Purchasing individual licenses for Adobe Acrobat Pro, priced at approximately $130 per user, can be cost-prohibitive. Alternative tools and built-in software features can provide sufficient functionality for common PDF-related tasks. The following options offer practical and budget-friendly solutions for viewing, editing, and managing PDF documents.
Use Adobe Reader for Viewing and Basic Functions
Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) meets the needs of most users. It allows you to:
- Open and read PDFs
- Fill out forms
- Add comments and highlights
- Digitally sign documents
Assign Pro Licenses Strategically
Assign a Pro license to a key team member or a shared workstation for more advanced tasks (editing, converting, combining PDFs). Other team members can request assistance as needed.
Use Built-in Tools in Microsoft Office & Windows
- Microsoft Word can open, edit, and save documents as PDF
- Windows Print to PDF lets you save almost any file as a PDF from the print menu
- These built-in options are great for converting documents without additional software.
Try Microsoft Edge for PDF Annotation
The Edge browser supports basic PDF editing tools, including:
- Highlighting
- Drawing
- Typing comments. It’s a convenient way to quickly markup documents.
Use Google Docs to Create and Save as PDF
- Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides provide a secure way to draft and collaborate on documents.
- You can easily export files as PDF's by going to: File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf)
- Ideal for reports, internal forms, and general document needs — all within Google Workspace.
Use OneDrive or SharePoint for Collaboration
If your team uses Microsoft 365, OneDrive and SharePoint allow real-time collaboration, commenting, and version control — which can reduce the need for individual PDF edits altogether.
For additional support, contact the Technology Service Desk at 940-898-3971, servicedesk@twu.edu, techchat.twu.edu, or submit a request through the Technology Service Catalog.