In today's digital world, PDFs are a common format for sharing and storing information on different devices and programs. However, there are times when we need to change or edit these documents. This is where PDF Candy, a well-known website, comes in handy. PDF Candy provides various tools for editing PDFs, including converting them to different formats like Word or Excel, combining or splitting them, reducing file sizes, and adding signatures. Although PDF Candy is a good option for simple PDF tasks, it might have some drawbacks. These could include limited advanced editing options, size limits for free plans, and others. Considering these factors, it might be beneficial to look for other options. Exploring beyond PDF Candy can lead you to tools with more features that better fit your specific PDF editing needs.
What to Look for in a PDF Candy Alternative
When choosing a PDF editing tool other than PDF Candy, look for specific features that suit your needs:
- Conversion Formats: It should convert PDFs to common formats like Microsoft Office, images, and text. This flexibility lets you easily work with various documents.
- Editing Capabilities: The tool should allow you to edit text, images, and page layouts, add headers and footers, and leave comments. Advanced tools let you modify PDFs deeply.
- Security Features: If you work with sensitive documents, password protection, and redaction options are essential for keeping information secure.
- Ease of Use: The tool's interface should be straightforward, with clear instructions. It should also support features like drag-and-drop and have organized menus for a smooth experience.
- Additional Features: Depending on your needs, features like OCR, form filling, digital signing, and batch processing can be very useful. These extras can make a big difference in your editing process.
On This Page
AcePDF
AcePDF, also called AceThinker PDF Editor, is a comprehensive PDF editing app that comes as a download for computers. It's known for its wide range of editing features, including changing PDF formats like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and managing pages by inserting or deleting them. You can also add highlights, comments, or shapes with annotation tools, fill out fillable PDF forms, and turn scanned documents into editable text with OCR. AcePDF also has strong security features to protect private data. Compared to other PDF editors, it's a good choice for users looking for a good balance between cost and features, offering a wide range of editing abilities but not the most advanced.
- One-time purchase: A paid license eliminates recurring subscription fees.
- OCR functionality: Available for converting scanned documents into editable text (paid feature).
- Desktop application only: Requires installation and doesn't offer a web-based option.
Foxit PDF Editor
This is a powerful desktop app for managing and editing PDFs. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for those familiar with word processing. It offers advanced features like direct text editing, image manipulation, and precise page management. It also allows for annotations and form-filling. Security features protect documents and confidential information. Foxit is a great choice for detailed PDF editing. Provides a more comprehensive editing experience compared to PDF Candy.
- Easy to learn for users familiar with word processing software.
- Password protection, encryption, and redaction for sensitive documents.
- Paid plans can be expensive for casual users; they require installation and don't offer a web-based option.
Smallpdf
Smallpdf is a popular online platform offering a variety of PDF editing tools. It's easy to use and can convert PDFs to various formats, organize documents, compress files, add text, and fill out forms. It's known for its user-friendly interface and ability to handle multiple PDFs simultaneously. Smallpdf is a convenient solution for common PDF tasks. It stands out for its ease of use and focus on web-based accessibility.
- Accessible directly from your browser; no software installation is needed.
- Web-based platform with a clean and intuitive interface.
- The free plan has restricted usage and lower-quality output in some cases.
Sejda PDF
This offers an online platform and a desktop app for offline access. It balances basic and advanced editing features, allowing users to edit text, insert images, manage pages, and add annotations. It includes OCR for scanned PDFs. Sejda PDF suits users looking for a versatile yet user-friendly PDF editing solution. It provides a good mix of functionalities without overwhelming users with complexity.
- Easy to navigate for both online and desktop app users.
- Offers a good mix of basic and advanced editing functionalities.
- The free plan has restricted file size and features compared to paid plans.
Nitro Pro
Nitro Pro is a detailed software for business users who want a thorough and powerful tool for editing PDFs. Unlike PDF Candy, Nitro Pro has more features for editing, such as editing text directly in PDFs, changing images like size and position, and creating new PDFs. It also has tools for commenting on documents, security for adding digital signatures, and certificate management for safe online transactions. Nitro Pro helps organize work with batch processing tools and document comparison. It's a good choice for professionals who need a tool for editing, creating, and managing PDFs and work in settings where teamwork, security, and advanced features are important. Caters to professionals requiring a robust all-in-one solution for PDF editing and management.
- Robust editing, creation, and management functionalities for demanding users.
- Ideal for teams with collaboration tools and document comparison features.
- Paid plans only, with no free version available, can be expensive for individual users.
Soda PDF
Soda PDF is a versatile software for offline PDF editing, similar to Foxit PDF Editor in its extensive editing tools. It can change formats, edit text and images, manage pages, add notes, fill in forms, and convert scanned documents. Soda PDF is also good for teamwork because it shares documents easily and has useful annotation tools. It adds electronic signatures and has an OCR feature for text conversion from scanned documents. Soda PDF focuses on teamwork, making it a good tool for editing, sharing, and adding notes to documents. Strong focus on collaboration features with easy document sharing and annotation tools.
- Easy document sharing and annotation tools for teamwork.
- Allows adding electronic signatures for document validation.
- A freemium model with limited features in the free version. Paid plans can be expensive for basic needs.
PDFescape
PDFescape is an online platform with a free desktop viewer that's great for those who want to edit PDFs online or need a simple solution for basic tasks. Although it doesn't have as many features as desktop apps, it's enough for most PDF needs, allowing you to add text notes and interact with fillable forms. It also works well with cloud storage like Google Drive and Dropbox, making accessing and managing files easy. The free desktop viewer is great for simple viewing and annotation; you don't need the internet. PDFescape is a good option for those needing a basic PDF tool for their computers. The free desktop viewer option is a good choice for basic annotation needs.
- Lightweight option for basic annotation needs without an internet connection.
- Integrates with Google Drive and Dropbox for easy file access.
- Primarily for basic annotations and form filling, not suitable for advanced editing.
SwifDoo PDF
SwifDoo PDF is an easy-to-use app for managing and editing PDFs, offering affordable and functional features for beginners or casual users. It includes key tasks like converting formats, merging or splitting documents, compressing files, basic editing (like adding text or images), and e-signatures for electronic document validation. It also has OCR for turning scanned PDFs into editable text, which is useful for digital versions of paper documents. SwifDoo PDF is known for its simple interface and low cost, making it a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly solution for simple PDF editing needs. Focuses on a user-friendly interface and affordability.
- Easy to learn and navigate for new users.
- A freemium model with a paid option offering more features at a reasonable price.
- It may need to be more for users requiring complex editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to PDF?
AcePDF is the best alternative tool for PDF Candy. It has various features that help you edit your PDF files easily. These features include editing PDF files, OCR, E-signature, compressing PDF, a converter, and more.
How to use PDF Candy?
To edit a PDF file on PDF Candy, first, you can visit its browser-based PDF editor or install the PDF Candy desktop version. Then, click the Add File button on its interface and import your PDF file. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the file directly on its page. Next, wait until the tool reads the file. Lastly, you can start editing it using PSDF Candy's features.
Is PDF Candy free?
The web-based PDF Cnady is free to all users. However, its desktop version offers a free version with limited features. If you want to access all its features, you can purchase the pro version, which costs $4 per month up to $99 per year.
Conclusion
While PDF Candy offers a handy solution for basic tasks, exploring alternatives unlocks a greater potential. These tools empower you with advanced editing, robust security features, and functionalities tailored to specific workflows. Whether you prioritize affordability, user-friendliness, or a comprehensive feature set, an ideal PDF editing tool is waiting to be discovered. Take advantage of the free trials or freemium options many of these tools offer, and find the perfect fit to streamline your PDF editing experience!
