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PDF is an acronym for Portable Document Format developed by Adobe. It is a file format that allows for secure and easy sharing of documents between different users and platforms. PDF files preserve the formatting of documents, which means they look the same on every device. PDF documents can be viewed on any operating system, and users can add annotations, comments, and bookmarks to them.
PDF creators or software are programs that convert other file formats to PDF. With a PDF creator, anyone can convert a document or file to a PDF format. These tools make it easy to create professional-looking PDF documents that can be shared, edited, or printed easily. However, not all PDF creators are created equal, and some are better than others. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 best PDF creator tools available in the market along with their pros and cons.
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What is a PDF Creator?
PDF creators are software applications designed to convert other document formats to PDF. These tools have become very popular among businesses and individuals due to the need to create digital documents that can be viewed on any device. PDF creators make it easy to create clean, visually appealing, and professional-looking PDF documents.
With a PDF creator, you can quickly convert documents such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and images to PDF. Some PDF creators even offer advanced features such as the ability to add password protection, create digital signatures, or merge multiple files into one PDF document.
Top Best 5 PDF Creator Tools
1. Adobe Acrobat DC
Adobe Acrobat DC is considered the gold standard of PDF creators. The tool offers a wide range of features that make it easy to create, edit, and share PDF documents. With Acrobat DC, you can convert files to PDF from any application that prints, including Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and AutoCAD. The software also offers features like password protection, digital signatures, and the ability to add multimedia content. Acrobat DC is available as a subscription service, with prices starting at $14.99 per month.
Pros:
– Adobe Acrobat DC is the most robust PDF creator available.
– It offers a wide range of features such as the ability to merge multiple files, password protection, and the ability to add multimedia content.
– The software is available on Windows and Mac OS, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Cons:
– Acrobat DC is quite expensive, especially for small businesses or independent users.
– The interface can be challenging to use for new users.
2. Nitro Pro
Nitro Pro is another excellent PDF creator. It is an all-in-one PDF editor and creator designed for businesses of all sizes. The software converts files to PDF from any application that prints and also offers advanced features such as OCR (Optical Character Recognition), which allows you to search and edit the text in scanned documents. Nitro Pro also provides a user-friendly interface, making it easy to use even for beginners. Prices start at $159.99 per user.
Pros:
– Nitro Pro is a cost-effective and user-friendly solution.
– It offers advanced features such as OCR, which is a valuable tool in converting scanned documents to text.
– Nitro Pro integrates with Microsoft Office, making it easy to create PDFs from any application in the suite.
Cons:
– Nitro Pro is not available for Mac users.
– The software can be slow at times, especially when working with larger files.
3. Foxit PhantomPDF
Foxit PhantomPDF is a powerful and secure PDF creator designed for businesses. The tool is available in two versions – Standard and Business. Both versions offer features such as password protection, document signing, and the ability to convert files to PDF from any application that prints. The Business version also offers advanced features such as OCR and redaction tools. Foxit PhantomPDF is available for both Windows and Mac users, with prices starting at $139.
Pros:
– Foxit PhantomPDF provides a range of features that make it a popular choice for businesses.
– The software is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
– The Business version offers advanced features that are useful for larger companies, such as OCR and redaction tools.
Cons:
– Foxit PhantomPDF can be slower than other alternatives when performing complex operations.
– Some users have reported issues with customer support.
4. Soda PDF
Soda PDF is an all-in-one PDF creator that offers a wide range of features. The tool provides a user-friendly interface and allows you to convert files to PDF from any application that prints. Soda PDF also offers advanced features such as OCR and redaction tools. The tool is available for both Windows and Mac users. Prices start at $84 per year.
Pros:
– Soda PDF is an affordable and user-friendly solution.
– The software offers a wide range of features such as OCR and redaction tools.
– It integrates well with cloud storage solutions like Dropbox and Google Drive.
Cons:
– Some features like OCR can be slow when working with large files.
– Some users have reported issues with customer support.
5. Bluebeam Revu
Bluebeam Revu is another powerful PDF creator designed for the construction industry. The tool offers a range of features that make it easy to create and manage complex construction documents. The software allows you to convert files to PDF from any application that prints and also offers advanced features such as markups, annotations, and the ability to create 3D PDFs. Bluebeam Revu is available for both Windows and Mac users, with prices starting at $349.
Pros:
– Bluebeam Revu is a powerful and feature-rich PDF creator designed specifically for the construction industry.
– The software offers advanced features such as markups, annotations, and the ability to create 3D PDFs.
– Bluebeam Revu integrates well with other tools and software commonly used in the construction industry.
Cons:
– Bluebeam Revu is expensive, especially for small construction businesses.
– The software can be challenging to learn for new users.
Our Thoughts on PDF Creator tools
PDF creators have become essential tools for businesses and individual users alike. The tools discussed in this article offer a range of features that make it easy to create professional-looking PDF documents quickly. Adobe Acrobat DC is the gold standard of PDF creators, offering a wide range of advanced features, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Other alternatives like Nitro Pro, Foxit PhantomPDF, and Soda PDF offer a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for many users. Bluebeam Revu is a powerful tool designed specifically for the construction industry, but it comes with a high price and can be challenging to learn for new users.
In conclusion, the choice of PDF creator tool comes down to individual needs and budgets. All the tools discussed in this article offer a range of features that make it easy to create, edit, and share PDF documents. However, it is essential to consider factors like price, user-friendliness, and advanced features before making a choice.
5 FAQs about PDF Creators
Q1. What is the difference between a PDF creator and a PDF editor?
A1. A PDF creator is a tool used to convert other document formats to PDF, while a PDF editor is a tool used to modify an existing PDF document.
Q2. Is it possible to password protect a PDF document created by a PDF creator?
A2. Yes, most PDF creators allow you to add password protection to a document during the creation process.
Q3. What is OCR, and why is it important for PDF creators?
A3. OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition, and it is a technology used to convert scanned documents into text. OCR is important for PDF creators because it allows you to search, edit, and modify text in scanned documents.
Q4. Can PDF creators be used to combine multiple files into one PDF document?
A4. Yes, most PDF creators offer the ability to merge multiple files into one PDF document.
Q5. Are PDF creators available for both Windows and Mac users?
A5. Yes, most PDF creators are available for both Windows and Mac users.
In Conclusion
PDF creators have become essential tools for businesses and individuals looking to create professional-looking PDF documents quickly and easily. The top 5 best PDF creators discussed in this article offer a range of features that make it easy to create, edit, and share PDF documents. When choosing a PDF creator tool, it’s essential to consider factors such as price, user-friendliness, and advanced features before making a decision. Whether you’re a small business owner, an independent user, or in the construction industry, there is a PDF creator tool out there for you.