Some popular Foxit alternatives include pdf.net, PDF-XChange Editor, Adobe Acrobat, Wondershare PDFelement, and more. 

While Foxit PDF Editor offers a range of tools for editing and managing PDFs, it’s not the best fit for every user. Alternatives such as pdf.net, PDF-XChange Editor, and Adobe Acrobat are often considered by users looking for different pricing or simpler interfaces, along with Wondershare PDFelement, Nitro PDF, and Smallpdf.

In this guide, we will look at the pros and cons of all these Foxit alternatives so you can determine which option works best for your workflow.

You may want to look for a Foxit alternative because of pricing concerns, feature limitations, compatibility issues, or workflow preferences.

The best option that works across different devices, as long as you have an Internet connection, is pdf.net, since it runs in your browser and requires no downloads.

Other comparable Foxit alternatives include PDF-XChange Editor, Adobe Acrobat, Wondershare PDFelement, and Nitro PDF.

To choose the right one for your needs, think about how you use PDFs, which features you require, and how much you are willing to spend.

You may want to look for a Foxit alternative because:

It may cost more than your workflow justifies.

 While Foxit is often marketed as an affordable 

, many of its useful features sit behind paid tiers and add-ons. If you only edit PDFs occasionally, paying $129.99 (Foxit Editor) or $159.99 (Foxit Editor+) may feel unnecessary.

It may include features you rarely use but still pay for.

 Foxit offers a wide range of tools, but you might not use all of them. For example, you may only need to merge files, add comments, or convert documents every now and then. In these cases, a simpler tool can often handle the same tasks without the extra complexity.

 If you need multiple licenses for a small business, subscription fees can become a noticeable expense.

Because Foxit includes many tools in one platform, the interface can appear crowded at first. If you mainly work with straightforward documents, navigating menus and toolbars may slow down tasks that should be simple.

You may need better compatibility with the tools you already use.

 Do you regularly store files in Google Drive, collaborate through Microsoft Office, or switch between devices? If Foxit does not connect easily with the platforms in your workflow, finding an alternative can make sharing, editing, and managing PDFs much more convenient.

Best 6 Foxit Alternatives for Small Businesses

Small businesses often need PDF tools that are 

easy to adopt, affordable, and practical for daily document tasks

. The best Foxit alternatives typically combine essential features like editing, e-signatures, file merging, and document conversion with integrations.

 are another plus, especially for businesses handling contracts, invoices, or sensitive files. Below are six options that balance usability, functionality, and cost efficiency for small business workflows.

best PDF editor for small businesses, freelancers, students, and everyday users

. It is fully browser-based, so you won’t have to worry about installing anything.

, including smartphones and tablets, as long as you have a reliable Internet connection. This means it’s handy even when you are out of the office and need to polish a 

Convert PDFs to and from different file formats, such as .DOCx, JPG, and PNG

Edit PDFs by adding annotations, highlighting, applying signatures, 

There are three pricing plans for you to choose from with pdf.net:

With this in mind, it is safe to say that pdf.net is the 

best Foxit alternative for those on a tighter budget

. You might handle fewer PDFs or handle them only occasionally; in these cases, it is hard to justify paying higher subscription prices.

 and see how simple PDF editing can be; all you need to do is open your browser, upload your file, and get your document ready to send in minutes!

This is an excellent PDF software like Foxit, with pricing starting at $62. It has 

, and you can use these to create documents that conform to 

This Foxit alternative supports all current versions of MS Windows operating systems, which makes it well-suited for 

businesses and teams that rely on a Windows-based workflow

. However, it is not the most flexible option if your team uses different operating systems. Since it only supports Windows, Mac and mobile users will need to look for another solution.

Adobe Acrobat offers a comprehensive set of tools for creating, editing, signing, and sharing PDFs, so it is a 

strong option for businesses and professionals

 who work with high volumes of documents regularly.

It also includes advanced features such as 

form creation, document comparison, redaction, and cloud-based collaboration

. Let’s take a quick look at its advantages and disadvantages:

Adobe Acrobat costs between $14.99 and $24.99 per month, depending on the plan. Since it is not the most affordable PDF software, 

 if you are already working within Adobe’s ecosystem.

Additionally, Adobe Document Cloud connects your PDFs with other Adobe apps and keeps everything organized and synced across devices, making it easier to store, share, and collaborate

Wondershare PDFelement is another strong Foxit alternative to consider, and it is available as software

annual subscriptions and perpetual licenses

many online PDF tools for teams and individual users

, which allows you to extract and edit text from scanned documents.

However, just like other Foxit alternatives, it has its pros and cons:

Wondershare PDFelement is a strong choice for users who want the same capabilities as Foxit but with 

. It suits freelancers and small and medium businesses (SMBs) that 

do not need the heavier enterprise features 

Nitro PDF was developed by an Australian company focused on document productivity solutions. It is a solid Foxit alternative, particularly for 

teams that prefer a familiar Microsoft Office-style interface.

The platform also places a strong emphasis on 

 help organizations meet strict data protection standards, which can be important for industries that handle sensitive documents.

Nitro PDF can work well as a Foxit alternative for small businesses, particularly if your team 

Plus, its security controls and compliance certifications can help 

if your business is in healthcare or finance.

you can consider for PDF editing. It has a free plan, which provides over 30 tools, but with 

. The $9 per month plan (Pro) and $7 per month per seat removes restrictions, so you can use the platform more freely.

Similar to the other Foxit alternatives above, we need to consider Smallpdf’s strengths and weaknesses:

, Smallpdf can be a convenient option for handling basic PDF tasks. It is particularly useful for students, freelancers, or small teams who want quick PDF tools without committing to full PDF software.

How to Choose the Right Foxit Alternative for Your Needs

To choose the right Foxit alternative for your needs, think about:

 Casual users may only need simple functions like viewing, merging, or converting PDFs. Meanwhile, businesses often require stronger editing capabilities, collaboration tools, and security controls. If you are a student, you would want to prioritize 

 and AI capabilities for reviewing academic PDFs.

 Do you mostly highlight passages, leave comments, or rearrange pages in a document? Basic editing tools may be enough. But if you regularly deal with scanned paperwork, OCR can turn those files into 

, and invoices, built-in e-signature tools are essential.

 Free tools can work well for occasional tasks, but often come with restrictions such as daily download limits. On the other hand, paid plans usually unlock more features and stronger security, but tally up over time. Reviewing pricing plans carefully can help you decide which option offers the best value for how often you will use it.

, the right choice depends on how you work with PDFs, how often you use them, and which features matter most to you.

If you only need occasional edits, a lightweight or browser-based tool may be enough. If PDFs are part of your daily workflow, it may be worth investing in software with stronger editing, security, and collaboration features. By weighing these factors, you can find a Foxit alternative that fits naturally into your workflow.

#1. Can I edit PDFs online without downloading software?

You can edit PDFs online without downloading software

. These tools are fully browser-based, so you just need a reliable Internet connection.

, but it has limited daily downloads. Certain software, like Adobe Acrobat, Wondershare, and Nitro, also offers free online PDF tools that you can consider using.

#3. Which Foxit alternative is best for business use?

The Foxit alternative that is best for business use

. For example, if you want a simple browser-based tool your team can access from anywhere, pdf.net may be a practical option for editing, signing, and managing PDFs without installing software.

6 Best Foxit Alternatives: Top PDF Editors to Consider in 2026

There are three ways to edit a PDF on Mac: you can use the built-in Preview app, an online PDF editor, or a dedicated desktop PDF app. 

, an online PDF editor, or a dedicated desktop PDF app. Through these programs, it is possible to annotate, add signatures, rearrange pages, convert file formats, and make deeper content changes depending on the tool you choose.

This guide will walk you through all three options, so you can choose the one that fits you best. We will also explain the common types of PDF edits that are possible on Mac and provide practical tips for professional editing.

 app lets you add text boxes, highlights, shapes, and signatures to PDFs; you can also sign documents with it.

Other options to edit PDFs on a Mac include using online tools like pdf.net or dedicated desktop solutions.

Mac users can annotate, insert images or shapes, fill forms, apply signatures, convert file formats, merge, split, rearrange pages, and compress PDFs.

To ensure a polished final file, you should avoid overlaying text boxes, pay attention to the formatting to keep everything consistent, and preview your PDF carefully before downloading or sharing it.

Below are three common ways to edit PDFs on Mac, along with step-by-step instructions for each:

 pre-installed, and this app will let you 

. For example, you can add text boxes, highlight certain sentences, insert shapes,

, and rearrange pages. Although it doesn’t allow full paragraph rewrites like a Word document, it works well for quick and practical edits.

Here is how you can edit a PDF with Mac’s 

 is already your default PDF viewer, double-clicking the file will open it automatically.

 tool indicated as a text box with an 'A’ inside. 

Select the Text tool indicated as a text box with an 'A’ inside

Confirm that a text box has appeared on your PDF’s page. 

Confirm that a text box has appeared on your PDF’s page

Click on it to drag it to the correct location.

Resize the text box by dragging its corners if needed

Adjust the font size, color, and alignment from the formatting bar. 

If you want to review or mark up your PDF, these are the steps to take:

Select the text that you want to modify. 

You can also insert shapes, arrows, or comments from the 

 menu, as this helps emphasize important sections or provide feedback.

The free Mac PDF editor will also let you apply signatures to documents, and you can do it in this way:

Create a signature using your trackpad, cursor, or connected stylus. 

Create a signature using your trackpad, cursor, or connected stylus

Drag the inserted signature and resize it into position. 

, handling contracts, agreements, consent forms, or invoices becomes much easier.

For rearranging or removing pages, you can follow these instructions:

This is useful when reorganizing study notes into a clearer order, removing unnecessary pages from a report, or adjusting the flow of a longer document before sharing or 

Another way to edit PDFs on MacBooks and iMacs is by using online PDF editors, which sometimes offer more advanced editing features that can be accessed directly in your browser.

Depending on the platform, you may be able to:

Modify existing text instead of only adding text boxes

Compress large PDFs for easy sharing and storing

Convert PDFs to Word, Excel, or other formats

One PDF platform lets you do all of the above, and it’s 

meaning you won’t need to install anything. As long as you have a reliable Internet connection, you can prepare and polish your PDFs on any device, including Macs.

Here is how you can access our full suite of tools to modify PDFs on Macs:

Upload your PDF file by dragging and dropping it into the

box or selecting it from your Mac via the 

Upload your PDF file by dragging and dropping it into the Drop file here to start box or selecting it from your Mac via the Choose file button.

Wait for the document to load in the editor. 

Wait for the document to load in the editor

Choose the tool you need at the top of the page: edit text, merge, split, sign, annotate, rearrange pages, or convert. You can also hover over 

Make your changes directly within the document.

 in the top-right corner to save your PDF to storage. 

Click Download in the top-right corner to save your PDF to storage.

: If you want to share your PDF directly instead of downloading it and then sending it via email, you can use our 

Besides the abovementioned tools, we have AI-powered features (

) that help you improve the quality and clarity of the information inside documents without toggling between multiple tools.

Finally, apart from everything that makes it one of the 

, so you won’t have to worry about overcoming any learning curves.

 while it is being uploaded, processed, and downloaded. Unlike other online tools that hold onto your data, we delete yours shortly after you are finished with your file.

Finally, you have the option to use dedicated desktop editors, usually built for full document modification. You can open a PDF in these applications directly from Finder:

Install a PDF editing application on your Mac.

 and locate the PDF file that you want to edit.

Release the file to open it inside the program.

Alternatively, you can right-click the PDF file, choose 

handy if it is part of your team or company’s work processes

. However, it might not be the best option when you only need to make small changes, such as highlighting, adding notes, or applying a signature.

They may also be less practical if you rarely edit PDFs and do not want to pay for a subscription, or if you are using a shared or restricted computer where installing software is not possible.

What You Can Edit or Modify in PDFs on Mac

Below are the most common actions you can take with PDFs on Mac:

placing visual or written notes on top of a PDF 

without changing the original content. On a Mac, this includes 

, underlining sections, and inserting comment boxes. These actions 

 you want to remember, while comments let you attach notes or thoughts at precise locations.

Annotations are also helpful because they 

make information easier to process and organize

 shows that when users actively engage with text using highlights and notes, it supports deeper processing. It also helps with the integration of information across multiple documents, which is linked to improved learning performance.

Shapes such as arrows, rectangles, and circles allow you to 

without rewriting the surrounding content. This keeps the PDF cleaner while still making the emphasis clear. As for images, you can insert 

logos, graphics, screenshots, or replacement visuals 

if part of the document needs correction or enhancement.

Many PDFs are designed as interactive forms, allowing you to 

enter information directly into designated fields

. This is helpful because it eliminates the need to print and manually complete documents. It also reduces errors that may occur when handwriting is unclear or when forms are scanned after completion.

 Knowing how to sign PDFs on a Mac, therefore, allows you to 

complete NDAs, contracts, invoices, and other formal documents entirely in digital form

#4. Convert PDFs to Word, Excel, or Images

, independent of the software, operating system, or hardware used to create or view them. However, this stability makes deeper editing difficult. Converting a PDF into another format allows you to 

 You can directly edit paragraphs, adjust formatting, and restructure sections without placing text boxes over existing content.

 If the document contains tables, converting it to Excel makes it easier to sort data, run calculations, or reorganize structured information.

 Exporting a PDF as a PNG or JPG can be useful when you need to embed the content into presentations, websites, or other visual platforms.

Merging allows you to combine multiple PDF files into one continuous file. Meanwhile, splitting lets you separate a large PDF into smaller files or extract specific pages. Compressing the file lowers storage requirements and makes sharing faster; together, these functions help you control how a document is organized and distributed.

Keep the following tips in mind when editing PDFs:

Avoid placing text boxes on top of paragraphs.

 This can create alignment problems and become obvious when zooming or printing. Whenever possible, use tools (like pdf.net) that allow direct text editing so the content integrates naturally.

, size, spacing, and alignment to match the rest of the document. Even small inconsistencies can make the file look unpolished or uneven.

Review each page carefully before finalizing. 

Minor edits can shift spacing, margins, or page breaks, so a complete scan helps ensure the structure remains intact. It helps to look at your PDF on different devices as well.

With pdf.net, you can edit text directly, insert images, merge or split files, 

, and convert PDFs to Word or Excel in just a few clicks. Built-in AI features also help you efficiently summarize, translate, and refine content without switching platforms. So, if you want a more flexible and efficient way to manage PDFs, head on over to our PDF editor!

Editing a PDF on Mac can be simple or advanced, depending on the tools you choose. 

 handles annotations, signatures, and basic adjustments, while dedicated editors and platforms like pdf.net offer deeper control, conversion options, and AI-powered features.

How to Edit a PDF on a Mac: 3 Simple Methods 

You can write on a PDF while keeping its layout intact by using browser-based pdf.net or software options like Preview and Microsoft Edge.

 tools offered by pdf.net, which work on all devices as long as there is an Internet connection. Alternatively, you can use 

 on Mac and Windows devices, respectively.

These tools make it easier to review documents, fill out forms, and leave feedback without printing or converting files. If you work with PDFs often as a student, educator, office worker, or freelancer, follow along as we show you how to write on PDFs using both browser-based and built-in tools.

Writing on PDFs allows you to preserve the original formatting while adding or modifying content, saves time, and helps keep documents organized by reducing the need for multiple copies after rounds of revision.

Knowing how to write on PDF documents is useful for students, educators, office workers, and freelancers who work with PDFs on a day-to-day basis.

You can write on a PDF by using pdf.net’s 

 tools; our online editor works on phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.

If you prefer using software to write on your PDFs, you can use Mac’s 

Helpful tips for writing on PDFs include saving an unchanged copy of the original file for reference, using a consistent system for annotation colors and styles, placing notes close to the content they refer to, and using AI tools to improve efficiency.

You may want to write on PDF documents to add or alter content while still preserving their layouts. For example, you can insert text, comments, highlights, or markings without shifting spacing, fonts, and other existing elements. This is especially useful for forms, contracts, worksheets, and reports.

Another reason to write on PDFs is to save time. Instead of printing documents, writing by hand, and scanning them back into digital form, you can complete everything on-screen.

This also reduces back-and-forth communication, since notes are placed directly where they apply. For teams and individuals working digitally, this means faster turnarounds and fewer steps in workflows.

Here are a few common scenarios where you would want to write on PDF documents:

Annotating contracts or proposals during revisions

Marking corrections or suggested changes on shared documents

Commenting on designs, layouts, or written content during collaboration

Filling out application forms, agreements, or official paperwork

How to Write on a PDF Document: 3 Methods Explained

You can write on a PDF document using our online PDF editor; all you have to do is follow these simple steps:

Edit PDF

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How to Edit a PDF on a Mac: 3 Simple Methods

How to Write on a PDF: Add Text, Notes & Annotations Easily

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