The digital world has transformed nearly every aspect of our lives, moving traditional tasks to online platforms. Reading, writing, and documentation are no exception, and PDFs have become the cornerstone of online document sharing and utilization. This widespread adoption has naturally led to a surge in demand for specialized tools and software designed to create and manage these files – namely, PDF writer and editor apps. Having the right PDF writer app can significantly streamline your workflow, making it easier to create, edit, and manage your PDF documents efficiently. To help you find the perfect fit, we've compiled a list of the ten best PDF writer apps you should consider. Let's dive into the details without further ado.
The Best PDF Writer Apps: A Comprehensive Review
Below, you'll find a detailed review of the top PDF writer apps, highlighting their key features, advantages, and disadvantages:
1. PDF Agile - PDF Writer, Editor and Converter
PDF Agile stands out as a great all-in-one solution for managing PDF documents. It’s a highly capable PDF writer, allowing users to create PDFs from scratch or convert existing documents seamlessly. Beyond writing, PDF Agile offers a comprehensive suite of editing tools, enabling users to modify text, images, and other elements within their PDFs with ease. Its conversion capabilities are equally impressive, supporting conversion to and from various popular file formats. With both free and paid features, and availability on Windows and the web, PDF Agile caters to both beginners and professionals looking for a robust and efficient PDF solution.
Pros
- Excellent for writing, editing, and converting PDF documents.
- Offers a user-friendly and intuitive interface.
- Provides a comprehensive set of features for various PDF tasks.
- Offers both free and paid functionalities.
Cons
- Only available for Windows and Web editions; no dedicated macOS version.
2. Document Cloud - Free PDF Writer

This application offers a free solution for basic PDF writing needs. Users can easily add notes, insert text, and draw on PDF documents. Its seamless integration with cloud storage allows for effortless collaboration, enabling users to securely save their work, upload PDFs, edit documents collaboratively, share, print, and add comments. Its browser-based nature makes it OS-agnostic, ensuring efficient performance comparable to other Wondershare products. Accessing your work is simple – all you need is your Wondershare ID, allowing you to work from any system.
Pros
- Completely free to use.
- User-friendly and easy to navigate.
- Offers reliable and secure features for sharing and collaboration.
- Provides optimal features for real-time collaboration with other users.
Cons
- Primarily focused on PDF hosting rather than extensive editing.
- Lacks direct PDF editing capabilities.
3. PDFelement - PDF Editor and Writer
PDFelement stands out as a comprehensive tool that goes beyond basic PDF writing, offering robust editing features. Widely regarded as one of the best apps for both writing and editing PDFs on Windows 7, 8, 10, and Mac, it boasts broad compatibility. This software is packed with professional-grade features, including:
- Drawing various shapes directly onto the PDF.
- Seamlessly adding new text content.
- Integrating your handwritten signatures for a personal touch.
- Effortlessly converting, combining, creating, editing, and organizing PDF documents.
Furthermore, PDFelement enables you to annotate documents with notes, underline important sections, and strikethrough irrelevant text. For added security, you can easily password-protect your PDFs, safeguarding them from unauthorized access and copying.
Pros
- Offers a free trial version for users to explore its capabilities.
- Compatible with Windows, iOS, and Android operating systems.
- Facilitates the conversion of PDFs to various file formats.
- Includes a wide array of advanced and professional features for comprehensive PDF editing.
Cons
- The free trial has limitations on available features and duration.
- The paid version might be considered expensive for some users.
4. Free CutePDF Writer
If you're looking for a reliable and free PDF writer app specifically designed for Windows, Free CutePDF Writer is an excellent choice. It's known for its efficiency and ease of use, particularly among other free options. This application allows you to effortlessly export your files as PDFs while preserving their original formatting. It supports various Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. Its simplicity makes it an ideal option for beginners who might be less familiar with technical complexities.
Pros
- Available completely free of charge.
- Supports multiple languages, enhancing accessibility.
- Does not add watermarks to your PDF documents.
Cons
- May prompt the installation of additional, potentially unwanted software on your device.
- Lacks advanced PDF editing functionalities.
5. Adobe Acrobat PDF Writer
Adobe is a household name in the world of online applications, and their offline Adobe Acrobat PDF Writer is a testament to their expertise. This app needs to be downloaded and installed on your device and is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. While it offers essential PDF writing and editing functions, its offline nature means some features are limited in the free trial version, such as adding signatures and annotations. If you prioritize simplicity and essential editing tools in an offline PDF writer app, Adobe Acrobat is a solid contender.
Pros
- Offers a free trial version for initial use.
- Features a simple and intuitive user interface.
- Functions offline, providing accessibility without an internet connection.
Cons
- The free trial version has significant feature restrictions.
- Does not include advanced or professional editing capabilities.
6. Xodo PDF Editor and Writer Online
Formerly known as Xodo.com, this online tool provides an efficient and straightforward approach to PDF writing and editing. While the name has evolved, its core features remain focused on simplicity and effectiveness.
Pros
- Offers powerful and efficient conversion tools for various file formats.
- Accessible on both desktop and mobile devices for on-the-go editing.
- Features an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
Cons
- The tools for editing are limited.
- Officer view of the app works with Word files only.
7. HiPDF Writer

HiPDF Writer is a free online tool designed for effective and impeccable PDF workflow management. Even the free version comes equipped with both essential and advanced features. For users seeking even more robust editing capabilities, the registered version unlocks a wider array of proficient components.
Pros
- Offers a completely free version for basic PDF tasks.
- Registration is optional, allowing users to access many features without creating an account.
- The non-registered version still provides impressive editing features.
Cons
- Requires a stable internet connection to function.
- The "Batch Processing" feature is only available to registered users.
8. Nitro Cloud Online PDF Writer

Nitro Cloud boasts an impressive suite of advanced and efficient features for managing PDFs online. It also includes its own cloud storage solution, Nitro Cloud, for seamless file management. The app's interface is designed for ease of use, making it accessible to users of all levels. Its features streamline the process of editing and managing PDF documents effortlessly.
Pros
- Provides a wide range of features for comprehensive PDF editing.
- Allows direct uploading of PDFs to various cloud storage services for easy access and sharing.
Cons
- Offers limited features specifically for writing new content directly onto PDFs.
- Requires users to register for a free account to access its services.
9. PDFescape Online PDF Writer

PDFescape is a free online application that empowers users to perform a variety of functions on their PDF files. From creating and viewing PDF forms to editing and annotating documents, this software offers a versatile toolkit. It's compatible with popular web browsers like Firefox, Edge, Chrome, IE, Safari, and Opera.
Pros
- Offers security features to protect your PDF documents.
- Provides an extensive range of features for editing.
- Supports high-quality PDF document output.
Cons
- Requires an internet connection as it does not offer offline functionality.
10. Foxit PDF Editor

Foxit is a well-established and popular choice for PDF editing, recognized as a leading software in the market while remaining relatively affordable. Its features live up to its reputation, making it a reliable and worthwhile option for users seeking robust PDF editing capabilities.
Pros:
- An affordable software solution for comprehensive PDF editing.
- Equipped with highly proficient features for advanced PDF manipulation.
Cons:
- The user interface might present a slight learning curve for beginners.
Comparison
Apps | Best for | Platforms Supported |
PDF Agile - PDF Writer, Editor and Converter | Beginners and professionals | Windows, Web |
Document Cloud - Free PDF Writer | Beginners | Web |
PDFelement - PDF Editor and Writer | Professionals and beginners | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
Free CutePDF Writer | Beginners | Windows |
Adobe Acrobat PDF Writer | Beginners | Windows, Mac |
Xodo PDF Editor and Writer Online | Beginners and professionals | Web, iOS, Android |
HiPDF Writer | Beginners and professionals | Web |
Nitro Cloud Online PDF Writer | Beginners and professionals | Web |
PDFescape Online PDF Writer | Professionals | Web |
Foxit PDF Editor | Professionals | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
Conclusion
In conclusion, this list showcases ten of the best PDF writer apps currently available, with PDF Agile being a particularly strong contender for users needing a versatile solution for writing, editing, and converting PDFs on Windows and the web. Each app offers unique features to help you effectively manage, create, and edit your PDF documents. Whether you're a beginner looking for basic functionality or a professional requiring advanced editing tools, you're likely to find an app that perfectly suits your needs. We encourage you to carefully consider your specific requirements and choose the PDF writer app from this list that will provide you with the smoothest and most efficient experience when working with PDF documents.