Top 14 PDF Editors for Mac in 2024 (Free vs. Paid)

PDF documents have become an integral part of our professional and personal lives, and having reliable and powerful PDF editing tools is essential for Mac users. Whether it’s editing contracts, annotating reports, or filling out PDF forms, it is vital to select a powerful PDF editing tool to seamlessly manage PDF documents.

In this article, we explore the top 14 PDF editors for Mac, comparing both free and paid options, that will help you find the ideal PDF editor. With these powerful PDF editing tools, you can enhance productivity and unlock the full potential of your PDF documents. Get ready to dive into efficient and effective PDF editing on your Mac and take full advantage of the features available to you.

Features to Look for in a PDF Editor for Mac

When selecting a PDF editor for your Mac, it’s important to consider the following key features:

• Editing capabilities: Ensure it provides text editing, image manipulation, and page rearrangement for comprehensive PDF editing.
• Intuitive user interface: A clean and intuitive interface, ensuring ease of navigation and tool accessibility, provides a smooth editing experience, even for beginners.
• Security features: Protecting sensitive information and safeguarding confidential data from unauthorized access is essential, especially for business users. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the editing tools you choose offer robust security features such as password protection, encryption, and redaction capabilities.
• Compatibility with other software: Ensure seamless integration with other commonly used software on your Mac, allowing for easy importing and exporting of PDF files and enhancing your workflow.
• Cloud integration: It enables seamless storage, access, and sharing of PDF documents across multiple devices and platforms, ensuring effortless accessibility and collaboration for users who work across different devices or collaborate with others.

Considering these indispensable features will help you make an informed decision when choosing a PDF editor for your Mac. Prioritize your specific editing needs and workflow requirements to find the perfect PDF alternative editor that meets your expectations.

7 Best Free PDF Editors for Mac

1. Libre Office

LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite that offers extensive editing features, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations, in addition to PDF editing capabilities.  However, it’s important to note that the interface of LibreOffice may seem cluttered and overwhelming, especially for users who are new to the software. The abundance of features and customization options can contribute to a complex interface. Despite this downside, it remains a powerful solution for those seeking a free PDF editor for Mac. Its open-source nature and the diverse set of features it provides make it a versatile tool for editing PDF documents and performing various office tasks.

2. PDF to Text Converter by ImagtoText.info

PDF-to-text converter by Imagetotext.info can also be used as a PDF editor. Because it quickly and efficiently extracts all the text from PDF and provides results in an editable format. The tool uses advanced Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to perform in order to turn PDF into editable text. Additionally, it allows users to submit the PDF file either by uploading or by drag & drop. When it comes to output results, the tool gives the option to either copy or download results for later use. 

3. Inkscape

Inkscape is a notable free PDF editor for Mac that stands out for its advanced vector graphics editing capabilities and extensive support for text editing. It offers a wide range of fill and stroke options, allowing users to create visually appealing and detailed designs.

However, Inkscape may not be the ideal choice for printing and publishing purposes, as it lacks the ability to choose a specific color mode. This can result in inconsistencies in printed output colors. Despite this drawback, Inkscape remains a powerful freehand drawing tool for Mac users, enabling them to create intricate and professional-looking designs within PDF documents.

4. Sejda PDF

With Sejda PDF, users can perform a variety of tasks for free, including merging and splitting PDFs, adding watermarks, signatures, and more. It offers a wide range of editing capabilities, enabling efficient and convenient PDF modifications.

However, there are some limitations to be aware of. These limitations include a maximum of three tasks per day, a file size restriction of up to 50MB and 200 pages, and a limit of 5MB for images. Additionally, the conversion of files needs to be done one by one. Another potential downside of Sejda PDF is that the loading of files may be slow, which can affect the overall user experience. Despite these limitations, Sejda PDF remains a useful online PDF editor for Mac users, particularly for quick and straightforward editing tasks, such as adding a hand-written signature or applying watermarks to PDF files.

5. Apple Preview

Apple Preview is a built-in PDF editor on macOS, providing a convenient solution for editing PDF content. With Apple Preview, users can easily annotate and markup PDF files, making it suitable for adding comments, highlighting text, and drawing shapes. It also allows users to protect their confidential documents by adding password protection to PDF files. Furthermore, Apple Preview supports various image file types, including JPEG, PNG, PSD, and TIFF, enabling users to seamlessly integrate images into their PDF files. 

However, it is unable to edit the original text within a PDF, which restricts its functionality for extensive editing tasks. While it offers basic annotation features like highlighting and adding text boxes, the editing capabilities are limited compared to dedicated PDF editors. Despite these limitations, Apple Preview serves as a convenient built-in option for Mac users who require simple PDF editing tasks and markup tools without the need for extensive modifications to the PDF content.

6. Skim

This app offers basic functionality for viewing, annotating, and note-taking on PDF documents. It provides a user-friendly interface and allows users to easily highlight text, add notes, and export them as text, making it convenient for studying and reviewing PDF files. Skim also offers a full-screen mode, enabling users to have an immersive reading experience without distractions.

However, one of the limitations of Skim is its lack of advanced features, such as OCR (Optical Character Recognition). Without OCR functionality, Skim is unable to recognize and extract text from scanned documents, limiting its capabilities for tasks that require text extraction or conversion. Despite this drawback, Skim serves as a handy tool for basic PDF viewing and annotation needs, providing a straightforward and accessible solution for Mac users.

7. Small PDF

Small PDF is an online free PDF editor, users have access to 21 different PDF tools, including merging, compressing, converting, e-signing PDFs, protecting PDFs with password encryption, and more. This comprehensive set of features makes Small PDF a convenient solution for various PDF editing tasks.

However, one aspect to consider is that the free version of Small PDF is restricted to users through the website and mobile app, which can limit the availability of certain features on the desktop. To unlock the full range of features and access the desktop version, a paid subscription is required. Nevertheless, Small PDF provides a user-friendly interface and a robust set of features for efficient PDF editing.

8. iLovePDF

ILovePDF offers an easy-to-use interface and supports 25 different languages, catering to a diverse user base. ILovePDF also integrates with popular cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox, allowing users to access, process, and save their PDF files directly from their cloud storage accounts.

One aspect to consider is that it can only process one file at a time. This means that users need to upload and process each file individually, which may be time-consuming when working with multiple files.

7 Best Paid PDF Editors for Mac

1. PDF Reader

Pricing Plan:

• Pro Plan: $119.99 (one-time license)
• Volume purchase: contact Kdan Mobile’s sales team

Subscribe to Document 365 to get advanced features, including cloud storage, and it can use across mobile devices, PC, and Mac.

• $4.99/month or $59.99/year

PDF Reader provides extraordinary capabilities, making it the ultimate Mac tool designed to revolutionize PDF editing experience. With its intuitive interface, PDF users can effortlessly split and merge pages, rearrange content, and unlock a world of possibilities. Seamlessly annotate PDFs with precision, collaborate with ease, and add electronic signatures for a professional touch. PDF Reader goes beyond expectations by offering flawless OCR conversion, extracting text from scanned documents with remarkable accuracy. Keep your sensitive information secure with robust encryption options, ensuring the utmost privacy and confidentiality.

Enhance the reading experience with customizable settings that allow users to adjust the page background, reducing eye strain and optimizing comfort. Unleash creativity by printing stunning posters, eye-catching banners, or sleek booklets, transforming your PDFs into captivating visual representations. It allows all Mac users to unlock a world of productivity, collaboration, and creativity. 

2. Adobe Acrobat DC

Pricing Plan:

• Standard Plan: $12.99/month
• Pro Plan: $19.99/month

Adobe Acrobat DC is a leading paid PDF editor for Mac that offers a wide array of features to support users in creating, editing, signing, and protecting their PDF files. With Adobe Acrobat DC, users can enjoy a comprehensive set of tools to enhance their PDF management experience. The Pro option provides additional advanced features, including the ability to convert scanned documents into editable and searchable PDFs, expanding the possibilities for document editing and customization.

Furthermore, Adobe Acrobat DC seamlessly integrates with Adobe Document Cloud, enabling users to access their PDFs from anywhere, making it a convenient solution for remote mobile access and collaboration. With its extensive feature set and support for editable formats, Adobe Acrobat DC empowers Mac users to efficiently handle their PDF documents and leverage additional functionalities for enhanced productivity.

3. Nitro PDF Pro

Pricing Plan:

• One-time license: $179.99 per user

Nitro PDF Pro offers a range of beneficial features in their plan. With its user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation, users can easily view, scan, and convert their files into searchable documents. One standout feature is the ability to correct typos in the OCR text layer, ensuring accurate and error-free text recognition. Additionally, Nitro PDF Pro allows users to convert websites into PDFs, making it convenient for saving web content for offline use or archiving purposes. Another advantage of Nitro PDF Pro is its multilingual support, with availability in six languages, including English, Japanese, German, French, Italian, and Spanish, catering to users from various regions. 

4. PDF Expert

Pricing Plan:

• Yearly Plan: $79.99 billed yearly
• Lifetime Plan: $139.99 one-time payment

PDF Expert offers an intuitive user interface, users can easily navigate and access its comprehensive editing and annotation tools. It allows for efficient and precise modifications to PDF documents, empowering users to make the necessary changes with ease. Additionally, one notable benefit of PDF Expert is its ability to effortlessly transfer PDF documents between Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices. This synchronization feature ensures that users can access and work on their PDFs seamlessly across multiple devices, enhancing productivity and flexibility. Whether you’re editing, annotating, or managing PDF files, PDF Expert provides a user-friendly and feature-rich solution for Mac users.

5. Fine Reader Pro

Pricing Plan:

• Yearly Plan: $69 (1-year license)

With an impressive 29 years of presence in the market, Fine Reader Pro has established itself as one of the leading PDF converters. Fine Reader Pro supports over 190 languages, making it a versatile tool for users around the world. One of its standout features is the ability to effortlessly convert non-searchable documents and paper contracts into searchable PDFs using your iPhone. This makes it incredibly convenient to digitize physical documents and access them digitally for easy retrieval and editing. Fine Reader Pro utilizes advanced AI-based OCR technology, enabling accurate and reliable text recognition for seamless document processing. With Fine Reader Pro, you can streamline your paperwork, simplify document management, and enjoy the benefits of editable files, all without the need for a physical piece of paper.

6. Foxit Phantom PDF

Pricing Plan:

• Yearly Plan: $149

Fox Phantom PDF offers a range of impressive features that make it a powerful PDF editor for Mac users. With the ability to share content on cloud storage, you can easily collaborate and access your files from various devices. One standout feature of Fox Phantom PDF is its integrated e-signature service, allowing you to add a digital signature to your documents for a streamlined and secure workflow.

Additionally, the software seamlessly integrates with Foxit PDF Editor for mobile devices, providing you with convenient editing capabilities on the go. However, it’s important to note that Fox Phantom PDF may experience slower performance when working with larger files. Despite this drawback, the software’s extensive feature set and the inclusion of a digital signature option make it a reliable choice for Mac users.

7. PDFelement

Pricing Plan:

• Yearly Plan: $79.99
• 2-Year Plan: $109.99
• Perpetual License: $129.99 (one-time fee)

PDF Element offers a wide range of features to enhance your productivity. With its excellent compatibility with different file formats, you can seamlessly work with various types of documents. If you find that the software is not compatible with the file formats, consider updating or downgrading your macOS version. You may need to follow these steps to downgrade, if necessary. One notable advantage is the built-in translator, which supports over 100 languages, making it convenient for users dealing with multilingual content. Additionally, PDF Element stands out by allowing users to conduct Wikipedia searches directly within the software, providing quick access to relevant information. Another notable feature is the AI Reading assistant, which assists users in reading and comprehending documents more effectively.

Conclusion

There is an abundance of powerful PDF editing software tools available for Mac users. Whether you need to make minor edits or perform advanced modifications, powerful online tools are at your disposal to meet your specific needs.

Don’t settle for basic PDF viewers when you can have the flexibility and functionality of dedicated PDF editing software, for instance, PDF Reader. By integrating the concept of environmental sustainability with cutting-edge PDF editing capabilities, PDF Reader empowers users to unlock new possibilities in organizing their documents. It serves as a reliable document management service, with its user-friendly interface, compatibility across multiple platforms and advanced security features such as file encryption and decryption. Upgrade your workflow and unlock new possibilities for managing and manipulating PDF files today!