Top 6 Free & Open Source PDF Software

PDFs(Portable Document Periods) have been part of our lives for a very long time now. Since it is 2021, we have been using PDFs for the last 28 years as it was launched in 1993 developed by Adobe Systems with a purpose of exchanging files. If you have been using PDFs for a long time then you must be aware about the age-old PDFs that were used to preserve digital records in form of documents.

We guess that everyone is aware of the PDFs features but still it allows computer users to open, review & print the documents saved in it. You can find Adobe Reader that reads PDF files in every system from earlier days.

No matter if PDFs are 28 years old, they still maintain a charm among the users on the internet. There is quite a large number of people who share the document in PDF file format. As this format holds the attributes like easy portability, allowing users to access these file formats on a large variety of operating systems & platforms & many more, it is not going anywhere from the system of users.

Because of the above aspects PDF format has become an important part of life as a tool which is people’s top priority to use as a definitive digital format for any valuable document. It is one of the reasons it can be seen everywhere including, home, offices, schools & wherever the PDF is needed.

What is PDF Software?

PDF software helps in making, viewing and even merging the files in PDF format. The software technology allows users to modify files in PDF format & securely share them with others. Using PDF software, you can effortlessly edit the PDF document as it can easily convert the  file to any other editable file. The other standard formats like .doc file & .xls file can also be converted into PDF files using PDF editors. If you also use PDF files regularly then use of PDF software can help you gain insights of the technology.

What are the Top Features of PDF Software?

PDF software usually comes with the following features:

-> Optical Character Recognition(OCR)

It allows the user to turn PDF into a document which makes the option to edit easy. The OCR functionality scans the complete document through the scanning process. After the scan, the image of the text can be converted into editable text within the PDF.

-> Access to e-books

The PDF software includes multimedia ebooks support. The e-books in PDF format can be opened on any device like smartphones, tablets from any location. It also allows the owner to share the hyperlinks with the readers through the PDF format & can be accessible through PDF reader.

-> Multiple File Formats

The best thing about PDF file format is that it is universal, as PDF software can convert the different files to different types to PDF so the data can be aligned in a particular & correct way.

-> Watermarks

PDF softwares allows users to watermark their files to indicate the file from a particular brand or ownership. This technology works is superb for large enterprises who want to keep the data secure & avoid copyrighting of PDF once the document is distributed.

-> Redaction

It adds the security feature through which users can remove the sensitive information within the document.

-> Collaboration Tools

The PDF software enables us to work together by allowing us to edit text, include links, comment, add media change layouts as a group that helps in gaining collaboration in the team.

-> Password Protection

Sometimes users send information containing sensitive information. With this functionality, the user can protect such confidential information helping in guarding the information.

-> Interactive Forms & Digital Data Collection

Through PDF software, you have the option to allow users to type directly into, sign digitally & send back. It helps in reducing errors by eliminating manual data entry.

Other Required Features of PDF Software are:

-> Crop

This functionality allows the specific portions of the PDF to be cropped in the desired way.

-> Delete

The users can delete the page that comes in between many pages.

-> Page Merge

This functionality should allow users to combine different PDF files into a single PDF. This feature also helps in splitting merge pages apart.

-> Annotations

This feature allows users to add notes & comments right on the PDF file.

-> Electronic Signature

The users can sign a PDF electronically, once get the permission from clients & users can sign a PDF digitally.

-> Page Rearrangement

This feature allows users to move around the page or rotate the document in a particular direction as needed.

Why is PDF Software essential for businesses?

Aforesaid, PDF are the most used file types since its origin from 1993. The portable document  format is the secure & shareable file format that supports digital document workflows. Let us see why PDF format is essential for businesses because of following reasons:

-> Maintains the Document Format

The best thing about PDF software allows companies to present the document exactly the way it is laid out. It makes it easy for businesses to share the important files in a systematic & well-organized file to clients or colleagues.

-> Secures File by Password

The businesses handleds the customer sensitive information. The PDF files can be easily protected, which helps in keeping away from strange people as it keeps the file password protected making it easy to save critical business documents.

-> User-Friendly

Being Universal, PDF must be easy to use on Windows or a Mac or either you are working on iOS or Android devices.

-> Works on App Operating System

Generally PDF files work on all operating systems which makes them easily accessible for anyone. With PDF you have the liberty to send applications to any user in the best quality without worrying whether they are using windows computer or Mac.

-> Integrated non-text elements

PDF files can easily be integrated with non-text elements like images, hyperlinks etc. You can also give a pleasing outlook to your information while sharing them with your clients.

-> Unlikely to Go Away

If you are thinking that investing in PDF software is not a good idea then you might be wrong because PDF formats have been running in the market for 28 years and are not planning to go away anytime soon. On the other hand it gives you a superb image in front of the eyes of your clients.

Here we are the top 6 Free & Open Source PDF Software

1. PDFSam Basic

PDFSam Basic is a free & open source PDF editor that contains some useful features including signing, editing PDF, merging files etc. You also get split mix, extract pages, & rotate PDF files through this amazing software making it one of the best solutions for the users who generally deal with PDF files. PDFSam also allows the PDF to stay private on your computer. There are two versions of PDFSam, first one is Enhanced & second is PDFSam Visual.

Core Functionalities                                                                         

-> Rotating PDF files in any direction

-> Converting other files to PDF

-> PDF Editing

-> Splitting & Merging PDF at given page numbers

-> Digital Signature

-> Watermarking

-> Inserting Hyperlinks

-> Protects PDF files

-> Crop, Split & Delete

-> Optical Character Recognition Module(OCR)

2. PDFCreator

Another efficient PDF software which is also free & open source for the users. Many businesses have incorporated this software in their systems because of easy accessibility it provides. It allows users to create PDF files from any application & from PDF to many other formats. It’s professional version contains some amazing features including full control over & securing the output to achieve the desired results.

Core Functionalities                                                                                

-> Content Editing

-> Digital Signature

-> Converting to PDF

-> Converting from PDF to other format

-> PDF Reader

-> Secure PDF files

-> Annotations

-> Automatic saving

-> COM interface

-> Tokens & Actions

-> Multilingual

3. Apache Open Office

Apache Open Office is known for providing a variety of features being a free online PDF editor. It allows you to create charts within the PDF files & compatibility to multiple platforms. There are two ways to use PDF file editor software as a PDF reader & open source PDF editor. Apache Open Office provides a built in spell checker (Another Grammar Nazi) along with several editing options.

Core Functionalities                                                                             

-> Built in Spell Checker

-> Import & Export files

-> Easy edit to remove & insert any text

-> Content Editing

-> Annotations

-> Merging & Appending

-> PDF Reader

-> Convert to PDF from other formats

4. PDFedit

PDFedit is also a free & open source editor that helps in tweaking with the PDF files as per your needs. PDFedit is used universally defining its popularity & ease of access. It supports deletion of specific text, chart, image from PDF. Another great feature is that it allows the users to select the part of sections to edit & then can edit it effortlessly.

Core Functionalities                                                                       

-> Conversion of files

-> Password Protection

-> Personalization Tools

-> Annotations

-> Convert to PDF

-> Encryption

-> Content Editing

-> PDF Reader & PDF Manipulation Library Based

5. PDFlite

There are many benefits using PDFlite as it supports conversion of any document or image into a PDF document. As said in the first line, this software can create PDF from any software with the use of its super easy, user friendly design of PDFlite. You can quickly have your PDF file with an option to search in it, print the file & zoom in.

Core Functionalities                                                                        

-> Merge/Appen

-> Encrypted & Secure

-> Annotations

-> Content Editing

-> PDFs from almost every format

-> PDF Reader

6. Sumatra PDF(Free & Open Source)

Sumatra PDF is known for super friendly user interface which makes this PDF software powerful & portable. It is very small in size & takes no time to start. It is perfect to read eBooks & PDF file reading for windows. The best thing about this PDF reader is that it can be optimized for speed & ease of use.

Core Functionalities                                                              

-> Content Editing

-> Portable & Powerful

-> Rapid & Easy to use

-> Simple user interface

-> Annotations

-> PDF Reader

We have already mentioned the top 6 free & open source PDF softwares from which you can use as per your requirement. But we would like to give a special mention to one of the best PDF software in the market, commonly known as Acrobat Reader DC which is gaining popularity among the users.

Acrobat Reader DC

Acrobat Reader DC is one of the opt choices for the users as it makes the process easy with its top functionalities like view, collect, sign, track feedback & can efficiently share PDFs. It also allows users to efficiently annotate & collaborate on PDF files. It is super easy to use & portable making it possible for you to work on documents from anywhere. It is a cloud based software with all other essential PDF needs like convert, edit, & digitally sign PDFs.

Core Functionalities                                                                               

-> Watermarking

-> Encryption

-> Merging & Appending

-> Content Editing

-> Digital Signature

-> Convert to PDF from almost every format

If you are just a startup or a mid-level organization then going for a free & open source PDF software is perfect for your organization. PDF software is one of the most valuable & efficient tools for any organization. Now you have to choose any PDF software that you find compatible as per your needs.