Data security is paramount in today’s world given the ever-increasing rate of cybercrimes. There are many ways to protect your business from such threats and the simplest of them all is choosing the right file format. PDF has proven to be the most reliable in that regard given its security features. Without administrator authorization, the viewer can only read but not alter the existing content.
Another reason why many companies are opting for PDF files is because they’re compatible with just about every office device. As such, you can easily share and open these files within or outside your office without too much hassle.
As a business, though, you might need to make amendments to your PDF files from time to time. So, how will you update this content efficiently? That’s where PDF editors come into play. If you’re not yet ready to invest in a premium program, you can find one that offers free features. This article will discuss all you need to consider when choosing the best free online PDF editor software.
PDF viewers vs PDF editors
Before going any further, it’s imperative that you first understand the difference between a PDF viewer and a PDF editor. This way, you’ll know which options to remove from the list during your research.
Both software applications are designed to view and print PDF files. Therefore, if your main aim is to read and send the files to your printer, you can use either of these software programs. However, you’ll still need to select one that best fits your needs depending on the size of your tasks and the operating system you’re using (Android, iOS, or Windows).
How different are PDF editors from PDF viewers? The former allows you to do more than just view the files. You can easily edit them, remove or insert content, and convert PDF files. PDF viewers, on the other hand, are only useful if you’re only concerned with reading the files.
Choosing the best free online PDF editor software
With many software developers claiming that their editors can serve your needs, it’s quite difficult to know which one is right for you. If you find yourself in this dilemma, consider the tips discussed below in your decision-making process.
But before that, be sure to watch this video to learn more about what a good PDF editor should entail: https://www.youtube.com/c/FoxitSoftwareInc/
1. What are your needs?
The first thing you’ll need to consider is your needs. Every individual and business have different targets they’d like to meet when using such software applications. Unfortunately, not all PDF editors have everything you need to meet those goals.
As you go through the options at your disposal, make sure you know exactly what you want from this software. Do you have simple or complex tasks? Are you planning to create new files or edit the existing ones? How many pages are you looking to edit or create?
Remember, every free editor has its limitations. Some allow you to edit only one page at a time and will require you to pay to access more features. Others can handle as many pages as possible but will only allow you to do simple editing tasks. Therefore, understanding your needs will make it easier for you to choose the ideal PDF editor.
2. The ease of use
Another vital factor to keep in mind is the functionality of the software. How easy is it for an ordinary user to make use of the editor’s features? It’s always a good idea to go for those editors that make it easier for everyone to accomplish basic tasks.
The user interface (UI) is also important here because it determines how fast one can navigate the screen. If you’re using it for your day-to-day office work, then a simple UI will enhance the speed of operations in your business.
3. Prioritize security features
Most free online PDF editors don’t put much emphasis on the security of your data. As such, it’s easy for cybercriminals to gain access to whatever content you edit on these applications. But that’s not to say all free PDF editors are compromised. There are a few that keep their security features up-to-date and employ modern encryption techniques.
Since your corporate data is at stake, it’s wise to only use PDF editors that allow password restrictions. Also, any command to either modify or print the content should only come from your end. Such security features can go a long way in ensuring that you accomplish the editing tasks without risking your data.
4. Check online reviews
Even with the tips above in mind, it’s still not easy to pinpoint a PDF editor that meets all the criteria. As such, you’ll need the help of those who’ve used the software before. To learn about their experiences, you can go through online reviews and see what they’re saying about a given editor.
Make sure you do this for every free online PDF editor on your list before making your final decision. With every product, whether free or premium, you’ll find negative and positive reviews. It’s important to check both and weigh them while considering your needs. Remember, a feature that works for someone else may not be ideal for you.
5. Test a few of them
The online reviews are there to give you an idea of what to expect from a given editor. However, they don’t exactly define the unique experiences you’ll encounter as an individual. As such, it’s wise to always test the programs and make your own judgment before deciding whether it’s right for you. All you’ll need to invest here is time since everything else is free.
Conclusion
Choosing the right PDF editor for your business or personal use is a vital process even if the editor software in question is free. There are many online free PDF software applications but not all of them are ideal for your needs. So, make sure you know what you want from this software before starting your research.
Other factors to keep in mind include the ease of use, security features, and available online reviews. Once you’ve narrowed down to a few nice-looking PDF editors, you can test each of them and choose the one that gives you the best output. Remember, though, that free editors have limited features. Therefore, if you’re looking for a better user experience, you might want to consider purchasing premium software.