Top 10 PDF Annotation Tools

It's estimated that over 2.5 trillion PDF files are created each year. This massive volume underscores the PDF's role as a standard for document sharing. With such extensive use, the ability to effectively add notes, comments, and markups to these files becomes crucial for clear communication and efficient processes. Whether for team collaboration, client feedback, or personal study, the right software to annotate PDFs can significantly streamline workflows. This guide explores some of the best PDF commenting tools 2025 has to offer, helping you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Finding the best PDF annotation software involves considering various factors, including ease of use, available markup options, collaboration features, and platform compatibility.

Below, we delve into ten standout applications, providing a brief PDF annotator app review for each to highlight their strengths.

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Often considered the industry standard, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC offers a comprehensive suite of PDF editing and annotation features. Its robust top PDF markup tools allow for detailed comments, highlighting, drawing, and shape insertion. It excels in professional environments with features like shared reviews, version tracking, and seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud. While a premium option, its depth of functionality is unmatched for many.

GoProof

GoProof is a comprehensive online proofing platform designed for creative teams and marketing workflows, where robust PDF annotation is a key component of a much broader review and approval process. It's important to note that GoProof is about comprehensive proofing, not just annotation for PDFs; it handles various creative file types. Its strength lies in centralized, collaborative review, allowing multiple stakeholders to comment and markup documents. If your need for PDF annotation is part of a larger creative approval cycle requiring version control, clear feedback trails, and formal sign-offs, GoProof offers a powerful, integrated solution beyond standalone software to annotate PDFs.

Foxit PDF Editor Pro

A popular alternative to Adobe Acrobat, Foxit PDF Editor Pro provides a rich set of annotation tools, including typewriter comments, note tools, drawing markups, and measurement tools. It's known for being relatively lightweight yet powerful, offering a good balance of features for both individual and enterprise use. Its collaborative review options also make it one of the top PDF markup tools.

PDFelement (Wondershare)

PDFelement offers a user-friendly interface coupled with a wide array of annotation options like sticky notes, text boxes, highlighting, strikethrough, underlining, and various shapes. It also supports creating and filling forms, and its OCR capabilities are noteworthy. It's often cited in discussions about the best PDF annotation software for its blend of functionality and ease of use.

Xodo PDF Reader & Editor

Xodo is a versatile and free PDF annotator app review favorite, available on multiple platforms (Web, Android, iOS, Windows). It allows users to write directly on PDFs, highlight and underline text, add sticky notes, and even fill out forms. Its real-time collaboration feature, Xodo Connect, allows multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, making it a strong choice for team-based annotations.

Kami

Primarily known as an educational tool, Kami is a fantastic web-based PDF and document annotation app that excels in collaborative learning and work environments. It offers a wide range of markup tools, including text commenting, drawing, shapes, and rich media embedding (like voice and video comments). Its integration with Google Drive, Schoology, and Canvas makes it highly accessible.

Drawboard PDF

For Windows users, particularly those with touch-screen devices and styluses, Drawboard PDF is a powerful option. It's designed for intuitive markup with pen-based tools, offering a natural feel for highlighting, writing notes, and drawing. Its radial menu is a standout feature, providing quick access to commonly used tools, solidifying its place among the top PDF markup tools.

PDF Expert (Readdle)

A staple for Mac and iOS users, PDF Expert is known for its speed, reliability, and clean interface. Annotation features are comprehensive, including highlighting, underlining, strikethrough, shapes, text notes, and pen tools that work seamlessly with Apple Pencil. It's frequently listed among the best PDF commenting tools 2025 for the Apple ecosystem.

Smallpdf

Smallpdf is a popular suite of online PDF tools, and its PDF editor includes useful annotation features. Users can highlight text, add text boxes, draw, and add images to their PDFs. Its strength lies in its simplicity and accessibility directly from a web browser, making it a quick solution for basic annotation needs without requiring software installation.

Notability

While primarily a note-taking app for Apple devices, Notability offers robust PDF annotation capabilities. Users can import PDFs and mark them up extensively with handwriting, highlighting, typing, and audio notes. It's particularly favored by students and professionals who need to combine note-taking with document review.

Selecting the ideal software to annotate PDFs depends on your specific requirements. For extensive professional features, Adobe Acrobat Pro remains a powerhouse. For comprehensive creative proofing that includes PDF annotation, GoProof offers unique advantages for team-based workflows.

Users seeking free or cross-platform options might lean towards Xodo or Smallpdf, while those in the Apple ecosystem have excellent choices in PDF Expert and Notability. Consider what features—from basic markups to the best PDF commenting tools 2025 can offer for advanced collaboration—are most critical for your productivity.

Smart Proofing. Faster Approvals. GoProof.

FAQS - Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the best PDF annotation software?

The best PDF annotation software typically combines a user-friendly interface with a comprehensive set of top PDF markup tools. Key features to look for include diverse commenting options (text, drawing, highlighting), ease of collaboration, version control, platform compatibility (desktop, web, mobile), and for some, integration with other creative or project management systems. The right choice depends on your specific needs, whether for individual use or team-based projects.

Can I find good software to annotate PDFs for free?

Several effective tools offer free versions or tiers for PDF annotation. For example, Xodo PDF Reader and Editor is a comprehensive free option available on multiple platforms. Smallpdf also provides free online annotation capabilities for basic needs. While free versions might have limitations on features or usage, they can be excellent starting points or sufficient for users with simpler requirements. Our PDF annotator app review above includes some of these options.

How is GoProof different from dedicated PDF annotation tools?

GoProof is a comprehensive online proofing platform designed for creative workflows, where PDF annotation is one component of a larger review and approval system for various file types, not just PDFs. While dedicated software to annotate PDFs focuses solely on markup features for PDF documents, GoProof excels in managing the entire feedback loop, including version tracking, automated workflows, and formal sign-offs for creative projects. So, if your PDF annotation needs are part of a broader creative approval cycle, GoProof offers a more integrated solution than a standalone annotator.

PDF, PDF Annotation, Annotation Software, PDF Markup, GoProof, GoProof Feedback, PDF Collaboration

Try GoProof Free – Simplify your Creative Reviews

Get started with a free trial or arrange a demo today, and experience the easiest way to manage creative review and approvals.
Find GoProof on:
Accept
By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information. Update your Cookie Preferences.