The main difference between PDFCreator vs. Adobe Acrobat is that the latter is used as a converter and editor. Conversely, the former is aimed at direct printing. Adobe Acrobat is suitable for creating, editing, and working with PDF files in every possible way, up to file access control.
Comparing PDFCreator vs. Adobe Acrobat
| Platforms Supported | Cloud Storage | Integrations | Custom Branding | Price | |
| PDFCreator | Windows | Yes | None mentioned | No | Starts at Free Trial |
| Adobe Acrobat Pro | Windows, Mac, iOS | Yes | Microsoft Office, SharePoint, OneDrive, Box, Dropbox and more | Yes | Starts from $14.99/month or $179.88/year + free trial |
Form Filling
PDFCreator and Adobe Acrobat both offer form-filling features that allow users to fill out PDF forms electronically. Adobe Acrobat offers more advanced functionalities, such as the ability to create interactive forms with drop-down menus, checkboxes, and radio buttons. PDFCreator, on the other hand, offers basic features that allow users to fill out simple PDF forms.
Text Editing
Adobe Acrobat and PDFCreator enable users to modify text within PDFs. Adobe’s offerings include sophisticated text editing tools, allowing paragraph-level edits and diverse font customizations. In contrast, PDFCreator focuses on rudimentary edits, primarily at the single-paragraph level.
Merge & Split PDF Documents
These platforms support merging multiple PDFs into one or fragmenting a document into separate files. Adobe Acrobat offers more advanced features, such as the ability to merge files of different formats and split files based on bookmarks or page ranges. PDFCreator, on the other hand, offers basic merge and split features that allow users to combine or split PDF documents.
Export and Convert PDF Files
PDFCreator and Adobe Acrobat allow users to convert PDF files to other formats, such as Word, Excel, or HTML. Adobe Acrobat offers more advanced export and conversion features, including the ability to convert scanned documents into editable text using OCR technology.
PDFCreator, on the other hand, offers basic export and conversion features that allow users to convert PDF files to other formats.
Headers and Footers
Both applications allow for the addition of headers and footers. Users can add page numbers, dates, and other information to PDF documents. However, Adobe Acrobat offers the ability to add custom watermarks and backgrounds. PDFCreator, on the other hand, offers basic headers and footer features that allow users to add simple page numbers and dates.
Annotation Tools
Annotation tools are available on both platforms. Adobe Acrobat is distinguished by its extensive toolset, which includes stamps, audio commentary, and 3D models. PDFCreator, however, centers on foundational tools for comments and highlights.
Watermarking
PDFCreator and Adobe Acrobat both offer watermarking features that allow users to add watermarks to PDF documents. Adobe Acrobat offers more advanced watermarking features, such as the ability to add custom watermarks and backgrounds. PDFCreator, on the other hand, offers basic watermarking features that allow users to add simple text or image watermarks.
Password Protection
PDFCreator and Adobe Acrobat both offer password protection features that allow users to secure PDF documents with a password. Adobe Acrobat offers more advanced password protection features, such as the ability to set different levels of password protection for different users. PDFCreator, on the other hand, offers basic password protection features that allow users to set a single password for the entire document.
Signature Integration
PDFCreator and Adobe Acrobat both offer eSignature integration features that allow users to sign PDF documents electronically. Adobe Acrobat offers more advanced signature integration features, such as the ability to create and manage digital signatures. PDFCreator, on the other hand, offers basic signature integration features that allow users to sign PDF documents electronically.
Document Compression
Compressing PDFs to diminish file size is a shared feature. Adobe Acrobat stands out with its capability to compress multiple files simultaneously. PDFCreator, in contrast, primarily compresses individual files.
Fill: The Best Alternative to PDFCreator
While PDFCreator and Adobe Acrobat are both excellent PDF fillers, they have their limitations. PDFCreator is a basic program that lacks advanced features such as redaction and OCR. Adobe Acrobat, on the other hand, is a paid program that may not be suitable for users who only need basic PDF editing features.
Fill is a superior cloud-based alternative to PDFCreator and Adobe Acrobat, packed with distinctive features. Users can create, edit, and sign PDFs online without needing installations. Its PDF Autofill function expedites form completion, reducing manual data entry.
Additionally, Fill facilitates filling PDF forms online with tools like text fields, check boxes, and dropdowns. Prioritizing security, Fill encrypts and securely stores all data entered, adhering to global standards.
