Adobe Acrobat Pro
Adobe's paid PDF tool for editing, OCR, signatures, conversion and redaction on desktop, web and mobile.
Our verdict
What it does well
- Edit text, fonts and images directly in a PDF
- OCR for scans, e-signature requests with tracking, and permanent redaction
- Convert PDFs to and from Word, PowerPoint and Excel
Where it falls short
- Paid subscription; the free Acrobat Reader only opens and views PDFs
- Annual plan billed monthly can carry a cancellation fee after 14 days
- Free trial exists, but a paid plan is required after it ends
Adobe Acrobat Pro is a PDF tool for editing text and images, turning scans into searchable PDFs with OCR, requesting and tracking e-signatures, converting PDFs to and from Word, PowerPoint and Excel, redacting sensitive content, and adding passwords and permissions. Adobe's pricing page says you can use Acrobat on desktop, mobile or in a web browser.
For individuals in the US, Acrobat Pro is US$19.99/mo on an annual plan billed monthly, US$239.88/yr on an annual prepaid plan, or US$29.99/mo on a monthly plan. A free trial is offered. Acrobat Standard (US$14.99/mo, annual billed monthly) and Acrobat Studio (US$24.99/mo) sit on either side of it.
Acrobat Reader is free for opening and viewing PDFs; Adobe states 'Free. Always.' Paid plans also include the Acrobat Reader and Adobe Scan mobile apps.
Adobe Acrobat Pro compared
Open source alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Pro
Free to use, with code anyone can inspect.
Other alternatives
Free online PDF tools and a Windows desktop app for merging, splitting, compressing, converting and signing PDFs.
- Free
Last updated 16 October 2026. Facts checked against the official site on 16 October 2026. How we make money