There are many types of PDF editors, all offering multiple packages and features. While PDFs are a standard document format, you still need specific software to read and edit PDF documents. Allinpdf is just one of the many online editing tools around. We’ll consider different alternative options, the best competitor, and an alternative free tool for you to use. Keep reading to find out more about PDF editors.
Why Are PDFs Difficult to Edit?
PDFs were designed to be challenging to edit since these documents are a final-document format. That means you save your files as PDFs to preserve the document’s formatting. It also makes reading easier on any device, provided you have a PDF reader. The reason is that your outline and text won’t jump around or be adjusted depending on what software you use. However, this isn’t always the best case, especially if you need to edit a document and don’t have access to the original editable format.
What to Look for in a PDF Editor?
If you’re looking for a PDF editor, there are a few factors to remember. Ensuring your software features the following tools ensures you’ll benefit from an all-in-one solution. As well as providing you with all the essential PDF tools you’ll need, it’ll also ensure a more user-friendly experience while using the software.
- Multiple editing tools
- Available on all devices
- Easy to use with a user-friendly interface
- Affordable packages or free version
- OCR text editing
- Real-time collaboration
- eSigning
An Overview of Allinpdf
Allinpdf is a free online tool focused on providing PDF conversion services. You can view the website on any device, and it’s effortless to navigate using simple and colorful buttons. No paid packages are available for this software, but it accepts donations to keep the site running. Created by a group of programmers frustrated with the limited PDF conversions available, it offers to convert your document to or from a PDF in just about any format.
Main Features of Allinpdf
Allinpdf might not be as advanced as some of the other PDF editors, but you’ll still find the following basic features on the website.
- Converter
- Editor
- Reader
- Protector
Converter
This platform offers more than 20 conversions, with HTML and AI conversions to PDF and other less common types. If you need your document converted, then this is your site.
Editor
It offers limited editing tools, but you’ll find Merge, Split, Rotate, and Compress tools. It allows you to adjust the pages of your PDF and reduce the document size with the Compress feature.
Reader
A basic PDF and document reader are available through the website, where you can drop the file you want to read in the blue box to get started.
Protector
The Lock and Unlock features ensure the security of your document. Encrypt and password-protect your file with Lock PDF to ensure better security. If you’re struggling to unlock a protected file, then the Unlock feature will help you access the file. Allinpdf is excellent overall software for individuals or freelancers, as it’s free. It’s also a fantastic choice for anyone who knows they’ll need to convert diverse file types.
Pros and Cons of Allinpdf
Pros:
- Free
- Multiple conversions
- PDF protection
- Available on all devices
Cons:
- Only essential editing tools
- Not as comprehensive as some other PDF editors
An Overview of Wondershare PDFelement
Wondershare PDFelement is an Allinpdf alternative that offers more advanced features. Closer to being an all-in-one solution, this competitor provides easy-to-use desktop and mobile apps. It’s the perfect solution for larger companies. This alternative provides the option of an annual plan or a perpetual plan, where you buy a one-time license.
The annual plan is $79.99 for individual and business packages with one user. For businesses, you can adjust your perpetual or annual plan to include up to 10 users, with the package pricing adjusting to reflect the number of users. If you need a package with more than 10 users, you can contact support to find out your options. All packages have a 14-day trial, but you also have a free version. However, the free version is more of a PDF reader, with almost no editing tools available.
Key Features of Wondershare PDFelement
This Allinpdf competitor offers many different features, making it a comprehensive tool that’s easy for anyone to use. The following features can all be accessed with the paid packages.
- OCR Capability
- Translate
- Editing Tools
- eSigning
- Annotations
OCR Capability
Edit your PDF’s text as needed with the OCR software that converts PDF text and images into an editable format. It makes it easy to correct and add text sections in files as needed.
Translate
The Translate tool allows you to translate up to 10,000 characters per month, making it the perfect tool for any business that needs its policies and documents in multiple languages.
Editing Tools
The essential editing tools, like Merge, Split, Compress, etc., are available with this competitor software. You’ll also find other features like Wiki search, Scrolling Screenshots, Batch process, and Compare available, which are excellent features you don’t always see in alternative editors.
eSigning
Create your electronic signature in the Sign PDF section, ready to sign any online documents. While many editors offer electronic signatures, Wondershare PDFelement offers a more secure digital signature and a Stamp tool to create stamps on any page.
Annotations
Edit shared documents in real-time with annotations and comments to streamline the feedback and review process. You can find four popular comment formats and edit your PDF as needed.
Pros and Cons of Wondershare PDFelement
Pros:
- Free version
- eSign tools
- Translate up to 10,000 characters/month
- OCR text editing
- Desktop and mobile apps
Cons:
- Very limited editing tools in the free version
- More than one user can become expensive
An Overview of PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange Editor is an Allinpdf alternative that offers a small but powerful editing platform. Various features are available, ranging from essential ones to more comprehensive editing tools. It’s won several awards and recognitions and is always looking for ways to improve. However, this tool is only compatible with Windows desktops, not Mac OS systems.
The PDF-XChange Editor offers perpetual licenses instead of monthly or yearly subscriptions. However, it does offer maintenance programs, with a one-year, two-year, and three-year package. Once the maintenance program runs out, you can still use the software. The one-year package starts at $56 and goes up to $72 for the three-year package. You can also get the PDF-XChange Editor Plus version, ranging between $72 and $93. You also have a free version, which contains all the features of the paid versions, but with a watermark on the documents.
Main Features of PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange has a variety of features, and some are available no matter which package you use. Other features are only available with the Editor Plus package.
- OCR Plug-in
- Create Fillable Forms
- Sign PDF
- Editing Features
- Text Recognition
- Several Integrations
Advanced API and OCR Plug-in
All the versions have OCR capability, allowing you to add and edit the text in a PDF file. However, the Editor Plus package offers an advanced ABBYY OCR plug-in that works better than the standard version. You can also find advanced API for developers available in the packages.
Create Fillable Forms
Also available in the Editor Plus version, you can create any fillable forms you need. The upgraded technology makes it easy to create and share these forms, whether the company or client forms.
Sign PDFs
You can sign PDF files with this program, ensuring you can sign any document anytime and anywhere. This is especially important when working with time-sensitive contracts, forms, or documents.
Editing Features
A wide array of editing tools are available at your fingertips, making it possible to edit your document in any way possible. That includes compressing the file, adding images and clickable links, conversions, merging, and more.
Text Recognition
Available in all packages, the free text recognition feature supports several language packs, including English, Spanish, German, and French. You can add additional language packs for a small fee.
Several Integrations
This program integrates perfectly with a number of browsers including Firefox, IE, and Chrome. It also integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office programs, making sure it’s easy to use at all times. This alternative software is perfect for freelancers and smaller companies, as it’s more affordable than many other options, considering it sells perpetual licenses.
Pros and Cons of PDF-XChange Editor
Pros:
- Various editing tools
- Free version
- Integrates with other programs
- Advanced Developer’s API
- Text recognition includes several languages
Cons:
- The free version leaves a watermark on the document
- Not compatible with Mac OS
Allinpdf vs. Wondershare PDFelement vs. PDF-XChange Editor – Which is the Best Option?
We compare the alternative editors to see which offers the better package. Allinpdf is free, but it’s pretty limited compared to other editors, so it can’t be adequately compared. PDF-XChange Editor is more affordable than other options, but it’s only available on Windows. As such, we feel the best option is Wondershare PDFelement. Wondershare PDFelement has an easily navigable platform available on all devices. It offers all the tools and features you need and is perfect for teams.
You can also purchase a one-time license to minimize costs, and it’s the perfect team platform. While it can become a bit expensive the more users you add, it offers a comprehensive all-in-one solution for companies, developers, and individuals.
Another Alternative to Allinpdf
Another free alternative to Allinpdf is PDFplatform. Also an online tool available on all devices, this tool offers a more comprehensive editing platform when compared to Allinpdf. You can find not only the merge and other basic features, but also OCR editing and eSigning capabilities. Let’s take a look at the various features this platform offers for free.
Split
When you want to create several documents, you can split a single document. This feature makes it easy to break a long document into multiple smaller ones.
Compress
This tool will reduce your file size, making it more manageable. The document will keep its original quality, even following compression.
Merge
It’s sometimes easier to consolidate several documents into one, which is what the Merge tool does.
Convert
If you need a PDF or editable file, then the convert option gives you various formats to which you can convert. This includes an image to PDF, PDF to image, Word, and others.
Unlock and Lock
Your document can benefit from better security with the Lock feature that allows you to encrypt and password-protect your file. You can also unlock any files using the Unlock tool.
eSign
Electronically sign any document online as needed with the eSign tool. You can create a drawn or typed signature and add signatures to any document.
Edit
Add to or edit the PDF text using OCR software, delete, rotate, or reorder pages as needed.
Why is PDFplatform the Best for Editing PDFs?
PDFplatform is a free alternative that offers more comprehensive editing tools than Allinpdf. It has an incredibly user-friendly platform, which renders perfectly on both desktop and mobile. You don’t need to download any software, as it’s browser-based. All the basic tools are available, and you can complete any action within minutes. The other great reason to use this platform is that you don’t need to create an account.
Final Thoughts
The ability to edit PDFs will ensure your workflow is streamlined. You can quickly make any necessary changes and access various features depending on which packages you use. While Allinpdf offers great conversion tools, Wondershare PDFelement and PDF-XChange offer better editing tools but at a higher price.
If you’re looking for editing features at a fraction of the price, then PDFplatform is the way to go. It offers standard editing tools for free and is a highly user-friendly platform. View and try out PDFplatform if you’re looking for affordable editing software online.
