annotations, texts, images and many other functions; in its PRO version, it allows to perform OCR recognition, develop PDF forms and activate file protections.
It is a complete software in its paid version, while in the free version the functions are limited to the display of PDF files and some basic editing options.
In addition, we also report the possibility of having Foxit Reader on smartphones and tablets, thanks to the free application made for Android and for iPhone and iPad, which allows you to open and view PDF documents and edit them with small operations.
For both the desktop and mobile versions, we have an intuitive, clean and designed interface that makes navigating through the program’s features easy to navigate, and is undoubtedly a good alternative to Adobe Reader, especially if you’re looking for something that allow you to open PDF and edit them in no time.
Pros:
- Fast install and operation.
- Safe reading mode.
- Small installer size.
- Facebook and Twitter sharing button.
- Tabbed interface
Cons:
- Can’t display all complex PDF types. Doesn’t help you create digital signatures.
Price and Cost:
You can download free trial for foxit reader from this link.
3. Nitro PDF
Nitro PDF is a very valid software for converting and editing PDF files, made in a way that is easy to use, it also works as a PDF reader, presenting itself as an excellent alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
This program supports conversion from WordPerfect files, Microsoft Office, HTML and Images to PDF, also allows you to scan a document or image and add it directly to the PDF document you are working on.
With Nitro PDF you can create new PDFs, convert from PDF to Word or Excel in just a few seconds; insert text, footer, images, watermarks in documents, or insert attachments or links from the web.
Nitro PDF allows the creation of PDF files from over 300 different formats, with the ability to add comments, extract elements, insert stamps and hand signatures and many other features to discover.
We are in front of a light and fast software, complete with every feature, its interface is designed to make immediate any operation or change, in addition, there are additional services in the Pro version, ideal for professionals or for those who need to work on files in 360° PDF format with tools that are not offered by other programs of the same kind.
Pros:
- Easy, accurate PDF creation and conversion
- Edit text, images, pages within any PDF
- Integration with unlimited eSigning tools
- Intuitive Microsoft Office–style interface
- Supports all significant file formats
Cons:
- The desktop Nitro Pro application is not compatible with Mac computers (however, the Nitro Cloud platform is available for all devices).
Price and Cost:
You can download free trial for Nitro PDF from this link.