2020-12-28 17:33:09 • Filed to: macOS 10.15 • Proven solutions

The PDF file format was developed in the 1990s by adobe to be a way where documents were to being shared among users with the different operating system. Hitherto, this became a great success and the only major way to share files. This has prompted best OSX apps including web browsers and office suits to have the inbuilt capability to open and read PDF files. However, apart from those applications, there are the best macOS 10.15 apps which give you more capabilities with PDF files like to create PDF, edit, compress, and more. This article digs deep and brings to you the best macOS 10.15 apps to use for your PDF documents.

Top 9 Free Apps for macOS 10.15

1. PDFelement

Danton noreply@blogger.com Blogger 120 1 25 tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986866292.post-536791039. Available for the Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD, and a total of 20 security issues were specifically mentioned, most of which are the same as those addressed in iOS and iPadOS 13.4.8. Among other parts of the operating system, the kernel, WebKit, and GeoServices. LightPDF appears second among the best macOS 10.15 apps and has been there for a while now. It has proven to be a must-have online PDF utility which has more important features like any desktop professional utility.

PDFelement is arguably the best utility ever to have been developed for macOS 10.15. It offers users the liberty to do so much with their PDFs. It has great functionalities which effortless allow you to create, edit, convert and view PDF files.

Key features

  • This PDF utility can allow you to feasibly change the text, annotate, and even edit watermarks and links within a few clicks.
  • When you got scanned documents, you can make it editable without missing every bit of critical information with the help of optical character recognition functionality.
  • Functionalities like adding backgrounds, headers and footers are easy than before making you to further customize PDF's.
  • What about sharing files? This has been made easy than before like sending a text via social media and supports page merging and splitting.
  • Importantly, it has multiple folds of PDF templates which you can use and come up with a professional PDF file.

Pros:

  • Has a user-friendly interface.
  • Powerful editing functionality.
  • Uses advanced technology; OCR technology
  • Cloud integration

2. LightPDF

LightPDF appears second among the best macOS 10.15 apps and has been there for a while now. It has proven to be a must-have online PDF utility which has more important features like any desktop professional utility. It supports a wide range of document formats including PPT, Word, Excel, and PNG which you can convert to PDF. It doesn't require any kind of additional installation to use the suite. LightPDF has broken down the conversion of files to PDF a simple task without interfering with the content. It is reliable and free from malware dispelling any security compromises worries. This online Mac PDF utility has no limit for the size of the document you can upload. It has advanced technology function, OCR, which allows every user to transform scanned documents to editable Excel, RTF, and Word formats. Perhaps, this is one of the best macOS 10.15 apps.

Pros

  • Supports extraction of files from PDF and Images.
  • User-friendly and easy to understand
  • You permit to add watermarks

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Cons

  • Batch processing of files isn't possible
  • Contain a few features which are not an expectation from the best application.

3. Adobe Acrobat Pro Document Cloud (DC)

This is one of the best macOS 10.15 Apps which has been in use for the longest time while maintaining their good reputation. Pro DC is one of the distinct software for macOS 10.15 which is available online and in the desktop version. It provides unique services to the users to efficiently edit, print, view, manage, and create PDF documents. It has the cloud on its name meaning you can create a document online an upload to cloud storage which you can later access on mobile phone or desktop. Online security for Adobe Pro DC is reinforced with the e-signature and Dropbox integration.

Pros

  • Output files in high resolution virtually maintaining them to be the same.
  • Sharing functionality allows for PDF file compression.
  • Much easier to store and archive PDF documents.
  • Supports form filling.

Cons

  • Incapable of editing PDF documents.
  • Only works with PDF documents prompting you to convert them first before using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.

4. ABBY FineReader Pro for Mac

There is no complete list of best applications for macOS 10.15 without ABBYY FineReader Pro. The PDF suite has an exceptional combination of OCR and document conversion quality with a user-friendly interface. A thing making top its peers is the ability to precisely recognize text and retain layout with support of 180+ international languages. The program works well with PDF and multiple image formats. Convert easily PDF to word on macOS 10.15 and also feasible output into several other formats like TXT, XSLX, HTML, EPBU, and more others. Notable functionalities are the ability to carry batch processing and Text-to-Speech saving significant time while working with it and convenient for every user.

Pros

  • Best OCR accuracy and speed
  • Supports conversion to the editing of PDF, Word, Excel and more
  • Precisely maintains the formatting of the original document

Cons

  • Fail to support older TWAIN scanners.

5. PDFpen

Yet another simple and powerful PDF application for macOS 10.15 Catalina. Users using PDFpen can create PDF documents, edit, and share them. It as well makes it easy and possible for users to add texts and drawings on their PDF documents. Moreover, other important functionalities which come with this best app macOS 10.15 include allowing users to embed, fill, and design forms on current files. It assures a secured PDF document access by including a digital signature and access diverse document techniques and features for image export into diverse document formats. Including what was recently added is annotations which make possible to mark PDF document and even sharing without manipulating even a thing. PDFpen allows you to add comments easily and has an advanced Table of Contents together with diverse image format versions.

Pros

  • Supports export of PDF documents and images into different formats.
  • Has Optical Character Recognition function.
  • Allows adding of annotations, images, texts, and more on the document page.

Cons

  • A bit complicated to use.
  • Icons and tool options are not well organized and are quite incoherent.

6. PDF Expert

This PDF utility is one popular and flexible macOS 10.15 PDF editor that provides a user with a platform to read, manipulate and annotate PDF documents from a centralized dashboard. It has in-built functionalities which you can use to edit images, texts and links, fill forms and electronically sign contracts. The speed at which PDF Expert works with several files is more than satisfying. With PDF Expert, you can use password and protect your sensitive files and documents and add notes or comments to easily collaborate with your team.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Has splitting and merging of documents functionality
  • Automatically detect fonts
  • Good reading experience.

Cons

  • OCR is unavailable
  • Has fewer features than other PDF editors

7. Preview

This has been an important tool for Mac users in viewing PDF's. Now, in the new macOS 10.15 is stronger than before. The free tool has included features to share, print, and view PDF documents and images features. More advanced features include the ability to run Adobe Illustrator document (AI), PDFs, GIF, JPEG, PPT, and BMT and more other different formats. Security features have rather improved where it now has a file-encrypting and restricting functionality. The PDF document associated with security feature will require you to provide for it to be printed, copied or accessed. This new feature has uplifted Preview to being among the best macOS 10.15 apps.

Pros

  • Possible to loop with a lot of simplicity lost GIFs.
  • Possible to preview lost playback.
  • Upgrades support easier PDF signing and viewing.

Cons

  • PDF's might be erased without warning.
  • Encrypted PDF files lack editing feature,
  • Fails to support ISO-standardized PDF.

8. SmallPDF

This is a simple and handy tool when matters PDF editing is considered. It allows you to easily draw certain figures and shapes in your PDF, add text and images, among others. It has an intuitive interface which can be managed even by a novice without major difficulty.

Pros

  • Supports upload of files from cloud file storage.
  • Have in-built practical and usable PDF features.

Cons

  • Fails to execute advanced functions.
  • Web-based only.
  • Has a limited number of files to be uploaded.

9. Foxit Reader

Considering the best macOS 10.15 apps 2019, Foxit Reader is almost the only app to supports a set of all international languages. It can be used to edit, view, and create PDF documents. A Foxit notable feature is providing users to add both comments and notes to PDF files. Another great technological feature integrated with this tool is the ability of users to reject and share Connected PDF files, manage the viewership of the PDF files and check if they have been tweaked.

Pros

  • Supports Job Access with Speech functionality which is great for blind users.
  • The program is good for purposes like presentation.

Cons

  • Fails to support large files.

How to Choose the Best PDF Apps for macOS Catalina

We cannot detest the fact there are quite a lot of PDF tools available which can aid you to get the job done. However, we agree that All PDF tools available are not of equal capability. After a comprehensive test and reviews, PDFelement emerges as an exemplary tool high above its competitors. What is evident is that the program is supplied with quite a lot of features which are useful even for the free standard version which is an absolute gain for less. PDFelement is highly efficacious, reliable, fast, and affordable if you go ahead and look for features found in the advanced version.

Key features

The following are other beneficial features which come with PDF for Mac:

  • Allows edit PDF document, adding headers and footers, watermarks and backgrounds
  • Pretty easy to sign in and secure PDF documents
  • Supports PDF file conversion to formats like Excel, PowerPoint, HTML, Images, Word and EPUB while maintain format and tables in the PDF.
  • Comes with highly advanced Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to scan image-based PDFs to editable formats.
  • Provides the ability to comment and annotation features
  • Allows to create PDF files from blank documents, from screen capture, window capture and merging existing files.
  • Allows you to create forms, fill forms and edit forms.
  • Supplied with sufficient PDF templates with a typical download
  • Apart from supporting macOS 10.15, it supports all Mac devices.

Free Download or Buy PDFelement right now!

Free Download or Buy PDFelement right now!

Buy PDFelement right now!

Buy PDFelement right now!

macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. Get even more transparency around your privacy.

Chances are your Mac can run macOS Big Sur

The following models are supported:

  • MacBook (2015 or later)
  • MacBook Air (2013 or later)
  • MacBook Pro (Late 2013 or later)
  • Mac mini (2014 or later)
  • iMac (2014 or later)
  • iMac Pro (2017 or later)
  • Mac Pro (2013 or later)

To see which model you have, click the Apple icon in your menu bar and choose About This Mac.

Make sure you’re ready to upgrade.

Before you upgrade, we recommend that you back up your Mac. If your Mac is running OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later, you can upgrade directly to macOS Big Sur. You’ll need the following:

  • OS X 10.9 or later
  • 4GB of memory
  • 35.5GB of available storage on macOS Sierra or later*
  • Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
  • Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.

Upgrading is free and easy

Upgrading from macOS Catalina 10.15 or Mojave 10.14?

Go to Software Update in System Preferences to find macOS Big Sur. Click Upgrade Now and follow the onscreen instructions.

Upgrading from an older version of macOS?

If you’re running any release from macOS 10.13 to 10.9, you can upgrade to macOS Big Sur from the App Store. If you’re running Mountain Lion 10.8, you will need to upgrade to El Capitan 10.11 first.

If you don’t have broadband access, you can upgrade your Mac at any Apple Store.

  • OS X 10.9 or later
  • 4GB of memory
  • 35.5GB of available storage on macOS Sierra or later*
  • Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
  • Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Big Sur:

  • MacBook (2015 or later)
  • MacBook Air (2013 or later)
  • MacBook Pro (Late 2013 or later)
  • Mac mini (2014 or later)
  • iMac (2014 or later)
  • iMac Pro (2017 or later)
  • Mac Pro (2013 or later)

Siri

Requires a broadband internet connection and microphone (built-in or external).

Hey Siri

Supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook Pro (2018 or later)
  • MacBook Air (2018 or later)
  • iMac Pro (2017 or later)

Dictation, Voice Control and Voice Memos

Requires a microphone (built-in or external).

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Spotlight Suggestions

Requires a broadband internet connection.

Gestures

Requires a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad, Magic Trackpad or Magic Mouse.

Force Touch gestures require a Force Touch trackpad.

VoiceOver gestures require a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad or Magic Trackpad.

Photo Booth

Requires a FaceTime or iSight camera (built-in or external) or USB video class (UVC) camera.

FaceTime

Audio calls require a microphone (built-in or external) and broadband internet connection.

Video calls require a built-in FaceTime camera, an iSight camera (built-in or external) or a USB video class (UVC) camera; and broadband internet connection.

Apple TV

High dynamic range (HDR) video playback is supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook Pro (2018 or later)
  • iMac Pro (2017 or later)
  • Mac Pro (2019) with Pro Display XDR

Dolby Atmos soundtrack playback is supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook Air (2018 or later)
  • MacBook Pro (2018 or later)

Sidecar

Supported by the following Mac models:

  • MacBook (2016 or later)
  • MacBook Air (2018 or later)
  • MacBook Pro (2016 or later)
  • Mac mini (2018 or later)
  • iMac (late 2015 or later)
  • iMac Pro (2017 or later)
  • Mac Pro (2019)

Supported by all iPad models with Apple Pencil support:

  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro
  • 11-inch iPad Pro
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
  • iPad (6th generation or later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)
  • iPad Air (3rd and 4th generation)

Continuity Camera

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Requires an iPhone or iPad that supports iOS 12 or later.

Continuity Sketch and Continuity Markup

Requires an iPhone with iOS 13 or later or an iPad with iPadOS 13 or later.

Handoff

Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector or with USB‑C and iOS 8 or later.

Instant Hotspot

Requires an iPhone or iPad with cellular connectivity, a Lightning connector or USB‑C and iOS 8.1 or later. Requires Personal Hotspot service through your network provider.

Universal Clipboard

Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector or with USB‑C and iOS 10 or later.

Auto Unlock

Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later or an iPhone 5 or later.

Approve with Apple Watch

Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 6 or later or an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13 or later.

Apple Pay on the Web

Requires a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air with Touch ID, an iPhone 6 or later with iOS 10 or later, or an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later.

Phone Calling

Requires an iPhone with iOS 8 or later and an activated data plan.

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SMS

Requires an iPhone with iOS 8.1 or later and an activated data plan.

Home

Requires an iPhone with iOS 12 or later and a configured Home app.

AirDrop

AirDrop to iOS and iPadOS devices requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector or with USB‑C and iOS 7 or later.

AirPlay

AirPlay Mirroring requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).

AirPlay for web video requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).

Peer-to-peer AirPlay requires a Mac (2012 or later) and an Apple TV (3rd generation rev A, model A1469 or later) with Apple TV software 7.0 or later.

Time Machine

Requires an external storage device (sold separately).

Maps electric vehicle routing

Requires an iPhone with iOS 14 and a compatible electric vehicle.

Maps number plate restrictions

Requires an iPhone running iOS 14 or an iPad running iPadOS 14.

Boot Camp

Allows Boot Camp installations of Windows 10 on supported Mac models.

Exchange Support

Requires Microsoft Office 365, Exchange 2016, Exchange 2013 or Exchange Server 2010. Installing the latest Service Packs is recommended.

Windows Migration

Supports OS X 10.7 or later and Windows 7 or later.

App Store

Available only to persons aged 13 or older in the US and many other countries and regions.

Photos

The improved Retouch tool is supported on the following Mac models:

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch and 16-inch models) introduced in 2016 or later
  • iMac (Retina 5K models) introduced in 2014 or later
  • iMac (Retina 4K models) introduced in 2017 or later
  • iMac Pro (2017 or later)
  • Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later
  • Apple Books
  • Apple News
  • App Store
  • Automator
  • Calculator
  • Calendar
  • Chess
  • Contacts
  • Dictionary
  • DVD Player
  • FaceTime
  • Find My
  • Font Book
  • Home
  • Image Capture
  • Launchpad
  • Mail
  • Maps
  • Messages
  • Mission Control
  • Music
  • Notes
  • Photo Booth
  • Photos
  • Podcasts
  • Preview
  • QuickTime Player
  • Reminders
  • Safari
  • Siri
  • Stickies
  • Stocks
  • System Preferences
  • TextEdit
  • Time Machine
  • TV
  • Voice Memos
  • Activity Monitor
  • AirPort Utility
  • Audio MIDI Setup
  • Bluetooth File Exchange
  • Boot Camp Assistant
  • ColorSync Utility
  • Console
  • Digital Colour Meter
  • Disk Utility
  • Grapher
  • Keychain Access
  • Migration Assistant
  • Screenshot
  • Screen Time
  • Script Editor
  • Sidecar
  • System Information
  • Terminal
  • VoiceOver Utility
  • Arabic
  • Catalan
  • Croatian
  • Simplified Chinese
  • Traditional Chinese
  • Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong)
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English (Australia)
  • English (UK)
  • English (US)
  • Finnish
  • French
  • French (Canada)
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Hungarian
  • Indonesian
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Malay
  • Norwegian
  • Polish
  • Brazilian Portuguese
  • Portuguese
  • Romanian
  • Russian
  • Slovak
  • Spanish
  • Spanish (Latin America)
  • Swedish
  • Thai
  • Turkish
  • Ukrainian
  • Vietnamese