Tag Archives: ipad pdf editor

April 5, 2012

PDF Expert 4 vs iAnnotate 2.1 vs Goodreader 3 – 2012 indepth review

By Kazza

I know it has been a long time coming, but here it is, a review on the most popular 3 PDF Editing programs for the iPad. I have been contemplating on how to compare the 3 apps for a few days now – how to set it out etc on wordpress, so this may be a bit messy if you are trying to read it; I will do my best to make it as legible and succinct as possible. The 3 apps being compared are all in their latest versions (PDF Expert just released version 4, iAnnotate released 2.1 a couple of weeks ago).

You can find them here:

PDF Expert 4 ($9.99 USD)

iAnnotate 2.1 ($9.99 USD)

GoodReader 3 ($4.99 USD)

NB: Price varies in different countries for the apps – I paid more in AUD for them.

The review is actually long and tedious – If you are after something quick, I suggest looking at the pictures and reading the conclusion down the bottom

Update: As requested, I have added examples of the export options of each app and what they look like on desktop. Currently using Adobe Acrobat Reader X

: 1. iAnnotate – Interface to move/rename/email files. You can drag & drop files to delete etc (as shown). Note: You can’t rename/move files that are synced to servers.

: 2. GoodReader – You can’t view/browse files whilst syncing is in progress. Backgound middle right in grey gives options to move/rename/email/zip files.

: 3. PDF Expert – Syncing (bottom left) & organising files in concert is possible. Its clean look with options to move/email/zip files are a lot easier on the eyes.

: 4. PDF Expert Thumb view & Drag n Drop are new in v4 (already available in iAnnotate, however) – but it makes organising/moving files easier.

: 5. iAnnotate – Syncing & executing other tasks is possible. Search is off to the side, but bulky highlighted term is a turn off. It also searches annotations.

: 6. PDF Expert – Search is similar to iAnnotate but is a popup menu, & annotated terms are also searched. The whole text edit option here is simple and neat.

: 7. Goodreader – a variety of text editing options to choose from. The preset font size is handy. Callout, fill, border & cloudy options are unique Goodreader.

: 8. Goodreader – Adding text is a major turn off! Text window takes up half the screen (usually the important half), and there is only 1 font!

: 9. iAnnotate – Font option overwhelms top right corner. Rotate & stamp features are unique. Note annotation (“eg counter offer is offeree…”) in blue is missing.

: 10. Goodreader Zoom in tool – Magnifies where you want to write & allows you to write as per usual. Palm rest included also (grey bar on bottom). Best of 3.

: 11. GoodReader handwriting toolbar – clean and simple. Has various useful adjustments you can make your handwritten or drawn notes/diagrams.

: 12. PDF Expert – Preset pens at the top very practical. You can also change & save the colour, brush size and opacity. Clean and simple.

: 13. iAnnotate – Handwriting Tool – can choose from a spectrum of colours, adjust opacity & brush sizes. Takes up 1/3 of the screen… Also has custom stamp tool!

: 14. iAnnotate customisable toolbar – have the option to preset your own tools – I’ve set some of mine (note the 5 different typewriters for 5 different size fonts).