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PDF editors / overview

Four PDF editors, described in the same terms

PDF Gear, Master PDF Editor, PDF24 Tools and Foxit PDF Editor are described here using the same headings, so the way each one is set up can be read side by side.

Three ways to read this

Which tool matters depends on the shape of the work. These three patterns come up most often.

PATTERN 01

A one-time change to a single file, where nothing needs to be installed.

PATTERN 02

Repeated work on a computer, possibly without a stable connection.

PATTERN 03

Documents that pass through several people for review or signing.

The editors

Each card has a description, a list of what the provider documents and a few points to keep in mind.

PDF Gear

Desktop + browser

PDF Gear is built for people who prefer to keep several document jobs in a single place. A computer version handles the heavier work, while a browser version covers quick visits. Typical tasks include rewriting a sentence or swapping a picture inside a page, filling out a form, and saving a PDF as a Word or Excel file. Scanned pages go through built-in text recognition, and a batch option converts many files in one pass. A few functions require signing in.

Covers

  • Page, text and image editing
  • Text recognition for scans
  • Batch conversion

Keep in mind

  • Desktop version must be installed
  • A few functions need an account
  • Supported formats follow a set list

Master PDF Editor

Desktop app

Master PDF Editor, from Code Industry, is an application that runs directly on a computer rather than in a browser. It is available for Windows, macOS and Linux. Its documentation lists text formatting, comments and highlights, forms with automatic calculations, page handling, redaction, watermarks, and protection by password or certificate. Text recognition and format conversion are not described on its main page, so anyone needing them should check the provider's other pages.

Covers

  • Text formatting and annotations
  • Forms with calculations
  • Pages, redaction and watermarks
  • Password and certificate protection

Keep in mind

  • Works as an installed application
  • OCR is not described on the main page
  • Conversion is not described there either

PDF24 Tools

Online + Windows

PDF24 Tools can be thought of as a toolbox: dozens of small utilities, each doing one job, available through a web page and through a Windows application. One component stands out, a virtual printer that lets any program with a print command produce a PDF. The utilities cover converting, merging, splitting and adjusting. Offline use depends on the Windows application, so people on other systems stay with the web utilities, and the long list takes time to browse.

Covers

  • Virtual printer for creating PDFs
  • Windows application for offline work
  • Dozens of single-purpose utilities

Keep in mind

  • Offline version exists for Windows only
  • The utility list is long
  • Offline use needs prior installation

Foxit PDF Editor

Wide suite

Foxit PDF Editor is a wider platform from Foxit that stretches from creating and editing files to signing and managing them. Versions exist for Windows, macOS and the web, with mobile and cloud apps placed in a separate tier. It lists editing of text, images and pages, conversion with Office formats, forms, signatures, text recognition and version comparison. AI-assisted redaction is added separately, and the management features are written with organisations in mind.

Covers

  • Text, image and page editing
  • Conversion with Office formats
  • Forms and signatures
  • OCR and version comparison

Keep in mind

  • Mobile and cloud sit in another tier
  • AI-assisted redaction is separate
  • Management tools target organisations

Function table

Which functions each editor documents. "Limited" means narrower coverage than a dedicated feature, and "Not listed" means the provider's main page does not mention it.

FunctionPDF GearMaster PDF EditorPDF24 ToolsFoxit PDF Editor
Viewing filesYesYesYesYes
Editing text and imagesYesYesYesYes
Page managementYesYesYesYes
Conversion to other formatsYesNot listedYesYes
Character recognition (OCR)YesNot listedYesYes
RedactionLimitedYesLimitedYes
Version comparisonLimitedNot listedLimitedYes
Runs without installationBrowserNo, desktopOnlineWeb
Works offlineDesktop versionYes, desktopDesktop versionDesktop version

Compiled from each provider's published information at the time of writing.

Notes

Short notes cover how PDFs are opened by different readers, what a signature does to a file, and why large PDFs behave differently.

Open the notes

About the data

The text reflects publicly available descriptions of what each editor generally offers. Features, platforms and limits change over time, so the provider's own documentation should be used for current details.