PDF-XChange Editor: A Powerful PDF Tool with Professional Features

Tracker Software’s PDF-XChange Editor has come a long way since its origins as PDF-XChange Viewer, a freemium PDF viewer for Microsoft Windows. Over the years, it has garnered a dedicated user base and is frequently praised by its fans as one of the best alternatives to Adobe Acrobat. While this claim may spark some debate, there’s no denying that PDF-XChange Editor is a worthy contender in the PDF editing software market, offering a host of professional-grade features at a competitive price point.

Two Paid Tiers for Different Needs

PDF-XChange Editor is available in two main paid versions, each catering to different user needs. The standard version, PDF-XChange Editor, is priced at $56 for a single license. This version allows users to perform a wide range of tasks, including editing text and graphics, annotating and securing documents, and creating or converting PDF files. For users who require more advanced features, Tracker Software offers PDF-XChange Pro, a bundle that includes PDF-XChange Standard, PDF-Tools, and PDF-XChange Editor Plus. Priced at $121 for a single license, PDF-XChange Pro offers enhanced functionality, such as the ability to create interactive forms, virtual printing, and more advanced image editing tools. While these paid versions come with robust features, there are also free versions available for both options, though they add a watermark to every document.

A User-Friendly Interface with Ribbon Tabs

Upon launching PDF-XChange Editor, users are greeted with a clean and functional interface. The program utilizes a ribbon-style interface with clearly labeled tabs that define its main functions. Each tab opens a specific set of tools related to its function. This design allows for quick navigation and easy access to a range of editing features. The left sidebar, which appears when a PDF is opened, is particularly useful for managing the document’s contents. It displays tools for viewing thumbnails, checking attachments, reading comments, and accessing other essential elements of the current document.

Open PDFs are displayed in the main window, with each document shown in its own tab, making it easy to switch between multiple files. This tab-based design helps streamline the workflow, allowing users to work on several documents simultaneously without feeling cluttered.

Text and Object Editing: Simple Yet Effective

One of the key features of PDF-XChange Editor is its ease of use when it comes to editing text. To edit the text content of a PDF, users simply select the “Edit Text” button from the Home tab. This action activates individual text boxes around each paragraph, allowing users to click on any box to make the text editable. Making changes is as easy as typing new text in the text box, making this feature ideal for users who need to quickly revise documents.

Object editing follows a similar process. Images and other elements in the PDF are enclosed in boxes that can be resized or repositioned with a simple click and drag. Whether you need to adjust the layout of a document or change its visual elements, PDF-XChange Editor provides an intuitive way to perform these tasks.

Extensive Annotation Tools

For users who need to annotate PDFs, PDF-XChange Editor offers a rich selection of tools. From callouts and sticky notes to highlighters and drawing tools, the software provides everything necessary for adding comments or marking important sections of a document. Additionally, users can take advantage of stamps, including custom stamps, which can be useful for marking approval or adding signatures.

What sets PDF-XChange Editor apart from many other PDF editors is its ability to add 3D annotations and multimedia comments. This is a unique feature that allows users to add audio or video comments to a document, enhancing communication and collaboration for team projects or client reviews.

Document Security Features

In terms of document security, PDF-XChange Editor is equipped with an array of tools to ensure sensitive information is well-protected. The Protect tab houses a variety of options for managing access to a document. Users can set passwords and enable encryption to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, editing permissions can be configured to restrict changes or copying of content.

For even more security, PDF-XChange Editor allows users to redact text, ensuring that sensitive information is permanently removed from a document. The software also includes features for sanitizing a document by eliminating hidden elements, such as metadata or links, which may compromise confidentiality.

Overcoming the Learning Curve

With its numerous features spread across twelve different tabs, PDF-XChange Editor may initially appear overwhelming to new users. However, the software is intuitive enough that most users will be able to find the tools they need after some exploration. For those who prefer more structured guidance, Tracker Software offers detailed tutorials on its website. These tutorials walk users through common tasks step by step, making it easy to get started with the software.

For additional support, there is also an active online forum where users can find solutions to their problems or ask questions. This forum is accessible directly through the software’s help menu, ensuring that help is always just a few clicks away.

Affordable Yet Powerful PDF Editing

While PDF-XChange Editor may not have all the advanced features of Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, it offers most of the essential PDF editing capabilities at a fraction of the cost. Whether you need to edit text, annotate documents, secure sensitive information, or work with multimedia elements, PDF-XChange Editor provides an affordable solution without sacrificing quality.

In conclusion, PDF-XChange Editor is an excellent choice for both casual and professional users who need a reliable PDF editing tool. Its extensive feature set, ease of use, and competitive pricing make it a strong contender in the PDF editing market. Whether you’re an individual looking to edit a document or a business in need of advanced functionality, PDF-XChange Editor is worth considering as a powerful, cost-effective alternative to Adobe Acrobat.