Best PDF Annotation App For Windows, Mac & iPad | Pro Pick

A PDF annotation tool lets you add notes, highlights, drawings, signatures, and more directly to PDFs.

It makes it easier to review, collaborate, or take notes. The tool also saves time, reduces paper use, and keeps your work organized. However, to obtain the best PDF annotation app according to your operating system you’ll need to look for certain things.

In this post, we’ll help you pick the best option by comparing features and reviewing the pros, cons, and user reviews of each tool. This will help you pick the right one for your needs!

Part 1: And Overview of Best PDF Annotation App for Windows, Mac & iPad

App Ease of Use Speed Security Scope of Application
Tenorshare PDNob PDF Editor Very Easy Fast performance, handles large files smoothly. Offers various levels of password protection Comprehensive PDF editing & summarizing, OCR, batch processing, annotation, and conversion, and screen recording.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Advanced features are not beginner-friendly Reliable but resource-heavy for large files Includes digital IDs, secure sharing via Adobe Document Advanced annotations, form filling, signatures, and cloud storage.
Sejda PDF Editor User-friendly Decent speed, occasional lags with large files. Offers password protection Editing, annotations, form filling, OCR, compression, and conversion.
Foxit Reader Easy to use Quick loading, occasional crashes reported ASLR & DEP support against hackers, encryption Annotation, flexible viewing modes, and e-signatures across platforms.
PDF Expert Simple and fast, but, some features are hard to learn initially. Optimized for speed with large files. Password protection offered. Annotation, editing, page management, and PDF conversion on Apple devices.
PDFEscape Very easy to use, no installation needed. Decent performance speed. Password protection, basic security features. Browser-based annotation, editing, merging, and PDF splitting.
GoodReader Complex for new users Handles large files efficiently Military-grade encryption, cloud syncing with security. Annotation, file management, text-to-speech, and multi-format support.
Notability Intuitive for annotations Smooth syncing across devices. Password protection, Touch ID, Face ID support. Handwritten, typed, and audio notes, PDF annotation, multi-device sync.
LiquidText Tricky to learn initially Efficient for multitasking and large projects. Offers password-based file encryption. Visual note connections, annotations, Apple Pencil integration, and exports.
ONLYOFFICE Docs User-friendly Decent speed for Linux systems. Basic security features. Highlighting, comments, drawing tools, and essential annotation for Linux.

Part 2: Best PDF Annotation App for Windows and Mac [#1 Solution]

Tenorshare PDNob PDF Editor tops our list of best PDF annotation apps as it boasts extensive annotations. You can use over 200 options for highlights, shapes, digital signature, stamps, images, strikethrough, notes, etc. The tool earns a 4.4 rating on Trustpilot and supports both Windows and Mac systems.

Following are steps to use Tenorhare PDNob PDF Editor to annotate your PDF document:

Step 1: Download and install Tenorshare PDNob PDF Editor on your computer. Then, execute it.

Step 2: Click “Open PDF” to add a PDF document. Then, choose “Comment” from the top menu.

Step 3: Use any annotation tool icon e.g. the highlighter or image and start annotating your PDF document.

Tenorshare PDNob PDF Editor is not just a PDF annotation app. But it’s a comprehensive suite of tools for editing, converting, merging, and compressing PDFs. Here we’ve outlined the key features of this tool in detail:

  • Accurate OCR – Converts scanned PDFs into editable, searchable text with 99% accuracy while preserving the original layout.
  • Advanced Editing – Edit text, images, watermarks, and backgrounds and compress, merge, and secure PDFs.
  • Format Conversion – Converts to and from over 30 formats, including Word, Excel, PPT, images, EPUB, and PDF/A.
  • Image Editing: Easily insert, replace, or adjust images in PDFs.
  • Batch Processing – Manage up to 1 million files without size restrictions.
  • Screenshot Feature – Capture the editing or redaction process effortlessly.
  • AI Assistance – Uses GPT-4 for quick document summaries, insights, and answers.
  • Language Support – Supports 16+ languages, including English, Chinese, and French.
  • Reliable Support – Offers responsive technical support for a smooth experience.

Part 3: More Alternatives for Best PDF Annotation App for Windows

Other than Tenorshare PDNob PDF Editor, there are many PDF annotation apps for Windows users. Here we’ve reviewed the top 3 options for 2025:

Method 1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the best PDF annotation app for Windows that lets you open, view, sign, print, and share PDFs. It offers advanced annotation tools for comments and signatures. You can also fill out forms, add comments, and use digital IDs for secure signatures. This best PDF highlighter app also allows secure document sharing via Adobe Document Cloud.

Editor’s Review:

Users on TrustRadius like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC for its simplicity, cross-platform use, and tools for annotating and signing PDFs. However, some dislike the frequent prompts to upgrade, large file sizes with media, and the high cost of the paid version.

Pros:

  • Offers various annotation tools for professionals.
  • Includes 2GB of cloud storage for files.
  • Free and available on multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).

Cons:

  • Limited PDF editing in the free version.
  • A paid subscription is required for premium features.
  • The layout and tools are not for beginners.

Method 2. Sejda PDF Editor

Sejda PDF Editor is one of the decent apps for PDF annotation. It enables you to edit PDFs by adding, deleting, or changing text, images, and links. You can fill out forms, sign digitally, and annotate with comments or highlights. The app can also convert PDFs to Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, merge or split documents, compress file sizes, and use OCR to make scanned PDFs searchable. In addition, it includes features such as password protection and batch processing for multiple files at once.

Editor’s Review:

Users on Capterra like Sejda PDF Editor for its many features, ease of use, and affordability, with some switching from other editors. However, many users on TechRadar don’t like the fact that the free version has limits on tasks and file sizes, and text editing can sometimes be unreliable.

Pros:

  • Wide range of PDF editing and conversion tools.
  • Easy-to-use interface.
  • Less expensive than Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
  • Supports integration with cloud storage.

Cons:

  • The free version has limits on tasks and file sizes.
  • Text editing can be inconsistent.
  • The desktop version is restricted to certain operating systems.

Method 3: Foxit Reader

Foxit Reader is a free PDF annotation software for Windows that offers flexible viewing options like single-page, continuous, and facing modes. It includes tools for annotations, such as highlighting, comments, and shapes, and supports form filling and electronic signatures. With AI-powered features to boost productivity, it also allows customizable deployment using Group Policy and similar tools.

Editor’s Review:

Users like Foxit Reader for its simple interface, fast performance, and robust annotation tools, making it efficient for daily tasks. However, some users on GetApp have stated issues with opening PDFs created by this tool, occasional crashes, ads, and limited advanced editing features compared to other readers.

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use interface.
  • Quick loading times.
  • Extensive annotation tools.
  • Supports electronic signatures.
  • Works on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Cons:

  • Limited advanced editing options.
  • Occasional crashes and ads.
  • Issues with opening some PDFs.

Part 4: More Alternatives for Best PDF Annotation App for Mac

If you’re not using Windows but a Mac system, there are many top alternatives for PDF annotation apps. Here we’ve discussed 3 in detail:

Method 1: PDF Expert

PDF Expert is probably the best PDF annotation app for Mac that allows you to annotate with highlights, comments, stamps, and more. You can use it to edit text, images, and links in PDFs, fill out forms, and manage pages (rearrange, delete, rotate). Moreover, PDF Expert can convert PDFs to Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. It also offers OCR to recognize text in scanned documents and provides security features like password protection and redaction.

Editor’s Review:

Users on PCWorld like the app for its speed, and wide range of features, often considering it a good alternative to Adobe Acrobat. However, some users on Capterra find this tool expensive for occasional use, and there are occasional complaints about the initial learning curve.

Pros:

  • Syncs across Mac, iPhone, and iPad
  • Choose from reading modes like Day, Night, or Sepia for comfortable viewing.
  • Fast performance with large files.
  • Wide range of PDF editing and management tools.
  • Affordable pricing with annual or one-time purchase options.

Cons:

  • Only available on Apple devices.
  • Some users find it hard to learn initially.

Method 2: PDFescape

PDFEscape is an excellent PDF note-taking app for Mac users that lets you edit PDFs directly in your browser without needing to install software. You can add comments, highlights, and annotations, fill out forms, underline, or strike out text, and add sticky notes and shapes for markup. It offers password protection for security, lets you merge or split PDFs, and convert them to formats like Word or Excel. Besides, you can add watermarks and page numbers to your PDFs.

Editor’s Review:

Users on techjockey and TrustRadius like PDFEscape for its ease of use and the ability to edit PDFs without installing software. They especially enjoyed the whiteout and text tools for basic edits. However, some have experienced performance issues and occasional bugs with the online version.

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use interface.
  • No installation is needed.
  • Versatile editing tools.
  • Good customer support.

Cons:

  • Performance issues with the online version.
  • Occasional bugs.
  • Some advanced features require a premium version.
  • The offline version is only for Windows.

Method 3: GoodReader

GoodReader is another best PDF annotation app for Mac users that offers annotation tools like highlighting, marking up text, drawing, and adding sticky notes. It supports various file types, including PDFs, text files, MS Office documents, images, videos, and audio. You can manage PDFs by splitting, merging, rotating, cropping, and rearranging pages. The tool also has text-to-speech for PDFs and text files.

Editor’s Review:

Users on appicker and justuseapp appreciate the app for its strong PDF reading and annotation features, and its ability to handle large files. However, some users have complained about issues with customer service, file transfer problems after updates, and complaints about the app’s speed and complexity.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive file management and annotation tools.
  • It syncs with cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox.
  • It includes security features like military-grade encryption and password protection.
  • The Pro Pack offers advanced features such as split-screen reading, auto-sync, and secure photocopying.

Cons:

  • Can be hard for new users to use.
  • Performance issues and update-related bugs.

Part 5: Best PDF Annotation App on iPad

Other than Mac, there are also many lightweight tools available that you can run on your iPad to annotate PDF documents. Following are 2 top PDF annotation tools you can use on your iDevice:

Method 1: Notability

The Notability for iPad is the best PDF annotation app that enables you to take handwritten, typed, and drawn notes and annotate PDFs with text, drawings, and audio. You can also record audio and sync it with your notes, and even convert handwritten notes to typed text. The tool syncs across iPad, iPhone, and Mac, and lets you organize notes into subjects and dividers.

Editor’s Review:

Many users praise Notability for its smooth syncing across devices, and strong annotation tools. The feature to combine handwritten notes with audio is especially appreciated. However, some users on getapp have had issues with the desktop version, interruptions during updates, and the cost of the annual subscription. A few new users also find the app difficult to use.

Pros:

  • Supports handwritten, typed, and drawn annotations.
  • You can also share notes and collaborate with others.
  • Syncs across iPad, iPhone, and Mac.
  • Syncs audio recordings with notes.
  • Converts handwritten notes to typed text
  • Offers password protection, Touch ID, and Face ID

Cons:

  • Requires an annual subscription, which may be expensive.
  • Some issues with the desktop version.
  • Can be complex for new users.
  • Occasional interruptions during updates.

Method 2: LiquidText

LiquidText is also another best iPad app to annotate PDF, offering tools like commenting, highlighting, bookmarking, and tagging PDFs. It lets you visually connect notes, highlights, and annotations to show relationships and context. You can also import and annotate documents from multiple sources and use this best app to annotate PDF on iPad with Apple Pencil.

Editor’s Review:

Some users on Macworld find it tricky to use at first, and the workspace can get cluttered with many notes. There are also complaints about limited storage in the LiquidText Live version.

Pros:

  • The app syncs across devices with LiquidText Live and Live Unlimited versions.
  • It allows you to export annotations in formats like PDF and DOCx.
  • Powerful annotation and note-connecting tools.
  • Great Apple Pencil integration.
  • Real-time sync and collaboration options.

Cons:

  • There’s a steep learning curve for new users.
  • Limited storage in LiquidText Live.

Bonus: Best PDF Annotation App for Linux

If your system is running on Linux, you would want a tool that’s specifically designed for it and there are not many of them. So, if you want the best PDF annotation app for Linux we suggest trying out ONLYOFFICE Docs. You can use it to highlight text in various colors, underline important sections, strikethrough unnecessary parts, leave and reply to comments, and use drawing tools with an eraser to remove unwanted marks.

Conclusion

Picking the best PDF annotation app can improve productivity and simplify your workflow across Windows, Mac, iPad, or Linux. There are many options available that range from advanced tools like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to simple browser-based solutions like PDFEscape. But our top pick is Tenorshare PDNob PDF Editor, which is affordable yet offers extensive annotation features, editing, conversion, screen recording, and OCR capabilities. It’s user friendly, supports both Windows and Mac, and has a high rating on Trustpilot.

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