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An evening's reading on four PDF editors

PDF Gear, Master PDF Editor, PDF24 Tools and Foxit PDF Editor, set out in a consistent order so their differences are easy to see.

Opening note

A PDF holds its layout still so that it looks the same on any screen or printer. Changing one therefore calls for software designed for the format. The four programs below differ in where they run, how they are organised and how far their feature lists extend.

The programs

Each card gives a description, what the provider lists, and points to keep in mind.

PDF Gear

Desktop and browser

PDF Gear groups reading, editing and conversion inside one application. It can be installed on a computer, and a browser version offers a lighter way in. Its listed uses include changing words or pictures on a page, completing forms and exporting to Word or Excel. Scanned pages can be turned into text through character recognition, and a number of files can be converted together. Some functions ask for an account, and the installed version needs to be set up before use.

Covers

  • Text, image and page editing
  • Character recognition for scans
  • Batch conversion

Keep in mind

  • Installation needed for desktop use
  • Some functions need an account
  • Fixed list of supported formats

Master PDF Editor

Desktop application

Master PDF Editor, made by Code Industry, is a desktop application for creating, editing, previewing, signing and printing PDF files. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Its listed features include text formatting, annotations such as highlights and comments, form creation with calculations, page management, redaction, watermarks, and protection through passwords or certificates. Its main page does not mention character recognition or conversion tools.

Covers

  • Text editing and annotations
  • Form creation and filling
  • Page management and redaction
  • Password and certificate protection

Keep in mind

  • Runs as an installed application
  • OCR is not mentioned on its main page
  • Conversion tools are not listed there

PDF24 Tools

Online and Windows

PDF24 Tools is a collection of small PDF utilities available online and through a Windows application. A virtual printer driver is included, so other programs can produce PDF files from an ordinary print dialogue. Separate utilities cover converting, merging, splitting and adjusting documents. The offline application is available for Windows only, which leaves other systems with the online utilities, and the large number of tools means locating the right one can take a little time.

Covers

  • Virtual PDF printer driver
  • Windows application for offline use
  • Many individual utilities

Keep in mind

  • Offline version is Windows-only
  • The tool list is long
  • Offline use needs installation

Foxit PDF Editor

Broad suite

Foxit PDF Editor is a platform from Foxit for creating, changing, converting, signing and managing documents. It is offered for Windows, macOS and the web, and a separate tier adds mobile and cloud apps. Editing of text, images and pages sits alongside Office format conversion, forms, signatures, character recognition and version comparison. AI-assisted redaction is an add-on, and the document management functions are designed with organisations in mind.

Covers

  • Text, image and page editing
  • Office format conversion
  • Forms and signing
  • OCR and version comparison

Keep in mind

  • Mobile and cloud need another tier
  • AI-assisted redaction is an add-on
  • Management tools suit organisations

Table of functions

The table shows which functions each program lists. "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.

The journal

Three short pieces cover sharing documents safely, long-term archiving and readable document structure.

Open the journal

About this page

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