Whether you’re red‑lining a set of drawings, summarizing complex documents or lecture notes, or chasing e‑signatures on a contract, a capable PDF editor is essential on macOS.
Apple Preview does a decent job for the basics, but as soon as you need live sync and collaboration, OCR, redaction, form creation, or advanced markup, you’ll hit its limits.
That’s why we evaluated all the most popular PDF editors, weighing their Mac-specific strengths, pricing, and reviews, to bring you the best option for your needs.
Here’s our guide on the best PDF tools for Mac in 2025.
Drawboard gives Mac users a polished, flexible PDF editor that’s perfect for everything from reviewing contracts and lecture notes to drafting creative projects. With multi‑window support, an easy‑to‑navigate annotation history, and handy templates like grids and lined paper, it keeps work organized and smooth on macOS. And with seamless Apple Pencil and stylus support on iPad and iPhone, plus real-time syncing across Windows PCs, tablets, smartphones, and web, you can work on your favorite devices and pick up where you left off on your Mac.
What makes Drawboard stand out is how much it packs into a clean, intuitive experience. You can measure, manage, and mark up with precision, drop in audio notes or links, and even build documents from scratch—all without getting bogged down in menus or extra software. The built‑in Markup Library and template tools help you get things done faster, whether you’re sketching out ideas or refining detailed edits.
Pro plans unlock even more, including security-focused redaction, AI‑powered tools that streamline review, and integrations with SharePoint or Teams for simpler collaboration. It’s perfect for individuals, professionals, and even organizations who use PDFs in core workflows.
For teams, Drawboard Projects helps transform PDFs into supercharged collaborative spaces. Tasks can be assigned, comments pinned, and external reviewers looped in through a simple link, with updates syncing live across platforms. It’s a streamlined way to keep projects moving without the usual back‑and‑forth.
Drawboard provides Mac users a modern, all‑in‑one PDF solution that works wherever you do and across all your other devices.
Mac App Store: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 6,672 reviews
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 38 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.8/5) – Based on 8 reviews
“My annotated scores synchronise across my devices… it all feels very fluid.”
— Alan Pierson
“There’s different ways of using the software depending on your device and style of working… We started to buy iPads with Apple Pencils and that became more natural for people”
— LGA Architecture
“It can handle large pdf files quickly as compared with other software. Easy to give Markups on drawing in pdf format. Lots of pdf editing & markup features are available.”
— Mangesh M., G2 User
PDF Expert is a polished, Apple-exclusive PDF editor made for Mac, iPad, and iPhone users who want speed, simplicity, and a clean interface. It’s especially appealing to solo professionals, students, and small businesses working entirely within the Apple ecosystem, with seamless syncing across devices under a single subscription.
The platform delivers strong essentials: text and image editing, file conversion, form filling, annotation tools, OCR in over 20 languages, and simple e-signatures. Its AI Copilot (in beta) adds smart capabilities like summaries, translations, and in-document Q&A. With smooth Apple Pencil support on iPad, fast PDF rendering on Mac, and fluid iCloud integration, it’s a natural fit for Apple users who want reliable offline performance.
However, PDF Expert lacks cross-platform support—there’s no Windows, Android, or web version—and its collaboration is limited to file sharing rather than real-time teamwork. You also won’t find eSign capabilities, limiting its business workflow use cases.
PDF Expert’s perpetual Mac-only license is tempting at $139.99 but excludes mobile apps and major updates, making the $79.99/year subscription the more complete option—though that rate is likely to increase after their introductory offer.
Mac App Store: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 20.3k reviews
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 29 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.5/5) – Based on 59 reviews
“I used to love Mac Preview for dealing with pdf files, but over the last number of years it has seemingly been abandoned. PDF Expert has taken up the mantle and does what Mac Preview used to do, and sometimes more. For instance, PDF Expert allows me to hand-write on pdf files, something that is basically impossible on Mac Preview. It also reliably selects columns of text, which is something that Mac Preview used to do.”
— Dory S., Capterra User
“After suffering with Adobe programs for years, finding PDF Expert was the best thing in years. It really has it all. Simplicity, speed and features you would expect in more expensive programs. But we just had to upgrade to the 'pro' version for an annual subscription to keep the tools we used to get for free.”
— Eusebio B., Capterra User
“I've been a loyal user of PDF Expert for several years now, and have found the functionality good for Mac. Unfortunately, my recent experiences with their customer support have left me deeply disappointed.”
— Julie D., Capterra User
Nitro PDF is a solid choice for Mac users who need professional-grade PDF editing with deep Microsoft Office integration. While its Pro perpetual license is Windows-only, the Standard and Plus subscription plans extend full editing, conversion, OCR, and redaction capabilities to macOS and iOS, making it a viable alternative to Acrobat for mixed-device teams.
Nitro delivers a familiar ribbon-style interface and covers essentials like text editing, file conversion, form filling, and batch processing. It’s particularly strong in compliance-focused features, offering secure redaction, audit trails, and advanced form handling. However, it’s important to note that electronic signatures require a separate Nitro Sign subscription, which can nearly double costs compared to competitors with integrated eSign tools.
While Nitro works well for enterprise workflows, it lacks Android and web editors that would make it more versatile, and its sequential review process falls short of real-time collaboration. It also lacks native touch gestures on mobile devices, treating touch as a cursor that can weaken markup accuracy. Combined with a steeper learning curve, it’s best suited for teams that need compliance-ready editing rather than lightweight markup.
Mac App Store: ★★⯨☆☆ (2.8/5) – Based on 6,672 reviews
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 332 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 561 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 7 reviews
“Nitro Pro allowed me to edit the PDFs meaning if there is something that I wanted to change, I could. The eSigning capabilities are also highly convenient for rapid and safe data obtaining of the signatures from the clients and coworkers. The Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature, which enables users to convert scanned images to text format, has a low reliability.”
— Ahmad R., G2 User
“Nitro Pro works well for editing, updating, and merging PDF files, including converting between MS Word and PDF and back. I particularly like Nitro's tools to sort, page number, and e-sign PDFs. The user interface is a bit dated, and some features and tools seem buried in the menu structure. The PDF converter doesn't always work perfectly...meaning some tables and fonts don't convert to MS Word properly and require manual manipulation/fixing.”
— G2 User
“It was much much cheaper than docusign which is what we originally had for obtaining digital signatures and managing these documents. But it was extremely unintuitive to use and had a very poor UI. Eventually found ourselves being too frustrated with the UX and ended up paying the full money for docusign.”
— Annika D., Capterra
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a leading choice for professionals and businesses that need advanced PDF editing, security, and compliance tools within Apple ecosystems. On Mac, it handles everything from editing contracts and building forms to managing secure e‑signatures with ease.
With standout features like OCR, redaction, file comparison, and Adobe Sign, Acrobat is built for heavy-duty tasks. The optional AI Assistant helps summarize long documents, and integrations with Microsoft 365 and cloud platforms keep workflows connected. But these features fall under the higher-priced “Pro” plan, which can get expensive for power users, professionals, and organizations who need these core features for everyday workflows.
Acrobat can also feel overwhelming for new or casual users, with a complex interface and features buried behind menus. It’s also not native to macOS, which can affect performance and add friction to your Mac workflows.
For simple markup or quick edits, the cost and bulkier workflows may push Mac users towards something more lightweight and affordable.
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 4,015 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 3,997 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 2,505 reviews
“I have Creative Cloud, so this comes bundled into the software, and it's been straightforward to learn. It's easy to edit pdfs or add form fields to the pdf, making it an editable form to collect data. It can sometimes take a while to load and open up on my machine. I prefer to use the MAC built-in preview for speed if I'm just viewing a pdf.”
— James C., G2 user
“I like that it is easily accesible within my Mac and that I can quickly access documents. I dislike that there are constantly updates which require system refreshes and pausing to learn the new interfaces.”
— G2 User
“As a print designer, I need Acrobat to faithfully reproduce the artwork I have created, and the fonts used in the artwork - Acrobat does all that. It's annoying I have to pay an annual subscription for it, as what I need from it is basically the same as when I first started using it 30 years ago.”
— Clifford H., Capterra User
Wondershare PDFelement is a sleek PDF editor built for Mac users who want advanced tools without overwhelming complexity. Its Word-style interface makes tasks like editing text, images, forms, and pages feel familiar for Office users, and it’s available across Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and the web.
One of its standout strengths is the built-in AI Sidebar, which can summarize, translate, rewrite, and proofread documents or even detect AI-generated content—a huge help for speeding up contract reviews, research, or localization work. PDFelement also includes OCR for scanned documents, batch conversion, form creation, and syncing via Wondershare Cloud. On Mac, the app runs natively with Apple Silicon, supports dark mode, and integrates with Quick Look for a seamless experience.
While the mobile apps are more limited and the app lacks real-time collaboration, PDFelement’s pricing is highly flexible. It offers both annual subscriptions and a perpetual (one-time) license, though it’s worth noting the perpetual plan only includes the current version of the app, and major future upgrades require a separate purchase.
Mac App Store: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) – Based on 2.1k reviews
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 823 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) – Based on 438 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 7 reviews
“Annoying that I can only apply my license on one OS; hence if I alternate between a Mac desktop and Windows laptop, I would need to buy a second subscription. On the other hand, with more flexible Adobe Acrobat and Nitro PDF, multiple devices can be used under the same account. But considering the very great cost, there should at least be a cross-platform solution for PDFelement, especially for those who use several devices.”
— Adam H., G2 User
“I have a Mac and this program takes care of my document needs, instead of using Microsoft. But I dislike having to pay a yearly subscription (however at least the software remains current).”
— Barbara M., G2 User
“Overall, Wondershare PDFelement is a powerful PDF editing software with a wide range of features for basic and intermediate PDF editing needs. However, users who require advanced features, have budget constraints, or need extensive customer support may need to consider alternative options.”
— Travis W., Capterra User
Foxit PDF Editor, self-referred to as “cheaper Acrobat,” is a popular choice for Mac users looking for powerful PDF editing and signing tools without top-tier costs. It offers a wide feature set across desktop, web, and mobile, making it easy to work on PDFs from your Mac, iPhone, or in a browser.
You’ll get everything from basic annotation and editing to advanced tools like Smart Redact, OCR, batch processing, and AI‑powered summaries. The Editor+ plan also includes built‑in eSign tools with its higher-tier packages, or advanced tools with a separate subscription.
With 40+ integrations (admin console/enterprise plans only) to platforms like Google Drive, SharePoint, and Salesforce, Foxit is particularly appealing to business teams, and its admin features and volume discounts help keep costs in check.
However, Foxit’s collaboration model is comment‑based and asynchronous, so it’s not ideal for teams that need live co‑authoring or real‑time updates. The app also isn’t natively built for macOS, which can lead to occasional performance hiccups—especially with larger files—compared to fully optimized Mac apps. Plus, you’ll have to upgrade your plan or add on AI Assistant credits to get the most out of its AI features.
But for many users, Foxit’s a versatile option that strikes a solid balance between feature depth and price.
Mac App Store: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 4.6k reviews
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 3160 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 944 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 35 reviews
“Low cost alternative to Adobe Acrobat that has similar features but an inferior user interface”
— Derek T., Capterra User
“Overall, It is a satisfactory program, it allows you to edit PDFs and insert text boxes and shapes. The menu is straightforward and simple to use making it very beginner friendly, the layout is very logical. I find Foxit to be quite slow on my laptop it takes a considerable amount of time to load compared to its competitors. Also not everything on there is free which can make it quite expensive to use.”
— Mariya K., Capterra User
“Foxit's fantastic tool set and markup abilities make it great for contractors. But The Mac version lacks some features that the Windows counterpart has.”
— G2 User
Most PDF tools can handle the basics—opening files, collecting signatures, and making a few quick edits. But Drawboard PDF goes a step further for power users and organizations that need reliability, functionality, and affordability.
With seamless cloud sync, live cursors, and a consistent workspace across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Windows devices, it's designed for fast, fluid collaboration across entire organizations. Annotate drawings, drop in images, fill out forms, and mark up documents in real time without switching tools or losing momentum. Shared comments appear instantly, the latest file is always available, and reviews wrap up days faster—minus the bulk and bloat of Acrobat.
Ready to streamline your next project? Download Drawboard PDF for free, invite collaborators, and feel the difference in minutes.
Whether you’re red‑lining a set of drawings, summarizing complex documents or lecture notes, or chasing e‑signatures on a contract, a capable PDF editor is essential on macOS.
Apple Preview does a decent job for the basics, but as soon as you need live sync and collaboration, OCR, redaction, form creation, or advanced markup, you’ll hit its limits.
That’s why we evaluated all the most popular PDF editors, weighing their Mac-specific strengths, pricing, and reviews, to bring you the best option for your needs.
Here’s our guide on the best PDF tools for Mac in 2025.
Drawboard gives Mac users a polished, flexible PDF editor that’s perfect for everything from reviewing contracts and lecture notes to drafting creative projects. With multi‑window support, an easy‑to‑navigate annotation history, and handy templates like grids and lined paper, it keeps work organized and smooth on macOS. And with seamless Apple Pencil and stylus support on iPad and iPhone, plus real-time syncing across Windows PCs, tablets, smartphones, and web, you can work on your favorite devices and pick up where you left off on your Mac.
What makes Drawboard stand out is how much it packs into a clean, intuitive experience. You can measure, manage, and mark up with precision, drop in audio notes or links, and even build documents from scratch—all without getting bogged down in menus or extra software. The built‑in Markup Library and template tools help you get things done faster, whether you’re sketching out ideas or refining detailed edits.
Pro plans unlock even more, including security-focused redaction, AI‑powered tools that streamline review, and integrations with SharePoint or Teams for simpler collaboration. It’s perfect for individuals, professionals, and even organizations who use PDFs in core workflows.
For teams, Drawboard Projects helps transform PDFs into supercharged collaborative spaces. Tasks can be assigned, comments pinned, and external reviewers looped in through a simple link, with updates syncing live across platforms. It’s a streamlined way to keep projects moving without the usual back‑and‑forth.
Drawboard provides Mac users a modern, all‑in‑one PDF solution that works wherever you do and across all your other devices.
Mac App Store: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 6,672 reviews
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 38 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.8/5) – Based on 8 reviews
“My annotated scores synchronise across my devices… it all feels very fluid.”
— Alan Pierson
“There’s different ways of using the software depending on your device and style of working… We started to buy iPads with Apple Pencils and that became more natural for people”
— LGA Architecture
“It can handle large pdf files quickly as compared with other software. Easy to give Markups on drawing in pdf format. Lots of pdf editing & markup features are available.”
— Mangesh M., G2 User
PDF Expert is a polished, Apple-exclusive PDF editor made for Mac, iPad, and iPhone users who want speed, simplicity, and a clean interface. It’s especially appealing to solo professionals, students, and small businesses working entirely within the Apple ecosystem, with seamless syncing across devices under a single subscription.
The platform delivers strong essentials: text and image editing, file conversion, form filling, annotation tools, OCR in over 20 languages, and simple e-signatures. Its AI Copilot (in beta) adds smart capabilities like summaries, translations, and in-document Q&A. With smooth Apple Pencil support on iPad, fast PDF rendering on Mac, and fluid iCloud integration, it’s a natural fit for Apple users who want reliable offline performance.
However, PDF Expert lacks cross-platform support—there’s no Windows, Android, or web version—and its collaboration is limited to file sharing rather than real-time teamwork. You also won’t find eSign capabilities, limiting its business workflow use cases.
PDF Expert’s perpetual Mac-only license is tempting at $139.99 but excludes mobile apps and major updates, making the $79.99/year subscription the more complete option—though that rate is likely to increase after their introductory offer.
Mac App Store: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 20.3k reviews
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 29 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.5/5) – Based on 59 reviews
“I used to love Mac Preview for dealing with pdf files, but over the last number of years it has seemingly been abandoned. PDF Expert has taken up the mantle and does what Mac Preview used to do, and sometimes more. For instance, PDF Expert allows me to hand-write on pdf files, something that is basically impossible on Mac Preview. It also reliably selects columns of text, which is something that Mac Preview used to do.”
— Dory S., Capterra User
“After suffering with Adobe programs for years, finding PDF Expert was the best thing in years. It really has it all. Simplicity, speed and features you would expect in more expensive programs. But we just had to upgrade to the 'pro' version for an annual subscription to keep the tools we used to get for free.”
— Eusebio B., Capterra User
“I've been a loyal user of PDF Expert for several years now, and have found the functionality good for Mac. Unfortunately, my recent experiences with their customer support have left me deeply disappointed.”
— Julie D., Capterra User
Nitro PDF is a solid choice for Mac users who need professional-grade PDF editing with deep Microsoft Office integration. While its Pro perpetual license is Windows-only, the Standard and Plus subscription plans extend full editing, conversion, OCR, and redaction capabilities to macOS and iOS, making it a viable alternative to Acrobat for mixed-device teams.
Nitro delivers a familiar ribbon-style interface and covers essentials like text editing, file conversion, form filling, and batch processing. It’s particularly strong in compliance-focused features, offering secure redaction, audit trails, and advanced form handling. However, it’s important to note that electronic signatures require a separate Nitro Sign subscription, which can nearly double costs compared to competitors with integrated eSign tools.
While Nitro works well for enterprise workflows, it lacks Android and web editors that would make it more versatile, and its sequential review process falls short of real-time collaboration. It also lacks native touch gestures on mobile devices, treating touch as a cursor that can weaken markup accuracy. Combined with a steeper learning curve, it’s best suited for teams that need compliance-ready editing rather than lightweight markup.
Mac App Store: ★★⯨☆☆ (2.8/5) – Based on 6,672 reviews
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 332 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 561 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 7 reviews
“Nitro Pro allowed me to edit the PDFs meaning if there is something that I wanted to change, I could. The eSigning capabilities are also highly convenient for rapid and safe data obtaining of the signatures from the clients and coworkers. The Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature, which enables users to convert scanned images to text format, has a low reliability.”
— Ahmad R., G2 User
“Nitro Pro works well for editing, updating, and merging PDF files, including converting between MS Word and PDF and back. I particularly like Nitro's tools to sort, page number, and e-sign PDFs. The user interface is a bit dated, and some features and tools seem buried in the menu structure. The PDF converter doesn't always work perfectly...meaning some tables and fonts don't convert to MS Word properly and require manual manipulation/fixing.”
— G2 User
“It was much much cheaper than docusign which is what we originally had for obtaining digital signatures and managing these documents. But it was extremely unintuitive to use and had a very poor UI. Eventually found ourselves being too frustrated with the UX and ended up paying the full money for docusign.”
— Annika D., Capterra
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a leading choice for professionals and businesses that need advanced PDF editing, security, and compliance tools within Apple ecosystems. On Mac, it handles everything from editing contracts and building forms to managing secure e‑signatures with ease.
With standout features like OCR, redaction, file comparison, and Adobe Sign, Acrobat is built for heavy-duty tasks. The optional AI Assistant helps summarize long documents, and integrations with Microsoft 365 and cloud platforms keep workflows connected. But these features fall under the higher-priced “Pro” plan, which can get expensive for power users, professionals, and organizations who need these core features for everyday workflows.
Acrobat can also feel overwhelming for new or casual users, with a complex interface and features buried behind menus. It’s also not native to macOS, which can affect performance and add friction to your Mac workflows.
For simple markup or quick edits, the cost and bulkier workflows may push Mac users towards something more lightweight and affordable.
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 4,015 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 3,997 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 2,505 reviews
“I have Creative Cloud, so this comes bundled into the software, and it's been straightforward to learn. It's easy to edit pdfs or add form fields to the pdf, making it an editable form to collect data. It can sometimes take a while to load and open up on my machine. I prefer to use the MAC built-in preview for speed if I'm just viewing a pdf.”
— James C., G2 user
“I like that it is easily accesible within my Mac and that I can quickly access documents. I dislike that there are constantly updates which require system refreshes and pausing to learn the new interfaces.”
— G2 User
“As a print designer, I need Acrobat to faithfully reproduce the artwork I have created, and the fonts used in the artwork - Acrobat does all that. It's annoying I have to pay an annual subscription for it, as what I need from it is basically the same as when I first started using it 30 years ago.”
— Clifford H., Capterra User
Wondershare PDFelement is a sleek PDF editor built for Mac users who want advanced tools without overwhelming complexity. Its Word-style interface makes tasks like editing text, images, forms, and pages feel familiar for Office users, and it’s available across Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and the web.
One of its standout strengths is the built-in AI Sidebar, which can summarize, translate, rewrite, and proofread documents or even detect AI-generated content—a huge help for speeding up contract reviews, research, or localization work. PDFelement also includes OCR for scanned documents, batch conversion, form creation, and syncing via Wondershare Cloud. On Mac, the app runs natively with Apple Silicon, supports dark mode, and integrates with Quick Look for a seamless experience.
While the mobile apps are more limited and the app lacks real-time collaboration, PDFelement’s pricing is highly flexible. It offers both annual subscriptions and a perpetual (one-time) license, though it’s worth noting the perpetual plan only includes the current version of the app, and major future upgrades require a separate purchase.
Mac App Store: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) – Based on 2.1k reviews
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 823 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) – Based on 438 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 7 reviews
“Annoying that I can only apply my license on one OS; hence if I alternate between a Mac desktop and Windows laptop, I would need to buy a second subscription. On the other hand, with more flexible Adobe Acrobat and Nitro PDF, multiple devices can be used under the same account. But considering the very great cost, there should at least be a cross-platform solution for PDFelement, especially for those who use several devices.”
— Adam H., G2 User
“I have a Mac and this program takes care of my document needs, instead of using Microsoft. But I dislike having to pay a yearly subscription (however at least the software remains current).”
— Barbara M., G2 User
“Overall, Wondershare PDFelement is a powerful PDF editing software with a wide range of features for basic and intermediate PDF editing needs. However, users who require advanced features, have budget constraints, or need extensive customer support may need to consider alternative options.”
— Travis W., Capterra User
Foxit PDF Editor, self-referred to as “cheaper Acrobat,” is a popular choice for Mac users looking for powerful PDF editing and signing tools without top-tier costs. It offers a wide feature set across desktop, web, and mobile, making it easy to work on PDFs from your Mac, iPhone, or in a browser.
You’ll get everything from basic annotation and editing to advanced tools like Smart Redact, OCR, batch processing, and AI‑powered summaries. The Editor+ plan also includes built‑in eSign tools with its higher-tier packages, or advanced tools with a separate subscription.
With 40+ integrations (admin console/enterprise plans only) to platforms like Google Drive, SharePoint, and Salesforce, Foxit is particularly appealing to business teams, and its admin features and volume discounts help keep costs in check.
However, Foxit’s collaboration model is comment‑based and asynchronous, so it’s not ideal for teams that need live co‑authoring or real‑time updates. The app also isn’t natively built for macOS, which can lead to occasional performance hiccups—especially with larger files—compared to fully optimized Mac apps. Plus, you’ll have to upgrade your plan or add on AI Assistant credits to get the most out of its AI features.
But for many users, Foxit’s a versatile option that strikes a solid balance between feature depth and price.
Mac App Store: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 4.6k reviews
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 3160 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 944 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 35 reviews
“Low cost alternative to Adobe Acrobat that has similar features but an inferior user interface”
— Derek T., Capterra User
“Overall, It is a satisfactory program, it allows you to edit PDFs and insert text boxes and shapes. The menu is straightforward and simple to use making it very beginner friendly, the layout is very logical. I find Foxit to be quite slow on my laptop it takes a considerable amount of time to load compared to its competitors. Also not everything on there is free which can make it quite expensive to use.”
— Mariya K., Capterra User
“Foxit's fantastic tool set and markup abilities make it great for contractors. But The Mac version lacks some features that the Windows counterpart has.”
— G2 User
Most PDF tools can handle the basics—opening files, collecting signatures, and making a few quick edits. But Drawboard PDF goes a step further for power users and organizations that need reliability, functionality, and affordability.
With seamless cloud sync, live cursors, and a consistent workspace across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Windows devices, it's designed for fast, fluid collaboration across entire organizations. Annotate drawings, drop in images, fill out forms, and mark up documents in real time without switching tools or losing momentum. Shared comments appear instantly, the latest file is always available, and reviews wrap up days faster—minus the bulk and bloat of Acrobat.
Ready to streamline your next project? Download Drawboard PDF for free, invite collaborators, and feel the difference in minutes.
.png)
We are a PDF and collaboration company. We believe that creating more effective connections between people reduces waste.
Our best work has been overtaken by busywork. That’s why we’ve created ways to help people get back to working wonders without any paper in sight.
Drawboard PDF lets you mark up and share with ease, and Drawboard Projects brings collaborative design review to architecture and engineering teams.
At Drawboard, we work our magic so our customers can get back to working theirs.
We are a PDF and collaboration company. We believe that creating more effective connections between people reduces waste.
Our best work has been overtaken by busywork. That’s why we’ve created ways to help people get back to working wonders without any paper in sight.
Drawboard PDF lets you mark up and share with ease, and Drawboard Projects brings collaborative design review to architecture and engineering teams.
At Drawboard, we work our magic so our customers can get back to working theirs.
