PDF Agile vs PDF Architect

PDF Agile is a PDF reader and editor for Windows, macOS, and the web. It can modify PDF documents, including scans, without the original source files, and convert PDFs to and from Word, Excel, and PowerPoint while preserving fonts and formatting. Annotation tools cover highlights, underlines, strikethroughs, text, shapes, and freehand drawing. Security features include password protection, permanent redaction, and electronic signatures. Other tools handle compression, merging, splitting, OCR, cropping, page order and rotation, page numbering, links, presentations, screenshots, search, printing, bookmarks, and backgrounds. Browser-based tools cover conversion, organization, compression, protection, unlocking, and page rearrangement. The free plan lists 2 Page* and 5 Tasks for conversion. Paid plans are described as one-time payments with no recurring charges: the Semi-Annual Plan is $39 a month, the Annual Plan is $59 a month, and the Lifetime Plan is $119 a month. A purchased license can be used on up to two computers through an account.

PDF Architect is a Windows PDF viewer and editor for creating, viewing, and editing PDF files. It can change text and images, manage pages, merge files, and insert or customize page elements. Conversion covers PDF, Word, Excel, HTML, text, and image formats. Review features include annotations and comparing two PDFs; form tools support creating and filling fillable forms. Secure adds passwords, permission levels, and digital signatures. E-Sign lets users prepare, send, and track documents in the application and creates a manifest for archiving the signature process; it requires a PDF Architect account. The Free plan costs nothing and includes viewing, creation from Word, Excel, and PPT, page rotation, deletion and rearrangement, and merging. Business deployment supports MSI packages and GPO, and the maker describes it as cloud-optional and local by default. Microsoft Office is required for plug-in use and Word conversion.