11 Best Convert PDF to Editable PDF Tools (2024) [FREE DOWNLOAD]

1. Introduction

The ability to convert a PDF into an editable form has become a game-changing utility in the digital workspace. In this era of digitalization, online documents have essentially replaced traditional paper-based files. However, the PDF format, a commonly used digital document type, has one critical drawback— non-editability. This is where Convert PDF to Editable PDF tools come into play.

1.1 Importance of Convert PDF to Editable PDF tool

Converting PDFs into editable forms not only saves time but also ensures better accuracy in the data management process. Instead of manually rewriting a document, the user can effortlessly modify it, reducing the risk of errors. These tools are also extremely resourceful for enhancing workflow by facilitating easy filling and signing. They have proven particularly useful in sectors such as education, healthcare, and business, where a bulk of paperwork gets generated.

1.2 PDF Document Fix Tool

You also need a powerful PDF document fix tool to fix corrupt PDF files. DataNumen PDF Repair is widely used:

1.3 Objectives of this Comparison

With myriad tools available for converting PDF files to editable forms, making an informed decision can be overwhelming. This comparison guide aims to make that task easier. Our intent is to systematically review multiple tools, addressing their advantages and disadvantages, thus enabling users to make an educated choice according to their specific requirements.

2. Pdf Live

Pdf Live is an online tool that enables users to convert their PDF documents into editable format. With a user-friendly interface, it simplifies the conversion process, making it easier for individuals to work with PDF documents.

2.1 Pros

• Intuitive interface: Pdf Live features a clean, intuitive dashboard which makes it easy for users to navigate.
• Speedy conversion: The tool quickly processes files, enabling fast turnaround from PDF to an editable form.
• Detailed guidance: The website provides systematic instructions to guide users through each step of the conversion process.

2.2 Cons

• Limited advanced features: While Pdf Live is adept for basic conversions, it might not suit users seeking more advanced options.
• Internet Dependence: The functionality of Pdf Live is dependent on internet connectivity as it is a web-based solution.
• Conversion Quality: Some users might find slight discrepancies in format and layout between the original and converted documents.

3. pdfFiller

pdfFiller is a comprehensive online tool for converting PDF documents into editable versions. Apart from file conversion, it provides a wide array of features like adding watermarks, signatures, annotations, and collaborative tools, making it one of the complete digital document solutions.

3.1 Pros

• Full-feature tool: pdfFiller not only converts PDF to editable formats but also allows adding and changing content within the document. This enables users to fully edit their PDFs in a matter of a few clicks.
• Security measures: It offers added security with features like password protection and encrypted connections, ensuring user data is safe and private.
• Advanced tools: With a complete set of editing tools, it allows users to modify the document to their liking.

3.2 Cons

• Subscription required for full access: While they offer a free trial, full access to all features is restricted to paid subscriptions, which could be a deterrent for some users.
• Complex for beginners: The abundance of features might overwhelm someone not familiar with such comprehensive editing tools.
• Internet dependent: As it is an online service, without internet access, users will not be able to use the tool.

4. Sejda PDF Forms

Sejda PDF Forms presents itself as a potent tool for form creation, form filling, and PDF manipulation. Its capabilities include converting PDF to editable formats, merging PDFs, and even splitting documents into multiple files.

4.1 Pros

• Diverse functionalities: Aside from converting to editable PDFs, it provides several other services such as splitting, compressing and merging PDFs which can be valuable for users with diverse needs.
• User-friendly interface: The platform is designed in a way that doesn’t overwhelm users, ensuring smooth navigation within the tool.
• Session storage: Each session is stored for two hours, allowing users to revisit and continue their work without the fear of losing it abruptly.

4.2 Cons

• Size limit: Despite its versatility, Sejda PDF Forms imposes limits on the size of the documents users can edit, which might be inconvenient when dealing with larger documents.
• Time restrictions: Their free service is time-constrained, with users getting a limited number of tasks per hour.
• Lacks advanced editing features: While suitable for basic editing and form filling, the platform lacks more refined editing features available in some other tools.

5. FlexiPDF

FlexiPDF is a powerful desktop solution renowned for its ability to turn PDF files into editable documents. Its range of features include text editing, annotation tools, and the ability to handle not just text, but layout elements – positioning images and graphics within the document.

5.1 Pros

• Efficient text processing: FlexiPDF’s text processing capabilities enable users to edit text directly in PDF files as if they were in a word processor, providing them with full control over the document.
• Reviewing and annotating: It supports annotating PDFs with comments, highlighting important areas, hence making document review a breeze.
• No internet needed: As a desktop application, it doesn’t require internet to function which can be convenient in situations with unstable or no internet connection.

5.2 Cons

• No free version: Unlike other tools, FlexiPDF doesn’t offer a free version. The user needs to purchase their software for usage.
• Availability: Since it’s a desktop software, users can only use it on a device where it’s installed. Unlike online tools, one cannot use it from any device at any time.
• Complex interface: Some users have reported that the tool’s multitude of features can make navigation a bit tricky for beginners.

6. PDFescape Desktop

PDFescape Desktop is a powerful tool that offers PDF conversion alongside with other editing functionalities, including annotations, form filling, merging and encryption. Alongside its desktop application, it also hosts an online platform for those who may prefer a browser-based solution.

6.1 Pros

• Comprehensive Solution: Provides a variety of features beyond just editing, including encryption, form creation, and combining PDF files.
• Optimized View: It has a unique feature of full-optimized viewing that makes reading easier and aids in effective modifications.
• Web and desktop version: PDFescape offers both, a web and desktop version for users who prefer different types of platforms.

6.2 Cons

• Limited Free Version: While they do offer a free version, its functionalities are significantly restricted compared to the premium version, which might not suffice for certain users.
• Occasional Glitches: Some user reviews mention slow performance and lags during prolonged usage.
• Layout: The interface isn’t very intuitive or user-friendly and could be somewhat confusing for first-time users.

7. Jotform PDF Editor

Jotform PDF Editor transforms your online form data into formatted PDF files. This tool navigation cleverly shifts between form editing and viewing, to enhance the editing experience. This editor is specially designed for creating and modifying form-focused PDFs.

7.1 Pros

• Automated PDF Creation: Once your online form has been filled, Jotform PDF Editor instantly creates an aesthetically designed PDF.
• High Customization: It offers many customization features that allow users to embellish their PDFs in any way they prefer.
• Integration Capabilities: Jotform PDF Editor provides integration with popular apps like Dropbox and Google Drive, improving efficiency and workflow.

7.2 Cons

• Limited to Form-based PDFs: The tool is mainly suited for creating PDF from forms, which might not cater to broader PDF editing needs.
• Learning Curve: Users might find a learning curve as the tool uses a slightly different navigation model compared to traditional PDF editors.
• Subscription required for advanced features: Higher level customization and integration with apps require a subscription, limiting the free version’s utility.

8. DocFly PDF Form Creator

DocFly PDF Form Creator is an online utility that allows users to create and convert PDFs into fillable forms. With a focus on simplicity of use, it is designed to provide a convenient solution for converting and managing digital documents.

8.1 Pros

• Convenient creation: This tool allows hassle-free generation of fillable forms from PDFs through an easy-to-use interface.
• Multiple functionalities: Beyond forms, DocFly provides several other editing options such as inserting images, texts, and even creating a table of contents.
• Security: The platform ensures files are stored securely with high-level encryption, prioritizing user privacy.

8.2 Cons

• Number of files limit: Non-paying users face restrictions on the number of files they can edit per month, limiting its functionality for frequent users.
• Internet Connection Dependent: As it is an online tool, it relies on internet connectivity which may not always be reliable.
• Quality of conversion: Some users have reported minor alignment and formatting issues in the converted document.

9. PDFelement

PDFelement is a professional-grade tool, facilitating various operations such as creating, converting, editing, signing, and other enhancements to PDFs. It offers an intuitive interface alongside advanced features, providing a blend of simplicity and professionalism.

9.1 Pros

• Robust features: PDFelement is equipped with an impressive array of features, allowing users to do everything from simple conversions to complex customizations within the PDF.
• OCR technology: The tool incorporates Optical Character Recognition technology, which enables users to process scanned PDF files and images, further expanding its utility.
• Multiplatform support: It supports Mac, Windows, and even mobile versions, giving users flexibility in where and how they use the tool.

9.2 Cons

• Pricing: While PDFelement offers a host of features, accessing them comes with a relatively high cost, making it less accessible for budget-constrained users.
• Complex Interface for beginners: With its professional-grade features, new users may initially find it overwhelming to navigate through the tool.
• Limited Cloud integration: It lacks extensive cloud service integration, which might be a downside for those depending on cloud-based storage.

10. Soda PDF Form Filler

Soda PDF Form Filler is an efficient solution for creating editable forms from PDF documents. It offers a wide variety of form customization capabilities, empowering users to build comprehensive and interactive PDFs.

10.1 Pros

• Enhanced Form Capabilities: Soda PDF Form Filler empowers users to create complex interactive forms, complete with dropdown menus, radio buttons, and more.
• Offline and Online Version: It offers both a software version for offline use and an online platform, so users can choose based on their needs and preferences.
• Document security: Users can add password protection and permissions on their PDF forms, enhancing document security.

10.2 Cons

• Learning Curve: The advanced features require some learning and familiarity, which might be a challenge for first-time users.
• Pricing: While basic features are free, accessing advanced functionalities requires purchasing the software, which might deter some users.
• Limited Free Version: The utility of the free version can be limited, with restrictions on access to advanced features.

11. Power PDF

Power PDF is a software designed to simplify the management of PDF documents. With its advanced features and user-friendly interface, it makes editing PDFs as simple as working on a regular word processor. The tool facilitates conversions, annotations, editing, and more.

11.1 Pros

• Advanced Editing: Power PDF provides a wide array of editing features from basic text modifications to advanced image editing, catering to a variety of needs.
• OCR Technology: The tool comes equipped with advanced Optical Character Recognition capabilities, allowing it to handle scanned documents and images with ease.
• Collaboration Features: Power PDF offers features like real-time collaboration and track changes, enabling smooth teamwork on documents.

11.2 Cons

• Pricing: For all its advanced features, Power PDF comes at a relatively high price, which might not be affordable for all users.
• Complexity: Its multitude of features might make the interface a bit complex for those unfamiliar with PDF editing software.
• Desktop-based: Power PDF is a downloadable software, and hence, cannot be accessed from different devices without installation.

12. FineReader PDF

FineReader PDF by ABBYY is a sophisticated tool used to convert, edit, and compare PDF files. Renowned for its ability to handle scanned documents and multi-language documents, it stands out for its wide set of applications in businesses and individual workflows.

12.1 Pros

• OCR Technology: FineReader PDF harnesses advanced OCR functionality, which allows users to convert scanned documents and images into editable PDFs with high precision.
• Multilingual Capability: This software is capable of recognizing and converting text in more than 190 languages, an asset for managing international documents.
• Advanced editing: Besides basic editing, FineReader PDF allows users to rearrange pages, modify images, and manage document properties, enhancing document handling experiences.

12.2 Cons

• Premium Pricing: Pricing can be an issue for some users as FineReader PDF is aimed at the professional market, making it less accessible for casual, individual users.
• Software based: As a software application, it lacks the convenience of cloud-based platforms, restricting access only to the device where it is installed.
• Complex Interface: With its wealth of professional-grade features, entry-level users may find the tool’s interface challenging.

13. Summary

13.1 Overall Comparison Table

Tool	Features	Ease of Use	Price	Customer Support
Pdf Live	Basic Conversion	Easy	Free	Average
pdfFiller	Advanced Editing, Annotating	Moderate	Paid	Good
Sejda PDF Forms	Form Features, Basic Editing	Easy	Paid, Free limited version	Average
FlexiPDF	Advanced Editing, Annotating	Difficult	Paid	Good
PDFescape Desktop	Advanced Editing, Annotating	Difficult	Paid, Free limited version	Average
Jotform PDF Editor	Form Features	Easy	Paid, Free limited version	Good
DocFly PDF Form Creator	Form Features, Basic Editing	Easy	Paid, Free limited version	Average
PDFelement	Form Features, Advanced Editing	Difficult	Paid	Good
Soda PDF Form Filler	Form Features, Basic Editing	Moderate	Paid	Good
Power PDF	Advanced Editing, Annotating	Difficult	Paid	Excellent
FineReader PDF	Form Features, Advanced Editing	Difficult	Paid	Good

13.2 Recommended Tool Based on Various Needs

Choosing a tool for converting PDF to editable PDFs majorly depends on individual requirements, budget, and technical savvy.

For users seeking a basic free tool, Pdf Live comes handy. However, for advanced features like OCR and professional-grade editing, tools like PDFelement and FineReader PDF are ideal, though they come at a cost.

If ease of use is a primary requirement, Jotform PDF Editor, DocFly PDF Form Creator, or Sejda PDF Forms are recommended. On the other hand, if customer support is a top priority, Power PDF has the edge with its excellent support services.

14. Conclusion

14.1 Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Choosing a Convert PDF to Editable PDF Tool

Converting PDFs into editable forms has become a crucial need across various sectors. And with multiple tools at our disposal, it is imperative to make an informed decision.

Your choice of a tool should primarily depend on your specific requirements, budget, and comfort with technology. If occasional conversions are all you need, a free basic tool might suffice. However, more frequent users or businesses might benefit from a paid professional tool laden with advanced features.

Remember, the best tool for you is the one that caters to your needs efficiently and seamlessly fits into your workflow. The comparisons provided in this guide aim to assist you in making that critical choice by offering comprehensive details on various aspects of popular tools. The final decision, however, should align with your unique requirements and personal preferences.

Author Introduction:

Vera Chen is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, which provides a wide range of products, including a great Outlook PST file repair tool.