When one is working in today’s digital environment, it is impossible to overemphasize the significance of being able to properly annotate PDFs. Although PDFs guarantee excellent compatibility and the preservation of the document’s original format, there are potential difficulties due to their non-modifiable and non-annotatable nature.
Nevertheless, by having effective tools to annotate PDF documents, one can turn this weakness into the strength. Based on the needs of collaboration, research, or simply organizing documents in one place, the selection of appropriate tools can greatly improve the effectiveness of work and the interaction of documents.
This article examines the best five tools that can be used to annotate PDF, hence helping users to determine the most suitable one for their use.
5 PDF Annotation Tools Highly Recommend
The following tools have been selected based on their special characteristics and simple user interface and efficient PDF annotation.
1. Afirstsoft PDF
Overview
Afirstsoft PDF is a PDF editor that seeks to revolutionize the way documents are managed with the help of its powerful features. It allows for the manipulation and mark of PDFs and conversion of these files across various devices namely Windows, macOS and mobile devices.
Key Annotation Features
- To stress certain text, users can make it bold or italicized.
- Tools such as highlighting, underlining, and tilde are provided to increase the variety of text annotations
- A variety of stickers are provided to enrich the personalized PDF experience for users from all walks of life.
Pros and cons
Pros
- It is user friendly hence can be used by anyone including those who have no prior experience.
- Annotations of PDFs are possible on different platforms and this does not affect functionality.
Cons
- The mobile version is still in the process of development which can be inconvenient for some users.
- It is easy to navigate through the basic functions yet some of the additional functions might take some time to learn.
Ideal users
Afirstsoft PDF is suitable for students, IT workers, medical personnel, and anybody who works with documents that need precise annotations edition and management.
2. Foxit PDF Editor
Overview
Foxit PDF Editor is yet another PDF editing software that offers a strong means of annotation. Owing to the numerous features and complexities, it is applied both in business and academic circles.
Key annotation features
- Features for underlining the text as well as the options for highlighting and crossing out the text.
- Sticky notes and comments can also be added by the users for providing more specific feedback.
- Many shapes and free hand drawing tools are provided.
- Subscribers are able to load two versions of a document and view the changes made in the two versions.
Pros and cons
Pros
- There is a variety of comprehensive annotation tools that can help with almost any requirement.
- Easy to handle and very efficient.
- Good measures in the protection of important files and documents.
Cons
- The user interface can be quite confusing for a new user.
- Some of the functions are available only with the paid version of the application.
Ideal users
Foxit PDF Editor is ideal for professional use, legal and other similar teams and even education sector because it offers many features that are beneficial for managing and collaborating with documents.
3. Microsoft OneNote
Overview
Microsoft OneNote is one of the members of the Microsoft Office Suite which is a digital note taking application. Although it is mostly a note-taking application, it has quite powerful PDF tools for annotations.
Key annotation features
- Users can write or draw on the PDFs using a stylus pen or their fingers.
- Text can be underlined or in bold to stress some points.
- The notes can be categorized by the users to facilitate their location and arrangement.
- Multimedia notes can be inserted by the users along with PDF annotations that are added to the document.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Having integration with other Microsoft products is quite helpful to the user.
- Suitable for other types of notes besides PDF annotation.
- Only requires a Microsoft account to use.
Cons
- Not as many editing tools as other PDF software programs.
- Problem of syncing can be observed with big files.
Ideal users
Microsoft OneNote is beneficial for students and working professionals who are already using Microsoft Office and require a tool for taking notes and PDF marking.
4. Notability
Overview
Notability is a note-taking app for iOS and macOS which is quite famous and best to annotate PDF for iOS users. It is especially dear to students for its simplicity and functionality of app.
Key annotation features
- Writing notes by hand are allowed and are then recognized as text.
- The users can record lectures and at the same time use annotations on PDF files.
- It has the capability to allow creation of templates for note-taking to be used time and again.
- The application allows the users to view and make annotations on multiple pages at the same time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The layout of the application designed for touch screen devices.
- Very useful for integrating the recorded data with written notes.
- Good features for the management of notes to enhance organization.
Cons
- This is a disadvantage since the application is only, available for Apple devices only hence limiting the accessibility.
- There are some drawbacks of the subscription model because some users consider it expensive.
Ideal users
Notability is rather useful for students and tutors who like to have a digital notebook with a possibility to record voice and write with a stylus for learning purposes.
5. Sumnote
Overview
Sumnote as a PDF annotation tool focuses on summarizing and extracting information from the PDF documents. It is especially helpful for scholars and students.
Key annotation features
- The users have the ability to select the portion of the text and create summaries.
- It is possible to associate labels with annotations for their further search.
- The PDFs that the user has annotated or the summaries can be exported in different formats.
- A effective search function is included to help users navigate to the desired annotations.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- This one is best used for research since it is build around the summarization aspect.
- Simple layout that is aimed at increasing productivity.
- Captures and export data in various formats for the program’s versatility.
Cons
- Few cons include that it does not have all the features of the full-fledged PDF editors.
- May not be suitable for other general PDF editing purposes.
Ideal users
Sumnote is perfect for anyone conducting research, students and working professionals who require to skim through and extract information from PDF documents.
Conclusion
PDF annotation is important for collaboration, document management and increasing the efficiency of business and academic processes in the modern world. Some of them enable users to post comments, marks, and notes that enhance the communication process and feedback.
In order to choose the correct tool to annotate a PDF document, it is advisable to determine the required function, based on the level of usage, whether for academic, business or individual purpose.
From the provided options, Afirstsoft PDF is the best program to annotate PDF because it has a user-friendly interface and is suitable for both personal and group use. To know how Afirstsoft PDF can improve your PDF annotation and solve your specific problem, continue reading more details on Afirstsoft PDF sites.
