PDF Extra review: A budget PDF editor with business-ready features

At a glance

Expert’s Rating

Pros

Affordable pricing compared to top-tier PDF editors like Adobe AcrobatIntuitive interface with a familiar, Microsoft Office-style toolbarOffers a wide range of annotation tools for collaboration

Cons

Some features are locked behind subscription tiersNo AI integration

Our Verdict

PDF Extra is a versatile, budget-friendly PDF editor that offers a robust set of tools for both casual and professional users.

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Best Prices Today: PDF Extra

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With remote work and digital documentation now the norm, everyone needs a reliable PDF editor. However, not all users have the budget or need for the top-shelf tools from Adobe and Foxit. If you’re in this camp, MobiSystems’ PDF Extra can help you edit, convert, and secure PDF files without a huge financial investment.

PDF Extra has a clean, organized layout that prioritizes ease of use. Across the top is a Microsoft Office-style toolbar with tabs for Home, Comment, Edit, Fill and Sign, Convert, Organize Pages, Form, and Protect. These house the key tools for common PDF tasks such as highlighting text, compressing files, and converting documents to different formats. The toolbar is intuitive and provides one-click access to frequently used features.

On the left, a thumbnail view lets you quickly navigate through a document or reorder pages. The central panel displays the document in a full-page view, with adjustable zoom controls and a page navigation tool at the bottom. The right sidebar can be toggled to display comments or the document’s properties. It’s a straightforward interface that allows you to perform most tasks without needing to dig through menus.

Further reading: See our roundup of the best PDF editors to learn about competing products.

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Editing capabilities

The software allows you to edit PDFs by adding or changing text, tweaking font sizes and colors, and adjusting layouts. Performing these tasks is similar to working with a word processor like Microsoft Word, which allows for a familiar and fluid workflow.

You can also add images to your document, either from local files or directly from an online source. This again is similar to working in Word; you drag the inserted image to your desired spot and resize it to fit. Right-clicking on the image displays a tab with additional editing options including Cut, Copy, Replace Picture, Arrange, and Delete.

PDF Extra allows you to easily convert PDFs into other formats, such as Word, Excel, and ePub. During my testing, both simple and complex documents were converted with minimal issues, retaining text and image alignment and formatting.

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Advanced functions

PDF Extra offers plenty of advanced functions for business users. You can create, fill, and sign forms, with options for various field types such as checkboxes, radio buttons, and text fields. It also supports handwritten and digital signatures, a necessity for professionals handling sensitive documents like contracts.

A range of annotation tools are also included. You can highlight text, add sticky notes, or use drawing tools to markup documents. Multiple users can easily add and review comments made to a shared document. On the security front, PDF Extra includes password protection, encryption, redaction, and user access features, making it suited for industries requiring high levels of document confidentiality.

PDF Extra integrates with popular cloud storage platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox, as well as MobiSystems’ MobiDrive cloud. These options let you easily share documents across devices without manually transferring files and facilitate a smoother workflow for those who frequently collaborate with others. The syncing worked seamlessly in my tests.

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

How much does PDF Extra cost?

PDF Extra offers a free tier but many of its more powerful features, such as full PDF editing, advanced conversion tools, and MobiDrive storage are locked behind a subscription. There are two annual subscriptions available for individual users — Premium ($50.28 per year) and Ultimate ($83.88 per year) as well as a lifetime license ($99.99). Premium and Ultimate team subscriptions are also available for teams of up to six users. These cost $179.28 per year and $251.28 per year, respectively. For groups of seven to 100 users, MobiSystems offers a Business subscription that costs $47.88 per user per year.

Should you buy PDF Extra?

PDF Extra is a versatile PDF editor that offers a robust set of tools for both casual and professional users. It won’t dethrone Adobe Acrobat in terms of advanced features or performance, but its lower price and ease of use make it an attractive option for users who need basic-to-intermediate PDF functionality. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly PDF editor that doesn’t require a steep learning curve, PDF Extra is worth considering.

Best Prices Today: PDF Extra

RetailerPriceMobiSystemsFreeView DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from Backmarket

Author: Michael Ansaldo, Contributor

Michael Ansaldo is veteran consumer and business technology journalist. He’s been a contributor to our sister site TechHive since 2013, covering robot vacuums, home security cameras, and other smart devices. He previously served as PCWorld’s Small Business Editor, and his tech coverage has appeared in Wired, Macworld, Mac|Life, Mobile Magazine, Enterprise.Nxt, Executive Travel, and other publications.