PDF Postcard — Four PDF Tools, Briefly Described

Questions first

A few basics before the individual descriptions.

Why does editing a PDF need special software?A PDF fixes its layout so it looks identical on every device. Rearranging that layout is a different job from editing a word-processor file, so dedicated programs exist for it.

What separates one PDF tool from another?Mostly the way it is delivered: in a browser, installed on a computer, organised by task, or packaged as a broader suite.

Do these tools work without an internet connection?The browser and online versions need a connection. Each of the four also lists an installed version, which can work offline after setup.

Where can the current details be checked?On each provider's own website and documentation. Features, platforms and limits change over time.

The postcards

Each card describes one tool on the left, with what it covers and what to keep in mind on the right.

Postcard 1 · Desktop and browser

PDF Gear

PDF Gear is a PDF program that can be installed on a computer or opened as a version in the browser. Its pages describe reading, editing and converting as jobs handled in one place. Common uses are altering text and images within a document, filling in forms, and exporting to Word or Excel. A character recognition feature turns scanned pages into text, and several files can be converted in one go. Certain functions require an account, and the installed version needs to be set up first.

1

Covers

Text, image and page editing
Recognition of scanned text
Converting files in batches

Keep in mind

Installation needed for desktop use
Account needed for some functions
Fixed list of supported formats

Postcard 2 · Task by task

Sejda PDF

Sejda PDF presents its features as separate tasks. A visitor picks the action, for instance editing, merging, compressing or redacting, and then adds a document. It works in the browser and as a program for Windows, macOS and Linux, with the same tools in each. Text and image editing, a whiteout option and a redaction tool are listed, and files can come from Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive. Every task has a daily allowance, plus limits on file size and page count.

2

Covers

Text and image editing, whiteout
Merging, splitting and compressing
Redaction tool
Cloud storage import

Keep in mind

Daily allowance for each task
Limits on size and pages
Typically one file per task

Postcard 3 · Online and Windows

PDF24 Tools

PDF24 Tools is a set of small PDF utilities, reachable online and through an application for Windows. Its virtual printer driver lets other programs create PDFs from a normal print dialogue, which sets it apart from many alternatives. Converting, merging, splitting and adjusting documents are all handled by individual utilities. The application for working offline exists for Windows only, and the large number of utilities means finding the right one can take a moment.

3

Covers

Virtual PDF printer driver
Windows application for offline use
Many individual utilities

Keep in mind

Offline version limited to Windows
The tool list is long
Offline use requires installation

Postcard 4 · Broad suite

Foxit PDF Editor

Foxit PDF Editor is Foxit's wider platform for producing, changing, converting, signing and managing documents. It exists for Windows, macOS and the web, and a separate tier brings mobile and cloud apps. Editing of text, images and pages sits alongside Office format conversion, forms, signatures, character recognition and version comparison. AI-assisted redaction comes as an add-on, and the document management functions are written with organisations in mind.

4

Covers

Text, image and page editing
Office format conversion
Forms and signing
OCR and version comparison

Keep in mind

Mobile and cloud need another tier
AI-assisted redaction is an add-on
Management tools suit organisations

At a glance

One row per tool, based on published information.

Tool	Where it runs	Edits text and images	Offline option	Noted for
PDF Gear	Installed and browser	Yes	Desktop version	Built-in OCR, batch conversion
Sejda PDF	Online and installed	Yes	Desktop app	Task-based, redaction tool
PDF24 Tools	Online and Windows	Yes	Windows app	Virtual printer driver
Foxit PDF Editor	Windows, macOS and web	Yes	Installed apps	Version comparison, signing

Compiled from each provider's published information at the time of writing.

More letters

Three longer letters cover converting between formats, filling in forms, and keeping multi-page documents organised.

Read the letters

A note on the information

The text reflects publicly available descriptions of what each tool generally offers. Please confirm current specifics with each provider.