PDFgear serves as a free substitute for Adobe Acrobat. Although it isn’t open source, similar to numerous autres options out there. great closed-source Adobe alternatives It’s a viable choice for those looking to shift away from Adobe tools. Nevertheless, PDFgear lacks certain functionalities that make it comparable to Adobe Acrobat, which stops numerous individuals from completely switching over. Several key features offered by Acrobat are not present in PDFgear; however, if you can do without these features, you might want to contemplate leaving behind Acrobat and opting for a free alternative from a lesser-known brand. There are plenty of such options available out there. reasons to steer clear of Adobe products , and PDFgear provides PDF editing and reading functionalities without relying on big corporations.
Custom line, word, and space editor
You can’t edit the tracking, kerning, or leading in PDFgear
Although PDFgear is only a reader and not a full document creation tool, it has many properties that are similar to Adobe Acrobat. In Acrobat, you can edit existing words in ways beyond just changing their font and size.
The synchronization of text is crucial for enhancing readability and clarity; thus, being able to adjust the space between lines (tracking), within words (kerning), and vertically (leading) is typically quite useful, particularly once the document has been completed.
Currently, PDFgear does not provide this feature. However, you have the ability to modify the font type, style, color, and layout alignment inside individual text boxes. You can choose between centering, right-aligning, or left-aligning your text; however, these adjustments will be ineffective if they apply to just a single line of text within a text box.
When using Adobe Acrobat’s Edit mode, choosing any piece of text presents various formatting choices such as altering the font style, adjusting the size, changing colors, setting up alignment for layouts, adding bullets, modifying text effects, tweaking line spacing, controlling space between paragraphs, managing letter spacing, and fine-tuning character proximity. Additionally, this feature allows you to effortlessly insert, delete, and rearrange text within your document.
Multi-selection
Choosing several items at once can be quite beneficial.
Acrobat isn't intended for use as a layout editor; instead, opt for InDesign or another similar tool. a layout editor akin to Scribus as an open-source alternative For that purpose—however, occasionally you can utilize Acrobat to modify documents when you no longer possess the original file.
Among the simplest editing options provided is choosing several images or text boxes simultaneously. This could be useful when you want to shift numerous elements together or for various reasons; however, accomplishing this requires pressing Shift as you select every separate item with your mouse.
Regrettably, this cannot be done in PDFgear. Users are limited to selecting just one item at once. It’s understandable how frustrating this might be since many tools typically allow multiple selections. However, with PDFgear, you must forego this capability and use Adobe Acrobat instead.
You have the ability to choose and relocate single items utilizing the Editing tab within PDFgear, enabling you to accomplish these tasks efficiently. Lacking a multiple selection feature would significantly extend the time required for such operations.
Alignment of objects in edit mode
Misaligned items? PDFgear won't be able to assist you with that.
In addition to not being able to choose several objects simultaneously, PDFgear does not have an option for aligning objects either.
The sole method to align items is visually, which often suffices for numerous projects. Nevertheless, for genuinely professional outcomes, it’s essential to have objects, elements, and text boxes precisely and accurately aligned rather than relying solely on visual judgment—since this approach tends to be off by about a millimeter or so.
With PDFgear, you'll need to adjust each component separately and cross your fingers for luck. Since there are no rulers or guide options available, you won’t be able to definitively confirm whether your alignments are precise.
Acrobat doesn’t just provide tools for aligning objects; it also includes rulers and guidelines that offer various options for arranging and positioning the components of your document. This capability is something PDFgear does not support as well.
Compatibility with other tools
Not quite as compatible
PDFgear is quite compatible with many of the same external tools as Adobe Acrobat, though not entirely identical. While you can integrate PDFgear with OneNote, it does not support integration with Zotero for open-source management.
To achieve comprehensive compatibility across an extensive range of tools, Adobe Acrobat proves to be the superior option. In contrast, PDFgear operates as a more modest platform offering fewer compatible choices. While this service might enhance its capabilities over time, at present, opting for Acrobat ensures access to all necessary features required for seamless collaboration.
Digital signatures
Electronic signatures and digital signatures are distinct from each other.
Even though you can apply electronic signatures in PDFgear, these lack the robust security features of digital signatures available in Acrobat. While e-signatures work well for informal documents, they fall short when it comes to securing sensitive information or official paperwork since PDFgear does not offer an option for digital signatures.
Digital signatures are completely encrypted and act similar to a digital fingerprint, which e-signatures cannot provide.
While digital and electronic signatures may appear identical, genuine security requires using digital signatures. Currently, PDFgear does not provide this feature, so you must switch to Adobe Acrobat for enhanced protection.
PDFgear performs well, however, Acrobat still holds the edge.
When considering cost, Adobe Acrobat provides additional benefits. Its superior security measures enable genuine digital signatures encapsulated within secure envelopes. The software also includes enhanced functionalities like alignment tools and multi-select capabilities. Furthermore, owing to its longstanding status as the premier PDF utility, it boasts greater compatibility. Should you seek an outstanding free substitute for Acrobat, PDFgear stands out among alternatives. While no gratis option matches all of Acrobat’s offerings, this reflects the premium associated with avoiding Adobe products.