Today, PDF files have become a staple for sharing and presenting documents across various platforms. As a result, PDF editing tools have become essential for professionals and businesses alike. The leading player in this arena, Adobe Acrobat, is the go-to choice for many users.
However, Adobe Acrobat comes with its own set of limitations including higher prices. In this article, let’s take a look at PDF Pro Vs Adobe Acrobat, exploring their features, pricing, usability, and more, to help you make an informed decision based on your requirements.
What is Adobe Acrobat?
Adobe Acrobat software lets you view PDFs both online and offline. It also makes it simple to create, modify, organize, and print PDF files. Adobe Acrobat has been the industry standard for PDF software since its 1993 release.
Adobe has enhanced Acrobat with every new release, making it the most capable and intuitive PDF editor available. Numerous improvements have been made to the most recent version, including support for touch-enabled devices, a new, unified user interface, and enhanced document security. Adobe Acrobat, the pioneer in PDF technology, offers two primary versions: Standard and Pro.
Adobe Acrobat Standard DC provides basic PDF editing capabilities, allowing users to view, create, convert, and edit PDF files. On the other hand, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC extends its functionality with advanced features like redaction, Optical Character Recognition, Bates numbering, and multimedia integration.
Adobe Acrobat’s Pricing Model
One of the distinguishing aspects of Adobe Acrobat is its subscription-based pricing model. Users can opt for monthly subscriptions with Adobe Acrobat Standard priced at $12.99 per month and Acrobat Pro at $19.99 per month. This subscription approach, while providing access to the latest features, can lead to long-term costs that may be a concern for budget-conscious users.
Adobe Acrobat’s Operating System Compatibility
Adobe Acrobat Standard is limited to Windows, restricting Mac users from accessing this version. In contrast, Adobe Acrobat Pro caters to both Windows and Mac users, offering a more inclusive solution for individuals and businesses operating on different platforms.
What Is PDF Pro?
Formerly known as PDF Pro 10, PDF Pro has undergone a transformation to enhance its features and usability. Positioned as an affordable and user-friendly alternative to Adobe Acrobat, PDF Pro strives to provide a robust set of PDF editing tools without the high subscription costs.
PDF Pro’s Pricing Options
PDF Pro breaks away from the subscription-only model by offering users the flexibility to choose between a $5 monthly subscription and a one-time payment of $192 for a lifetime license. This approach allows users to opt for the plan that aligns with their preferences and budget constraints.
Features and Functionality
PDF Pro strikes a balance between basic and advanced PDF editing tools. It offers more features than Adobe Acrobat Standard, including OCR and Bates numbering, making it a suitable choice for users with diverse PDF editing needs. However, it doesn’t incorporate some of the advanced functionalities present in Adobe Acrobat Pro, such as redaction and bulk e-sign requests.
PDF Pro’s Operating System Compatibility
As of now, PDF Pro is available exclusively on Windows, which might be a limitation for Mac users. However, the platform’s commitment to continuous improvement could potentially lead to broader compatibility in the future.
Comparative Analysis: PDF Pro vs Adobe Acrobat
Affordability
PDF Pro: PDF Pro stands out as the more budget-friendly option, offering a cost-effective alternative to Adobe’s subscription pricing. The flexibility of choosing between a monthly subscription or a one-time lifetime license adds a layer of affordability that caters to diverse user preferences.
Adobe Acrobat: While providing advanced features, the software comes with a higher price tag. The subscription model can lead to long-term expenses, making it less budget-friendly for users who prioritize cost-effectiveness.
Features
PDF Pro: The software focuses on usability, providing a comprehensive set of editing tools suitable for both basic and advanced PDF needs. While not as feature-rich as Adobe Acrobat Pro, it bridges the gap between Acrobat Standard and Pro.
Adobe Acrobat: The Pro version leads in terms of innovative and advanced PDF editing features. However, these features come at the expense of a steeper learning curve and a more complex interface, making it better suited for users with specialized requirements.
Flexibility
PDF Pro: The software’s availability in both subscription and lifetime license options caters to users who prefer the flexibility of choosing a plan that aligns with their specific needs and financial considerations.
Adobe Acrobat: Acrobat’s subscription-only model might be less flexible for users who prefer a one-time payment or a more predictable, upfront cost.
Platform Compatibility
PDF Pro: PDF Pro is currently limited to Windows, which might be a drawback for Mac users. Continuous updates and improvements, however, could lead to expanded compatibility in the future.
Adobe Acrobat: The Pro version’s compatibility with both Windows and Mac platforms makes it a more inclusive choice for users operating on different operating systems.
Security
PDF Pro: To control usage rights for private content, such as opening, printing, or altering content from the PDF file, you can add passwords to PDF files using PDF Pro.
Adobe Acrobat: Password-protecting PDFs is one of its most useful features. Just open the PDF in Acrobat Pro and select the “Protect” button from the toolbar to password-protect it. You can then select the level of access you wish to grant and create a password.
Which Tool Is Better?
Choosing between PDF Pro and Adobe Acrobat depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you seek an affordable, user-friendly solution with a robust set of editing tools, PDF Pro emerges as the practical choice.
On the other hand, if you prioritize cutting-edge features, and platform flexibility, and are willing to navigate a more complex interface, Adobe Acrobat Pro might be the preferred option.
Endnote
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve dissected the key aspects of PDF Pro and Adobe Acrobat, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your unique requirements. Whether you opt for the cost-effective and user-friendly PDF Pro or the advanced features of Adobe Acrobat, both solutions aim to enhance your PDF editing experience.