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Best 5 PDF Annotation App for Ipad (2024)

September 26, 2023 1.3K views

PDF annotation apps are essential for iPad users, but with so many options available, it can be tough to choose the right one. In this article, we'll help you find the best PDF annotation app for your needs, based on features, pricing, and user reviews.

Whether you're a student, professional, or just someone who likes to stay organized, we're confident you'll find the perfect app on this list.

Best 5 PDF Annotation App for iPad

1. PDFelement:

PDFelement for iPad Pro is a powerful PDF annotation app that offers a wide range of features, including:

  • Robust editing capabilities, including text, images, and formatting adjustments.

  • Advanced annotation tools for highlighting, comments, and drawing.

  • Form creation and filling capabilities.

  • Ability to merge and split PDFs.

  • Ability to convert PDFs to other formats, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

  • PDFelement is also compatible with a wide range of cloud storage services, making it easy to access and share your PDFs on the go.

Pros:

  • Robust editing and annotation capabilities

  • Compatible with a wide range of cloud storage services

  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Some advanced features may require a subscription

  • Learning curve for mastering all the features

So here comes the question, how to use a PDF element? Don’t worry, let me teach you about it.

Step 1: Download PDFelement for iOS.

Use the search bar to find and download the app.

Step 2: Create or sign in to your account.

Step 3: Set up your account password.

Step 4: Import a PDF.

To work on an existing PDF, tap "+" button and choose a PDF.

Step 5: Edit PDF Content.

To edit text, images, or other elements.

Congratulations! Now you can start to edit and perform your task using the PDF element. You can take time to explore the additional tools and functionalities.

2. PDF Viewer:

PDF Viewer for iPad is a simple and easy-to-use PDF annotation app. It offers a variety of basic annotation tools, including:

  • Highlighting

  • Underlining

  • Adding notes

  • Drawing shapes

  • Adding audio and video recordings

PDF Viewer is also compatible with a wide range of cloud storage services, making it easy to access and share your PDFs on the go.

Pros:

  • Simple and intuitive interface

  • Basic annotation tools

  • Fast rendering for large PDF files

  • Compatible with cloud storage services

Cons:

  • Limited advanced editing features

  • May not be suitable for complex editing tasks

Did you know how to use PDF Viewer? Don’t worry, let me teach you about it.

Step 1: Download PDF Viewer App.

Open the App Store, search for PDF viewer app.

Step 2: Import and View PDFs.

Step 3: After import, you can start to perform your task.

PDF Viewer for iPad is a simple and easy-to-use PDF annotation app that is perfect for basic tasks such as highlighting, underlining, and adding notes. It is also a good choice for users who need to access and share their PDFs on the go. However, if you need more advanced editing features, such as the ability to edit text and images, then you may want to consider a different PDF annotation app.

3. PDF Expert:

PDF Expert is a powerful PDF annotation app that offers a wide range of features, including:

  • Advanced annotation tools, including text editing, form filling, and drawing.

  • Intuitive user interface with easy navigation.

  • Excellent document organization and management.

  • Ability to merge and split PDFs.

  • Ability to convert PDFs to other formats, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

PDF Expert is also compatible with a wide range of cloud storage services, making it easy to access and share your PDFs on the go.

Pros:

  • Advanced annotation and editing tools

  • Intuitive user interface

  • Excellent document organization and management

  • Compatible with cloud storage services

Cons:

  • May have a steeper learning curve for new users

  • Some advanced features might require a subscription

Using PDF Expert on your iPad is a powerful way to view, edit PDFs. Here's a general guide on how to use PDF Expert:

Step 1: Download PDF Expert App.

Open the App Store, search for PDF Expert app.

Step 2: Create or sign in to your account.

Step 3: Import a PDF.

Tap the "+" button and choose the pdf files to import.

Step 4: Start to annotate your files.

PDF Expert is a powerful and versatile PDF annotation app that is perfect for both basic and advanced tasks. It is a great choice for students, professionals, and anyone else who needs to work with PDFs on their iPad.

4. iAnnotate 4:

iAnnotate 4 is a powerful PDF annotation app that offers a wide range of features, including:

  • Extensive annotation options, including highlighting, underlining, striking through text, adding notes, stamps, and drawing shapes.

  • Dropbox and Google Drive integration for seamless file management.

  • Syncs annotations across devices.

  • Ability to record audio and video annotations.

  • Ability to create and fill out PDF forms.

  • Ability to convert PDFs to other formats, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Pros:

  • Extensive annotation options

  • Dropbox and Google Drive integration

  • Syncs annotations across devices

  • Ability to record audio and video annotations

  • Ability to create and fill out PDF forms

  • Ability to convert PDFs to other formats

Cons:

  • The user interface could be more modern and intuitive.

  • Limited editing capabilities compared to other apps.

  • Have to pay to use the app

Step 1: Install iAnnotate 4.

Download and install iAnnotate 4 from the App Store on your iPad.

Step 2: Open a PDF Document.

Tap the "+" icon or use the "Open" option to import a PDF document.

Step 3: Annotate the PDF.

Once the PDF is open, you can use various annotation tools.

5. iLovePDF:

iLovePDF is a popular online PDF platform that also offers a mobile app for iPad. The app allows you to annotate PDFs, as well as perform other basic PDF tasks such as editing, converting, and merging PDFs.

Features:

  • Basic annotation tools, including highlighting, underlining, and adding notes.

  • Ability to fill out PDF forms.

  • Ability to merge and split PDFs.

  • Ability to convert PDFs to other formats, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Pros:

  • Online platform allows access from any device with a web browser.

  • Offers a variety of PDF editing and conversion tools.

  • Basic annotation capabilities for adding comments and highlighting.

Cons:

  • Requires an internet connection for accessing features.

  • Limited offline functionality.

Step 1: Download iLovePDF App.

Open the App Store, search for iLovePDF app.

Step 2: Create or sign in to your account.

Step 3: Upload Your PDF File.

Step 4: Perform the Task:

Click a button like Pdf to Jpg, Edit pdf.

Step 5: Download the Processed PDF:

Tap the "Download" button to save the file to your iPad.

Resonating Reminder:

  • Trial versions: Many apps offer free trials, so you can try a few different ones before you commit to a subscription. This is a great way to find the app that best meets your needs and workflow.

  • Compatibility: Make sure that the app you choose is compatible with your iPad model and iOS version. You can check this information on the app's App Store page.

  • Sync and cloud: If you need to access your annotated PDFs from multiple devices, choose an app that offers seamless syncing and cloud storage integration. This will make it easy to keep your PDFs up-to-date on all of your devices.

  • User interface: A user-friendly interface is essential for a good PDF annotation experience. Look for an app with a clean and simple design that is easy to navigate.

  • Security: If you are handling sensitive documents, it is important to choose an app with secure encryption. This will protect your data from unauthorized access.

How Can You Improve Your Productivity?

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Steps to edit Word/Excel/Powerpoint in WPS:

Step 1: Download and Install Wps Office.

Once you've selected the correct version, click on the download link. The installer file will be downloaded to your device. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office, including WPS Excel.

Step 2: Open WPS Writer (Word), WPS Spreadsheets (Excel), or WPS Presentation (PowerPoint).

Step 3:  

  • To edit a Word document: use the toolbar to format the text, insert tables, images, and other objects.

  • To edit an Excel spreadsheet: use the toolbar to enter data, create formulas, and charts.

  • To edit a PowerPoint presentation: use the toolbar to add slides, text, images, and other objects.

Step 4:  Save Your Changes:

After making edits, click on "File" -> Choose "Save" to overwrite the existing file or "Save As" to create a new version.

Step 5: Close the Document:

When you're done editing, click on the "X" button in the top-right corner to close the document.

Step 6: Exit WPS Office:  

Click on "File." -> Select "Exit" to close the application.

Congratulations! You've successfully edited Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents using WPS Office.

Here are some step by step on how to use WPS AI:

Step 1: Download and open WPS Office

Step 2: Open the WPS AI dashboard by clicking on the AI button in the toolbar.

Step 3: Select the AI feature you want to use.

  • In word: WPS AI in Word

  • In PDF: Write the things you want to know and help from WPS AI and send

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FAQs

1. Is notability or GoodNotes better for PDF?

Notability can lock folders to protect sensitive documents. The app can also protect your PDFs with passwords when you share them. GoodNotes has no way of locking your PDFs. Both apps can let you choose the pages you want to export, and export active hyperlinks.

2. Can iPad notes convert handwriting to text?

In the tool palette, tap the Handwriting tool (to the left of the pen). Write with Apple Pencil, and Scribble automatically converts your handwriting into typed text.

Summary

Discover the top 5 PDF annotation apps for iPad in 2023. PDFelement is great for editing and annotating PDFs. PDF Viewer is simple for basic tasks. PDF Expert offers advanced features. iAnnotate 4 has extensive annotation options. iLovePDF is good for basic annotations.

Improve your productivity with WPS Office, a free tool for editing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files, and explore WPS AI for additional assistance. Try WPS now!


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.