Mac PDF Editor Comparison: What to Look for and Why It Matters

PDFs are one of the most common file formats used for documents, contracts, study materials, and forms. On macOS, they’re especially popular due to built-in support and the format’s reliability across devices.

As remote work and digital collaboration grow, more users are looking for PDF editors that work well on Macs—tools that go beyond viewing and offer real editing features. 

Megon Venter

Blog Author - B2B SaaS Content Writer

Megon is a B2B SaaS Content Writer with 7 years of experience in content strategy and execution. Her expertise lies in the creation of document management tutorials and product comparisons.

Popular PDF Editors for Mac: Comparison Overview

With so many PDF tools available for macOS, it can be hard to know which ones are worth using. Below is a breakdown of popular mac PDF editors, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and best use cases to help you decide which fits your workflow.

1. Preview (Built-in)

Best for: Casual users who need simple PDF tasks

• Strengths
  Comes pre-installed on every Mac, mamaking it easily accessible. Supports viewing, basic annotations (highlight, underline, comments), filling out forms, and signing documents with trackpad or camera.
  
  

• Limitations
  Lacks advanced editing features—can’t modify text, images, or layout within the PDF. No OCR, batch processing, or form creation tools. Not suitable for users who need frequent or complex document editing.
  
  

Great for quick tasks like signing, reading, or marking up PDFs—but not a full replacement for dedicated PDF editors.

2. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Best for: Professionals and teams needing advanced features and full compatibility

• Strengths
  Considered the industry standard for PDF editing. Offers a complete toolkit: advanced text/image editing, OCR, form creation, e-signatures, file conversion, redaction, batch processing, and strong security features. Seamless integration with Adobe Cloud and other Adobe apps.
  
  

  
  Image source: Adobe Acrobat
  
  

• Limitations
  High monthly or annual subscription cost. Can feel heavy or overwhelming for users who only need basic features. May use more system resources than lighter alternatives.
  
  

Packed with everything a power user could need—but the price makes it better suited for business users or frequent editors rather than occasional personal use.

3. LynxPDF Editor

Best for: Business users, teams, and developers needing automation and compliance-ready tools

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• Strengths
  LynxPDF Editor is designed for enterprise use, offering advanced editing features along with automation and workflow customization. Supports full text and image editing, form creation, and OCR. It’s built with compliance in mind, including features for audit trails, version control, and document lifecycle tracking.
  
  

  Includes API access for integration with internal systems, making it suitable for custom document processing pipelines or scaling across departments. Supports batch operations, cloud syncing, and real-time collaboration.
  
  

  Image source: LynxPDF Editor

   

• Limitations
  Targeted toward professional and business environments—may be more complex than needed for basic personal use. Pricing is typically higher and often tied to user tiers or enterprise plans.
  
  

A strong choice for companies that need secure, automated, and customizable PDF workflows. Ideal for organizations that value document compliance, structured editing, and integration with existing tools.

4. PDF Expert by Readdle

Best for: Students, professionals, and everyday users focused on reading, annotating, and light editing

• Strengths
  Known for its clean, user-friendly interface and fast performance on macOS. Excellent for reading, annotating, and highlighting documents. Offers tools for form filling, signing, and basic text/image editing. Supports Apple Pencil on iPad and includes iCloud sync for cross-device use.
  
  
  

  
  Image source: PDF Expert 
  
  

• Limitations
  Editing tools are present but not as advanced as those in more enterprise-focused editors. Lacks some features like full OCR, redaction, or batch processing. No API or advanced automation capabilities.
  
  

A polished, well-optimized editor for users who prioritize a smooth reading and markup experience, with enough editing features for most day-to-day tasks. Not ideal for complex or large-scale document work.

5. TechEDMentor

Best for: Users looking for a budget-friendly all-in-one PDF tool with a balance of reading, editing, and productivity features

• Strengths
  TechEDMentor offers a wide range of tools, including text and image editing, form filling, annotation, PDF merging/splitting, and OCR. It supports batch processing, PDF conversion, and text-to-speech for accessibility. Built for productivity, it includes reading modes like night view and multi-tab viewing, making it convenient for long sessions.
  
  

  Also supports cloud sync (iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive), e-signature tools, and cross-platform availability (macOS, iOS, Windows, Android), giving users flexibility across devices.
  
  

• Limitations
  While feature-rich, the interface may feel cluttered or dated compared to more modern tools. OCR and advanced features sometimes require an upgrade to the Pro+ version. Lacks the deep compliance tools and API support found in enterprise-focused solutions.
  
  

Image source: TechEDMentor

A well-rounded PDF editor for students, professionals, or small teams who want strong features without a high price. Great for editing, reading, and managing PDFs—but may fall short for heavy automation or high-security business use.

6. Wondershare PDFelement for Mac

Best for: Users looking for a powerful PDF editor without a high subscription cost

• Strengths
  Offers a solid mix of features at a more affordable price compared to Adobe. Includes full text and image editing, form creation, and batch processing. Its OCR engine performs well with scanned documents, and it supports file conversion, annotations, and secure document handling. Interface is modern and relatively easy to learn.
  
  

  
  Image source: Wondershare PDFelement

   

• Limitations
  While feature-rich, some advanced tools (like deeper automation or integrations) may still be limited compared to enterprise-level editors. Occasional UI lags reported on large files.

A strong all-around choice for individuals or small businesses that need professional editing tools, good OCR, and form support—without paying premium subscription rates.

Core Features to Look for in a Mac PDF Editor

When comparing PDF editors for macOS, look beyond the basics. A well-rounded tool should offer the following core features:

1. Editing Capabilities

Text, Image, and Form Editing

A solid PDF editor should allow you to make changes directly within the file—just like a word processor. On macOS, many tools support:

• Text editing: Fix typos, rewrite content, or change fonts without converting the file.
  
  

• Image editing: Insert, resize, move, or delete images embedded in the PDF.
  
  

• Form editing and creation: Fill out interactive forms or build new ones with checkboxes, dropdowns, and signature fields.
  
  

Some editors also support batch editing, which can save time when applying the same change across multiple files.

OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

OCR is a key feature if you work with scanned documents. It lets the software recognize text in images or scanned pages, turning them into searchable and editable content. Without OCR, scanned PDFs are just static images—you can’t copy, search, or modify the text.

OCR performance varies depending on the software. Some tools support multiple languages, allow page-by-page corrections, and handle poor scan quality better than others. If you often deal with paper documents or scanned forms, strong OCR support is worth prioritizing.

2. macOS Optimization

Native Apple Silicon Support (M1, M2, M3, etc.)

Modern Mac PDF editors should run smoothly on Apple’s latest chips. Native support for Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) ensures faster performance, lower battery usage, and better stability. Apps that are still Intel-only may run slower or be less efficient on newer Macs using Rosetta translation.

Integration with macOS Tools
A good Mac PDF editor works seamlessly with built-in features:

• Finder: Right-click to open PDFs directly in your editor or preview them with Quick Look.
  
  

• Preview: Some tools integrate with Preview or offer plug-ins to extend its basic features.
  
  

• Continuity and Handoff: Useful for those who work across Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
  
  

• Drag and Drop: Easily move files and content between the editor and desktop, folders, or other apps.
  
  

Editors designed specifically for macOS often feel more polished and responsive, taking advantage of native system frameworks and user experience patterns.

3. Ease of Use

A PDF editor should feel easy to navigate, even for first-time users. The best tools offer:

• Intuitive Interface: Clear menus, familiar icons, and logical layout make it simple to find and use key functions without a steep learning curve.
  
  

• Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Add files, images, or pages by dragging them into the app window—no need to dig through menu options.
  
  

• Menu Logic: Well-organized toolbars and dropdowns that group related tasks together, like editing, annotating, or exporting.
  
  

Some editors also include built-in tutorials or tooltips that guide you through actions without interrupting your workflow. Overall, ease of use can significantly speed up everyday document tasks.

4. Security & Privacy

If you’re handling sensitive or personal documents, built-in security features are essential. Look for:

• Password Protection
  Set a password to prevent unauthorized access or restrict actions like printing, copying, or editing.
  
  

• Encryption
  Some editors offer AES-256 encryption, which adds an extra layer of data protection—especially useful for contracts, medical records, or financial files.
  
  

• Redaction Tools
  Permanently remove confidential text or images from a PDF. Unlike simply covering text with a black box, proper redaction makes the hidden content unrecoverable.
  
  

Reliable security features ensure your documents stay private whether they’re stored locally or shared online.

5. Cloud and Cross-Device Sync

Seamless file access across devices is a must for many users. A good Mac PDF editor should support:

• Cloud Storage Integration
  Direct access to services like iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive makes opening, editing, and saving files easier—no manual uploads or downloads needed.
  
  

• iPhone and iPad Continuity
  Some editors offer companion iOS apps or support Handoff, so you can start editing a PDF on your Mac and continue on your iPhone or iPad. This is especially useful for reviewing documents on the go or using Apple Pencil for annotations.
  
  

These features help you stay productive no matter where you’re working from.

"With LynxPDF Editor, the ability to convert, edit, and sign PDFs has never been more accessible and user-friendly."

Jane Doe 

Data Analyst

Source: LinkedIn

Which Editor Suits You?

Not every PDF editor fits every user. The right tool depends on how you work and what features matter most. Here’s a quick guide to match common user needs—like studying, business tasks, or legal work—with the best-suited mac PDF editor.

For Students & Researchers
If your work involves reading and marking up long documents, look for tools with strong annotation features. Highlighting, commenting, bookmarking, and quick navigation are essential.

For Small Business Owners
You’ll need editing tools for invoices, contracts, and forms, plus reliable digital signatures and support for converting documents to other formats.

For Legal & Compliance Teams
Focus on security features like redaction, encryption, access restrictions, and version control. Document traceability is also key.

For Creative Professionals
Layout precision, page reordering, image control, and clean interfaces matter most. The ability to merge, split, and rearrange files smoothly is a must.

"LynxPDF Editor not only allows you to quickly and smoothly view your reference materials with day mode in a bright environment and night mode in a dim environment."

Jan Stiedemann

Global Applications Representative

 

Download LynxPDF Editor

Ready to get started with our PDF editor? Download the latest version of LynxPDF Editor for Mac down below:

Transform Your Business with LynxPDF Editor Enterprise Edition!

Admin Console

Custom Business Stamps

System Integration

Digital Signatures

The more you buy, the bigger the discount!

Download Now Contact Us

Best Practices and Tips

Here are some practices that help avoid wasted time and money, and ensure the tool you choose actually improves your document workflow.

• Start with a Trial Version
  Most paid PDF editors offer free trials. Use them to test performance, interface, and feature depth before committing.
  
  

• Match Features to Your Workflow
  Don’t pay for tools you won’t use. Identify your top needs—OCR, annotation, form creation, batch processing—and choose accordingly.
  
  

• Check macOS Compatibility
  Make sure the software runs natively on your version of macOS and supports Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3). Avoid laggy apps that rely solely on Intel emulation.
  
  

• Look for Cross-Platform Support
  If you work on iPad or iPhone, choose an editor with iOS compatibility or iCloud sync for seamless transitions between devices.
  
  

• Review Update History
  Regular updates show that the software is maintained. This ensures better security, performance, and support for new macOS features.
  
  

• Compare Pricing Models
  Some editors use one-time licenses; others are subscription-based. Weigh the cost against how often you'll use the tool and whether you need advanced features.

FAQ