How To: 5 Useful Ways to Edit a PDF Without Adobe

Trying to figure out how to edit that PDF you were just sent? You’re not alone! Here are 5 easy and useful ways to edit a PDF without Adobe Acrobat.

How To: 5 Useful Ways to Edit a PDF Without Adobe

Why do you need to edit a pdf without Adobe anyway?

Because PDFs look the same no matter what device they’re viewed on. Whether you’re using Windows 10, a Mac, Chrome OS, Android, Windows Phone, an iPad, or Windows XP — on any software and hardware, PDFs stay consistent. Consequently this makes them one of the most transferred documents online and across industries.

And, while Adobe is considered the best tool in the industry for editing PDF files — not everyone has it.

Adobe lets you add tables, edit texts, insert images, and many more. However, it is sold at a very high price, hence holding many potential users from purchasing it. It is billed at $14.99 per month or $179 per year, and most individuals and small business owners feel that this is too much, regardless of the features it comes with. It also has a steep learning curve that might be time-consuming.

Having said that, there are free or slightly cheaper options that can help you edit your PDF files.

Were you looking to convert a PDF to a flipbook?

We’ve got you covered! Flipsnack’s easy-to-use PDF to Flipbook converter is the perfect tool for the job. Here’s how to use it:

1. Upload the PDF you want to convert to flipbook

Simply drag-and-drop the PDF file on Flipsnack. Your PDF will be converted into a digital flipbook with a real page-flip effect in a matter of seconds.

2. Customize and brand the appearance of your publication

Add your logo, which appears on the right corner of the flipbook player. Choose a custom color for the background player to create an immersive and branded experience for your company.

3. Publish your online flipbook as public or private

Control who can see your digital flipbook by publishing it as public, where you can optimize it for Google search, unlisted for people to access it only through a private link, or password-protected.

4. Share your digital publication on any platform

Display the converted PDF to flipbook publication on your website or send it via email to easily reach your targeted audience.

 

If you did need to actually edit content within your PDF, well…

Here are 5 Useful Ways to Edit a PDF without Adobe software:

 

1. Online PDF Editing Services

You might have some online PDF files that need quick modification. This is possible, regardless of the deadline. First, make sure that the files are safe and do not contain sensitive or confidential data or information. Once that is done, you can use the online PDF editor to edit your file. After you have uploaded your PDF file to the server, you can begin modifying it right away. Since many online sites offer these services, you need to take time and select the one that has the best features for impressive results.

Depending on the nature of the work you are looking to get done, you can get the best PDF editing service online. Note that free software is usually loaded with features that are not so much developed, but if you just need basic editing and conversions done, they are worth trying.

Here are 5 Free Online PDF editors you can use right now:

1. Small PDF

2. PDF Pro

3. Sejda PDF editor

4. SodaPDF

5. PDF Buddy

2. Basic PDF Editing Using Preview App (Mac Only)

Preview is a built-in app that could help to convert PDF files and photos. It allows you to view and edit your PDF files to match the standards that you are looking for. After you have opened the file, go to the “Tools Panel,” and you will be able to annotate, underline texts, and highlight the necessary sections. You can also sign the PDF file if that is necessary. It has similar aggressive tools like Acrobat, but it lets you do the editing without having to download apps from other sources.

To edit PDF files on Mac, follow the steps below:

  • On the top toolbar, select the ‘text’ item
  • Choose the section of text you are looking to edit
  • Make the necessary changes, then click on the blank space

If you want to edit an image, follow these steps:

  • Start by clicking ‘edit.’
  • Select the ‘Image’ item
  • Click on the page then select an image from Finder
  • Resize or move the image
  • Edit PDF Files in Google Docs
  • Or Visit: Free Image Converter

Google Drive is one of the most reliable tools that can handle multiple tasks perfectly. A Google doc lets you create many sheets and documents and share them with workmates and other parties in different locations. However, most individuals are not aware that with Google docs, they can convert any file into an editable doc. With Google docs, you can edit the text faster and perfectly before sharing or downloading.

All you have to do is upload your PDF file to Google Drive and then use Google Docs to open it. You can easily edit the text after opening it. However, if your file contained an image, it will be removed when it is converted to a document. When you are done editing, you can opt to download it in the form of a PDF file.

 

 

3. Use Microsoft Word to Edit a PDF

If you are using Windows PC, it is possible to use Microsoft Office Word to open and edit PDF files. Once you have opened the PDF using Microsoft Word, you will see that it automatically becomes an editable document. You can easily edit the images and free text just like you could edit a normal word document. You will then be free to save it back as a PDF document when you are done modifying it.

To edit PDF using Microsoft Office Word, follow these steps:

  • In Word, go to ‘file.’
  • Then ‘open,’ then move to the PDF file that you want to edit. Word will then convert the PDF automatically to an editable doc.
  • After it has opened, make the necessary changes. In case it contained some graphics, it might not look exactly like the parent PDF files.
  • Now move to ‘file,’ and then ‘save as’. When you are in the ‘Save as Type’ dropdown menu, select PDF.

 

4. Use Standalone PDF Editing Software

If you are not ready to invest in Adobe, maybe because it is too expensive, there are other affordable, yet reliable resources that could opt for. Mostly, they cost between $50 and $150 with a one-time purchase. Most of them have been tested, and they happen to provide an amazing user experience.

Though there are free alternatives as mentioned above, you can still choose to go by the paid ones as they often have additional features for improved editing experience. However, some of them are expensively sold, even when they have similar features like the cheap ones. Therefore, before you go for the paid options, make sure that you go through their reviews or visit visual basic.net tutorials PDF to learn more.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Standalone PDF Editing Software

 

If after going through this list, you feel spoilt for choice, there are a few things you can consider to make the best choice:

 

 

Quality

Though you will get the best quality files with almost all of the software mentioned in this piece, there are still some variations. This is why you are encouraged to check out the reviews and compare the key features of the software to find out the one that can get the job done.

 

 

User-experience

This has something to do with the production speed and smoothness of the software. For instance, they work at different speeds, and some of their features might be complicated to understand. For instance, with Mac, there are certain things you have to understand before you can use it successfully. Those are the things that should help you determine whether or not you want to use them.

 

 

The Cost

You must think about the money you will spend to get the right software. However, there is no need to spend more if you are only looking for a one-time application. Actually, if this is the case, you need to consider using the free versions even if they might lack some features that you might so need.

 

 

The Final Thought

If you need to Edit a PDF Without Adobe, we’ve provided a great list of free or paid online file converters to pdf software. However, it is wise to go for a paid one if you are looking to use it long-term. Microsoft Office Word can be a great solution, but it might not be great for PDF files that contain many graphics.