Comparison: Adobe Acrobat vs PDF Expert

Introduction: why choose a good PDF reader and editor

Documents in PDF format have become a universal standard for sharing information. A modern PDF reader allows users to review complex texts while offering advanced tools to edit and protect files. Both Adobe Acrobat and PDF Expert are industry benchmarks; the former is the pioneer that created the PDF format itself, while the latter is a fast and intuitive editor designed for Apple devices. This blog is intended to help anyone—regardless of experience level—understand the differences between the two programs and decide which professional PDF software best fits their needs.

Throughout the text, we will analyze their historical evolution, user interface, compatibility with different operating systems, and their editing, collaboration, annotation, optical character recognition (OCR), security, and performance features. We will also review their pricing, ideal use cases, and provide a final balance of pros and cons. The approach will be informative and practical, including key terms such as edit PDF, PDF reader, or professional PDF software to enhance search engine visibility.

Brief History of Adobe Acrobat and PDF Expert

Adobe launched Acrobat in 1993 as part of its family of applications for viewing, creating, and editing PDF documents. The PDF format – Portable Document Format – was invented by Adobe to ensure cross-platform compatibility, and over time, Acrobat became the de facto standard for working with these files. Today, there are different versions: the free Acrobat Reader, as well as Acrobat Standard and Acrobat Pro, which are part of the Creative Cloud suite and allow users to convert, edit, sign, and share documents.

PDF Expert appeared much later. According to Readdle’s timeline, the company launched “Calendar & PDF Expert” in 2010. Initially available for iPhone and iPad, the app evolved quickly. In 2014, PDF Expert 5 was introduced, featuring a change review mode and universal compatibility between iPhone and iPad. In 2015, the Mac version was released, standing out for its instant file opening, fast search, and smooth scrolling. It also included annotation tools (highlighters, pencil, shapes, and stamps), trackpad signatures, form filling, and page merging. The launch price was US$19.99.

Readdle continued updating its editor: PDF Expert 7, launched in 2019, was offered for free with optional professional features. This version was rewritten using Metal graphics technology and could handle 3,000-page PDFs with greater fluidity. It also introduced tools for text and image editing, a redaction engine for sensitive information, compression, and document conversion. The interface was completely redesigned, allowing users to customize the toolbar and take advantage of contextual searches. Today, PDF Expert remains one of the most popular editors in the Apple ecosystem.

User Interface: Simplicity vs Power

An intuitive interface makes software adoption easier. PDF Expert has been awarded by Apple and recognized as App of the Year; its reputation is based on a clean and fast interface. Readdle’s guide emphasizes that PDF Expert is a powerful editor and reader for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, with tools organized by tabs and accessible from the top bar. The design allows users to rearrange pages, modify text, sign, annotate, and access the OCR feature from a single place. The 2019 update added options to customize the toolbar and display only the tools the user needs, helping maintain a smooth workflow.

Acrobat, on the other hand, features an interface full of menus and panels. This approach may seem overwhelming at first, but it provides direct access to a wide range of tools. An article from Mapsoft highlights that Acrobat integrates its features with Microsoft Office and SharePoint, allowing documents to be converted from Office to PDF with a single click. At the same time, it offers tab-based access to text editing, form creation, security, comments, and review. The complexity of the interface is the price to pay for a much higher level of professional capability.

Operating System Compatibility and Mobility

Compatibility is a key factor when choosing a PDF reader. Adobe Acrobat is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Windows Phone. This flexibility allows users to edit and sign documents from a desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone. Additionally, thanks to Adobe Document Cloud integration, documents and annotations are synchronized across all devices.

PDF Expert is fully focused on the Apple ecosystem. According to the official help documentation, the program is designed for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Users can open any PDF from the Files app, iCloud Drive, or via the Share function. It’s also possible to sync iCloud or other cloud service folders to keep documents updated across all Apple devices. However, there is no version for Windows or Android, meaning that people who work across multiple operating systems will not be able to use PDF Expert outside of Mac or iOS.

Document Editing Features

Both Acrobat and PDF Expert allow users to edit PDFs directly, but their capabilities differ. Acrobat provides a robust set of tools for editing text, images, and entire pages. Users can modify contracts or reports without converting the PDF to another format, speeding up the workflow. Additionally, Acrobat includes a form editor that automatically recognizes fields and generates interactive forms. It also stands out for its ability to compare document versions, combine files, export to Microsoft Office formats, and convert emails or web pages into PDFs.

PDF Expert provides essential tools for editing text, images, and links directly from the toolbar. It allows users to rearrange pages, delete or rotate sections, and merge documents. With version 7, the program added redaction tools for sensitive data, file compression, and conversion to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and image formats. While its editor is not as comprehensive as Acrobat’s (it doesn’t create complex forms or include advanced scripting), these features are sufficient for most users. PDF Expert’s guide emphasizes that the goal is to deliver a fast and simple experience for managing and editing documents.

Annotation and Collaboration

Annotating and reviewing documents is essential in both educational and professional environments. PDF Expert allows users to highlight text, underline, strikethrough, draw with a pencil or geometric shapes, and add stamps and stickers. The iOS version includes the ability to export an annotation summary and work with reading modes (day, night, or sepia) to reduce eye strain. Users can also add voice comments, create bookmarks, and organize pages. However, annotations are made individually, as the program does not offer an online collaboration system.

Acrobat stands out for its collaboration features. According to Mapsoft, users can share documents for review, track changes, add comments, and merge all feedback into a single file. Additionally, Acrobat allows multiple people to work simultaneously on the same PDF with real-time comments. This feature is especially useful for distributed teams or approval processes that require a consolidated final version. Moreover, Acrobat integrates with Adobe Sign to create electronic signature workflows where multiple people can sign and approve documents in an organized way.

OCR and Text Recognition

Professional PDF software is not limited to editing existing text; it must also convert images or scanned documents into editable text. Acrobat includes a powerful optical character recognition (OCR) engine that converts scanned documents into searchable and editable PDFs. According to Adobe’s official page, this service is available online, requires no additional software installation, and automatically deletes files after processing to ensure privacy. Acrobat uses advanced algorithms to maintain text accuracy and allows users to copy, highlight, or edit the recognized content. For Acrobat Pro subscribers, the OCR tool is integrated into the program and simplifies text correction in scanned documents.

PDF Expert has also included OCR since version 5 and continues to support it in newer releases. In its quick start guide, Readdle mentions the ability to convert scanned documents into searchable and editable text. Although the company does not specify the algorithms used, users highlight that the feature is fast and provides good results for simple documents. However, for complex projects or those involving multiple languages, Acrobat remains the most accurate option due to its long-standing expertise in OCR technology development.

Security and Privacy

Protecting information is crucial when working with sensitive PDFs. Acrobat offers multiple layers of security: it allows setting one password to open the document and another to restrict printing or editing. In its advanced settings, users can choose between AES 256-bit encryption or RC4 128-bit algorithms for compatibility with older Acrobat versions. It’s also possible to restrict specific actions, such as copying text or printing, by adding an access code. Furthermore, Acrobat includes digital signature and certificate functions to ensure document authenticity. These measures are essential in sectors like banking, legal services, or public administration.

PDF Expert focuses on simplicity: it allows users to protect documents with passwords and includes a redaction tool that searches for terms and securely hides them. Readdle also recommends saving the document as “flattened” to embed annotations and signatures into the final file, preventing further modification. For file sharing, the company advises using trusted channels and avoiding unknown online services. These practices provide a suitable level of protection for individuals or small businesses, though they do not reach Acrobat’s granularity and international compliance standards.

Performance and Speed

In daily use, the speed at which a file opens and navigates is crucial. PDF Expert stands out for its performance. The Mac version opens PDFs instantly, enables instant word searches, and allows smooth scrolling through documents. According to Readdle, PDF Expert 7 was rewritten to leverage Apple’s Metal technology and can handle files exceeding 3,000 pages without lag. Additionally, the program uses fewer system resources than other editors, resulting in a lighter experience on Mac and iOS.

Acrobat delivers stable performance but can sometimes be slower with large files. Some reviews note that opening large or complex PDFs may take several seconds and consume more memory, especially on computers with limited hardware. However, Adobe has gradually optimized its software, and recent versions integrate cloud-based services that allow partial loading while downloading. For users managing large or interactive documents, the choice will depend on device power and personal preference between speed and advanced functionality.

Pricing and Licenses

Cost is a decisive factor for many users when choosing PDF software. In this regard, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and PDF Expert 15 Professional offer subscription models tailored to different needs.

At Licendi, you can purchase Adobe Acrobat Pro DC with an annual subscription for €200.00 plus VAT, granting full access to all its advanced editing, digital signing, OCR, cloud integration, and collaboration tools.

Meanwhile, PDF Expert 15 Professional is available with an annual subscription for €70.00 plus VAT, offering an excellent price-performance ratio for those seeking a powerful yet lightweight tool optimized for Mac environments.

Both options guarantee official, secure, and fully activatable licenses, including support and warranty when purchased through Licendi.

Ideal Use Cases

For students or professionals who need a PDF reader with basic annotation and editing tools, PDF Expert is often sufficient. Its intuitive interface, speed, and pricing make it an ideal companion for taking class notes, signing contracts, filling out forms, and organizing files within the Apple ecosystem. Creatives working with graphic documents or requiring a simple review process will appreciate the ability to export annotation summaries and customize the toolbar.

In business, legal, or engineering environments where long documents are handled, complex forms are created, or collaboration between multiple people is required, Acrobat offers undeniable advantages. Its advanced text and image editor, automatic form creation capabilities, and integration of digital signatures and detailed permissions make it a professional PDF software suitable for corporations. Compatibility with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android ensures that distributed teams can work on the same project, while real-time commenting speeds up collaborative review.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Program

Adobe Acrobat

• Advantages:
  1. Advanced editing of text, images, and entire pages.
  2. Interactive form creation tools and response management.
  3. Robust security with multiple password and encryption levels.
  4. Integration with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and electronic signatures.
  5. Real-time collaboration and consolidated comment management.
  6. Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
• Disadvantages:
  1. High subscription cost (Standard and Pro editions).
  2. Complex interface that may be intimidating for new users.
  3. Higher resource usage and longer loading times with large files.
  4. Some advanced features (like OCR) are not available in the Standard version.

PDF Expert

• Advantages:
  1. Intuitive and customizable interface, praised for its ease of use.
  2. Excellent speed and navigation thanks to optimization for Apple devices.
  3. Sufficient editing and annotation tools for general users.
  4. More affordable price and availability of lifetime license.
  5. Built-in redaction of sensitive information and password protection.
• Disadvantages:
  1. Only available for macOS, iPad, and iPhone; no versions for Windows or Android.
  2. Cannot create complex forms or support real-time collaboration.
  3. Licenses for each device may require additional payments.
  4. OCR and other advanced features require the Pro version or a subscription.

Comparative Conclusion

When deciding between Adobe Acrobat and PDF Expert, it’s important to consider the type of tasks to be performed. Acrobat remains the industry standard; its history as the creator of the PDF format and its advanced tools for editing PDFs, creating forms, collaborating online, and ensuring security make it the preferred choice for corporate, government, or legal environments. The higher cost and steeper learning curve are its main drawbacks, but they come with a comprehensive, cross-platform solution.

PDF Expert, on the other hand, excels in simplicity and speed. It is the ideal PDF reader for Apple device users who value a clean interface, quick annotation, and sufficient editing tools for most daily tasks. Its more affordable price and availability of a lifetime license make it an attractive option for students, freelancers, or small businesses. However, the lack of Windows or Android versions and the absence of advanced collaboration features may be limiting factors.

In summary, Acrobat and PDF Expert represent two distinct philosophies: the former is an all-purpose professional PDF software with a wide range of functions designed for demanding environments, while the latter is a fast and user-friendly editor focused on user experience within the Apple ecosystem. Both applications will continue to evolve, so the choice ultimately depends on platform preference and individual needs.