Documentation is an essential aspect of every business process. Through files, business owners and managers craft contracts and other requests. Thus, it is crucial to choose a software application that lets you create, manipulate, and view documents. Fortunately, there are hundreds of available PDF software solutions in the market, with several applications offering free versions.
However, you will also need a document management solution for your company to prevent document losses. Check this software ranking of the best document management tools for 2020.
Foxit PhantomPDF and Adobe Acrobat are two well-known PDF applications available. In this article, you will know their shared features and how they perform based on those functionalities. After this article, you will find out which software application is right for you.
Foxit PhantomPDF Overview
Since 2008, Foxit PhantomPDF provides its users with comprehensive yet user-friendly tools that enable individuals and organizations to create, edit, and convert documents. This program offers an intuitive interface that caters even to first-time users. For almost 12 years, Foxit PhantomPDF has been offering an alternative to the pioneer of PDF software solutions, Adobe Acrobat.
Adobe Acrobat Overview
Alternatively, Adobe Acrobat has been in the market for 27 years. It already has an established user base that ranges from students to large enterprises. Like Foxit, Acrobat offers simple and complex document solutions, such as creating, editing, viewing, converting, and printing. Although Adobe Acrobat is more widely-used than its competitors, you should not ignore other applications like Foxit PhantomPDF.
Comparison of Features
Since you already have an overview of the two PDF software solutions, it’s time for the main Foxit PhantomPDF vs Adobe Acrobat comparison. This article examines the two platforms based on file creation and conversion, PDF editing, collaboration tools, encryption capabilities, multi-platform availability, integrations, and pricing options. Even though they offer the same services, they create different ways on how users can take advantage of such functionalities.
File Creation and Conversion
Existing Document
Foxit PhantomPDF has a three-part process when it comes to document creation from existing files. First, you need to search for the Common Tools and choose Convert. After clicking the Convert button, the system will show your file manager and require you to select a document that you want to turn into a PDF file. Similarly, Adobe Acrobat requires three steps for converting a document into PDF. First, you need to click Create PDF under the Tools tab. After that, you need to choose the file that you want to convert. Finally, click next and save the document.
New PDF File
More importantly, you can create a document from scratch using the two programs. With Foxit, choose Blank under the Create option to make an original file for your business. You can now open the blank page and add the necessary fields. Use the typewriter tool to include texts on your newly-created document. What’s more, you can add interactive tools, such as Checkbox, List Box, Radio Button, and Signature Field.
Like Foxit PhantomPDF, Adobe Acrobat requires two steps when it comes to making a file from scratch. First, choose Prepare Form from the Tools menu. Click Create New and the Start button. After that, you can now save your document and start adding texts and images. Similarly, Adobe allows you to insert action buttons, form fields, calculations, checkboxes, and drop-down menus.
Scanned Document
Lastly, Foxit also enables you to create PDF documents from scanned files. The easiest way to scan a document is by clicking the Convert group from the Home tab. After that, choose the Scan command. In the Adobe app, you need to search for the Tools tab, click Create PDF, and choose Scanner. You can now click the Scan button and turn a paper document into a digital file. Both programs allow you to improve the document’s resolution.
Hence, in terms of document conversion and creation, Foxit Phantom PDF and Adobe Acrobat have almost the same performance.
PDF Editing
Foxit PhantomPDF allows for the essential editing of texts, images, and pages. Additionally, the system enables you to turn texts into shapes and paths. This way, you can create more comprehensive documents for your company and combine such documents into one. This functionality is beneficial for monthly and year-end reports where you need a compiled selection of digital records.
Like Foxit, Adobe Acrobat offers text and image editing tools. With this platform, you can add, move, replace, and even resize photos. You can also add a watermark to protect your files from unauthorized redistribution. Moreover, the app allows you to crop, rotate, and merge documents. This process makes it easy for you to store your documents on file management software. Check out our list of the top document management software for 2020.
Hence, in terms of editing tools, Foxit PhantomPDF has an advantage because of its capability to turn texts into paths and objects.
Collaboration Tools
Foxit PhantomPDF allows you to insert comments, stamps, text boxes, and sticky notes to your documents. You can also highlight some parts of your file that need review or suggestions from other team members. This way, you can address one of the issues of remote working, which is a poor collaboration among employees. What’s more, the application offers a Shared Review functionality where the system compiles all comments in one section. Through this feature, you will not need another instant messaging tool.
Similarly, Adobe Acrobat enables its users to annotate documents by adding text boxes, sticky notes, shapes, drawings, highlights, and strikethroughs. Moreover, you can send your PDF files for review through by clicking the Share With Others icon. This feature involves a compilation of all suggestions from team members. Hence, the said function works the same way as Foxit’s Shared Review.
Thus, in this Foxit PhantomPDF vs Adobe Acrobat comparison, no platform has a considerable edge when it comes to collaboration tools.
Encryption Capabilities
File security is an important feature of every PDF software solution. This functionality allows you to safeguard your documents from individuals and groups who want to discover sensitive business information. This process is then possible due to the types of encryption that each platform provides.
With Foxit PhantomPDF, you can choose from three types of encryption: 128-bit, 256-bit AES, and 128-bit ARC-FOUR. You can then protect your files by clicking Secure Document under the Protect tab. After this, select Password Protect. After selecting the encryption type, you can now set your password.
On the contrary, Adobe Acrobat uses 128-bit AES encryption to safeguard your documents from security breaches. This platform also offers a more straightforward way to protect your files. First, you need to choose Protect Using Password in the File tab. After that, you can already set a security key for that specific document.
Foxit PhantomPDF wins in terms of security options, but Adobe Acrobat offers a more user-friendly process for file protection. When paired with a reliable document controller software tool, you can be assured that your business’ files comply with industry standards. Here is a list of the top document controller platforms for 2020.
Multi-Platform Availability
Both software solutions are available for download on Android, iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Windows devices. Besides, Foxit PhantomPDF and Adobe Acrobat are both cloud-based apps, which means you can access their features using any gadget with an internet connection. You can then take advantage of their functionalities using Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox.
However, you can consider Adobe as the winner in terms of availability since it offers a native app in Linux devices.
Integrations
Foxit PhantomPDF features a long list of integrations. This PDF editor connects with DocuSign, Evernote, and Flamory. What’s more, you can use Foxit seamlessly with well-known browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. This platform also allows you to directly convert your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files into PDF.
On the contrary, Adobe Acrobat provides more limited integrations. The platform then connects with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. Like Foxit, you can also use Box with this application. Additionally, you can connect this program with Dropbox and NetDocuments.
In this Foxit PhantomPDF vs Adobe Acrobat comparison article, the former wins in the category of integrations since it can connect with more apps.
Pricing Options
Foxit PhantomPDF offers monthly and one-time payment, while Adobe Acrobat only provides an annual subscription. Foxit’s Business plan costs $8.99 per month and includes essential PDF tools, while Adobe’s Standard version requires a monthly payment of $12.99 and basic editing and collaboration features.
Next, Foxit’s Standard option costs $7.99 per month, while Adobe’s Pro version has a monthly fee of $14.99. With the Pro plan, you can create documents that are compliant with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Lastly, Foxit’s Education plan is specifically for large institutions.
If you want a PDF editor that is more budget-friendly, you should consider Foxit PhantomPDF over Adobe Acrobat.
Which is the Better PDF Application?
Both programs offer comprehensive tools for your document creation and editing needs, but Foxit PhantomPDF is more suitable for start-ups due to their lower price yet robust features. On the contrary, if you already own an established business, it’s best to try Adobe Acrobat’s reliable features.