What is Adobe Acrobat?
Adobe Acrobat is a software program that allows you to create PDF documents. And Adobe Acrobat is a handy PDF program that you should download and install on your computer. But first, make sure that this software is compatible with your computer or mobile device. Adobe Acrobat is a cross-platform application that works on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, and Windows phones. This allows you to view and handle PDF files on both your phone and your computer. It works with the following versions of Windows: 10, 8, 7, XP, and Server. It works with macOS X 10.6, 10,7, 10,8, 10,9, 10,10.
We’ve all used Adobe Acrobat on one of our PCs at some point in our lives. Adobe Acrobat was without a doubt the best PDF viewer and editor. However, during the last decade, there has been a slew of new competitors emerged, all of them being formidable competitors. This post is for you if you’ve had enough of Adobe Acrobat or if you’ve been looking for a somewhat different (or even superior) alternative.
Continue reading to see why choosing an Adobe alternative can make sense, as well as the top 12 options to make your decision easier.
Why Would You Need a Replacement for Adobe Acrobat?
Why fix something that isn’t broken, right? That isn’t exactly correct. There are numerous reasons why you might require an Adobe Acrobat substitute. This could be a good enough justification if you believe technology is improving and Adobe Acrobat isn’t keeping up. Another compelling reason is the increase in the price of a single AA subscription from $39.99 to $48.99 per month.
However, I’ve noticed that most users use PDF tool alternatives for a variety of other reasons. Better compatibility, more features, lighter software, easier use, faster use, more editing tools, and other factors are among them.
Adobe Acrobat is what I like to think of as an all-in-one PDF utility that does practically everything. However, if you begin working with PDFs on a regular basis, you may discover that you are missing something that would make your job easier.
That’s cause enough to look into the alternatives listed below!
12 Best Adobe Acrobat Alternatives In 2022
Each possibility has advantages and disadvantages, but it can contain that one characteristic that you’re looking for, so it’s critical that you investigate each one thoroughly!
1. PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange is an excellent editor to consider if you’re seeking an option that will improve your PDF viewing and editing experience. And PDF-XChange is based on cutting-edge technologies, including OCR (Optical Character Recognition) (known as OCR).
This PDF editor’s greatest benefit is that it allows you to edit picture scanned documents right on your computer. The PDF-XChange Editor’s interface may appear intimidating at first, but that should not deter you from understanding it because it has a lot to offer.
2. Nitro PDF Reader
The Nitro PDF reader is a terrific alternative to Adobe Acrobat since it has a lot of features that you probably use every day, but it also has a lot of capabilities that help you work with PDF documents better. However, the most significant benefit of Nitro PDF Reader is that it supports touchscreen devices, allowing you to operate directly on your PDF files using touch. You’ll save time and get work done faster with built-in features like annotation, and you’ll even collaborate better with others.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to digitally sign your PDF documents with the Nitro PDF reader (which would be a great feature considering the touchscreen capability).
3. Sumatra PDF
Sumatra PDF is a free and lightweight PDF viewer and light editor that is both small and powerful. And Sumatra PDF is so light that you can put it on a USB drive and use it right away without having to install anything. However, you can also download and install the specific version on your PC.
What makes Sumatra PDF so appealing is that it isn’t overburdened with features, allowing it to run swiftly and consistently. Although the UI is minimal, which helps you focus on the content you’re watching, it does have a few features that allow you to make minor adjustments or improve your viewing experience.
4. ARender
ARender is a hybrid between file readers and PDF readers, making it one of the most adaptable readers on the market. It’s an excellent Adobe Acrobat replacement because it not only focuses on PDFs but also on offering a wonderful viewing experience for any other file type.
You’ll never have trouble seeing or opening documents with ARender, no matter where you are. Furthermore, ARender is quite light and compact, allowing you to take it with you and utilize it on multiple devices. ARender is arguably one of the fastest document opening tools because it’s a web-based application, but it still maintains a high level of security.
5. Google PDF Reader
Almost everyone uses Gmail, and Gmail users are likely to utilize other Google Suite of tools services as well. Not everyone is aware, however, that Google has its own PDF viewer that you can access directly from your Chrome browser.
To use Google PDF reader, just add it as an extension to your Chrome browser by putting “chrome:/flags” into your address bar (remember to restart your browser after activating it). This PDF reader will automatically open a PDF document in your browser in the Google PDF reader interface whenever you come across one online.
6. React PDF Viewer
React PDF viewer is a terrific option if you’re seeking a great Adobe Acrobat replacement as a React user. The React PDF viewer is powered by the React web platform, which can be installed on any device by running “npm install react-pdf” on the terminal. You can then use the command “import (document) from react-pdf'” to open any existing PDF. And you can add pages to your existing PDF document or create new PDF documents in addition to viewing them.
7. Foxit Reader
The most significant advantage of Foxit Reader over Adobe Acrobat is that it is designed with experts in mind. Furthermore, Foxit Reader is available for free with the option to upgrade to a commercial version (which is steeply priced).
Because Foxit Reader can be linked and utilized within the most popular CRM software, it can assist professionals who use CRM software or work as part of a remote team. This means that apps like iManage WorkSite can open PDFs directly. With the incorporation of the most common PDF editing features, together with a sleek and simple UI, better productivity and great workflow are ensured.
8. Liquid Text PDF Reader
The Liquid Text PDF reader is the solution you need if you use a PDF viewer to read eBooks, sort PDF files, learn or study, and you always try to mark or underline paragraphs. And Liquid Text is a PDF reader that makes combing through dozens (if not hundreds) of PDF pages a breeze.
The search tool of the Liquid Text PDF reader allows you to find nearly anything within your PDFs, but it also allows you to keep organized and have a clear view of your PDF pages.
9. PDFelement
When you’re looking for a more comprehensive alternative to Adobe Acrobat, PDFelement is a strong contender. PDFelement is a multi-functional PDF viewer and editor that lets you make whatever changes you want to your PDF files.
And PDFelement features the newest technologies, including OCR technology (in 20 different languages), automated spelling error detection (much like when utilizing text documents), and more.
10. SlimPDF Reader
SlimPDF reader is what you’re looking for if you’re a Mac user who likes the inbuilt Apple Preview that allows you to check out any form of a document, including PDFs, but wants something similar with a few more sophisticated features. And SlimPDF is a PDF viewer that functions similarly to Preview, but it has built-in editing features that enable quick changes without taking up too much space on your Mac or causing security risks.
Its main advantage (aside from the fact that it’s free to use) is that it offers a better navigational experience with a simple interface that includes the most commonly used tools for editing PDFs.
11. Power PDF
If you prefer to create PDFs rather than modify them, Power PDF is the appropriate Adobe Acrobat replacement for you. The ability to use the dictate-to-text feature of Power PDF is its major advantage, as it allows you to quickly make PDFs without having to type everything down. Furthermore, the interface of Power PDF is extremely similar to that of the most common Office applications that many of us use on a regular basis. As a result, you’ll never have to learn how to use the features.
12. PDF Lite
PDF Lite is an excellent choice if you’re searching for a fairly flexible PDF reader/editor that’s built on open-source software and is free to use. And PDF Lite is a lightweight PDF viewer that also offers strong editing features, allowing you to digitally sign PDF documents and add annotations or highlight text portions.
Furthermore, PDF Lite is great for viewing documents because it runs smoothly, has a simple interface, and has no learning curve. Another fantastic benefit is that PDF Lite is a little program that won’t take up a lot of space on your computer; however, bear in mind that it may consume a little extra RAM while you’re using it.
Conclusion
Whether you need more than just a PDF reader or want to make your work more simple and straightforward, these are some of the top Adobe Acrobat competitors that may help you accomplish a lot more.
Any of these will save you money, but they’ll also likely unlock a few features in certain areas that you’ll find handy.
As a result, I propose that you look through all of your alternatives and pick one that best suits your needs and the type of job you do!
