Unlocking Simplicity and Versatility with ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor
When considering PDF editing software, most individuals think of high-end programs like Adobe Acrobat, which can demand expensive subscriptions for full access. Fortunately, free options like ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor are emerging, providing robust and user-friendly tools for seamless PDF modifications. This comprehensive review examines its features, gauging its effectiveness as a budget-friendly tool for PDF management.
This article is sponsored by ONLYOFFICE; however, the perspectives and analyses presented are solely those of the author, who retains editorial autonomy even in sponsored content.
Overview of ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor
ONLYOFFICE is an open-source office suite that can be utilized both online and offline as a desktop app, making it a solid alternative to proprietary software, particularly because it is free. Packed with diverse features tailored to different productivity needs, it stands out in the market.
This review zeroes in on the ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor. However, it’s important to note that ONLYOFFICE also features DocSpace for Zoom along with strong tools for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations, effectively serving as an all-inclusive alternative to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Functioning as a collaborative hub, ONLYOFFICE allows users to share documents securely via personal servers or its cloud platform.
Capabilities of ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor
As a book enthusiast, I strive to read consistently whenever possible. Though I enjoy physical books, I often read on my laptop or tablet, based on my location. ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor enables me to swiftly open and read PDF-formatted books on my Windows system. A mobile app is available, albeit with limitations typical of mobile versions.
However, I’ve encountered difficulties opening specific PDF files with ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor, leaving me puzzled since other PDF viewing applications display them without issues.
On a positive note, I appreciate the intuitive interface of the PDF Editor, which resembles Microsoft’s ribbon design, making navigation smooth and easy. Overall, it surpasses other open-source options like LibreOffice.
The desktop app excels in PDF viewing, featuring a pleasing dark mode along with theme options. Furthermore, the annotation tools in the Comment section facilitate adding notes and highlighting effortlessly.
Users can locate additional editing tools under the Edit PDF menu, such as the Edit Text feature, which I utilize for modifying text in PDFs. While this isn’t particularly useful for casual reading, it becomes essential when adapting forms for personal needs.
Moreover, the ability to insert images, shapes, and text boxes significantly enhances the editing experience, along with options to add or remove pages, making the PDF Editor more versatile.
To amplify functionality, ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor supports various plugins, including ChatGPT, Jitsi, HTML, Pixabay, and a Photo Editor among others. Personally, I find the Google Translate plugin particularly beneficial, allowing me to translate specific document sections while I read, which is invaluable for clarity.
Creating PDFs
In addition to editing, ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor serves as a creation tool for PDFs, offering ready-made templates and a feature to design documents from the ground up. Those familiar with Microsoft Office will find the interface welcoming and easy to navigate.
By exploring the Insert menu, I discovered I could incorporate various content types, such as images, charts, tables, equations, and symbols. Additionally, document customization options, like adding watermarks or changing page color, are available.
When generating a professional document, the Signature feature under the Protection menu is crucial. ONLYOFFICE also ensures document security with encryption, especially for confidential files like bank documents, enabling password protection if necessary.
Creating Fillable PDF Forms
One standout feature of ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor is its capacity to create fillable forms. While tools like LibreOffice provide similar capabilities, well-known platforms like Office 365 and Google Docs create only static forms upon export.
To create a form, merely switch to the Form tab. I found this particularly useful while organizing a book club and needed to survey members about book choices, meeting venues, and other arrangements.
Form creation is straightforward; simply incorporate the necessary fields, such as checkboxes, radio buttons, date/time selectors, etc., and customize each field using the menu on the side. You can also preview the form before finalizing and sharing it, ensuring all editable fields are intact.
Additionally, you can generate a link for the interactive form using the Share & Collect function, allowing you to gather responses directly within your workspace, provided you have established a cloud setup.
Collaborative Features
ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor enables project collaboration, which I found useful while writing a book review for a blog. I requested feedback from a friend on my draft review.
To enable simultaneous editing, we needed to connect to the cloud. ONLYOFFICE permits linking to personal cloud services (such as Moodle, Nextcloud, and Liferay). Since we weren’t affiliated with any professional organization, I set up an ONLYOFFICE cloud, which is free for three administrators and unlimited regular users.
Collaboration utilizes Rooms, designated spaces hosting all necessary documents for the team. As the room’s admin, I invited my friend to join, and she simply created a profile to connect.
Once she connected, we could both access and modify the PDF that I had uploaded to the Room. An instant chat feature on the left allows for seamless communication with fellow collaborators. Additional functionalities include viewing version history and a simple save option for everyone’s changes.
The entire setup on my Windows PC was quick and easy, enabling me to track changes made by my friend and edit the PDF efficiently.
Overview of ONLYOFFICE DocSpace
ONLYOFFICE DocSpace operates as a web-based solution accessible through a browser, providing PDF editing alongside tools for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives.
New PDFs can be created by clicking the Actions button and selecting PDF Form -> Blank, or you can upload an existing PDF. Most features found in the desktop version are also available online.
Setting up collaboration in this environment is similar. After establishing your workspace, simply invite your team members to join, with rooms that can be designated as either private or public.
Pricing Structure of ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor
The ONLYOFFICE suite, including the PDF Editor, is available at no cost. However, should you require extended collaborative capabilities beyond three administrator users, an upgrade to a paid ONLYOFFICE DocSpace tier is necessary:
- Business Cloud: $20 per admin user per month
- Enterprise On-Premises: starting at $6,550 per server (one-time purchase).
Additional Enterprise options are also provided.
Effortless PDF Editing
ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor delivers a wealth of features for a free tool, including advanced capabilities like fillable form creation and real-time collaboration. While it lacks certain integrations for video calls and note-taking apps, it stands out as a solid PDF and document editing software. From my experience, I found it to be quite impressive and truly worth a try.
All images and screenshots are credited to Alexandra Arici.
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