10 best PDF generation tools

PDFs are one of the most popular document formats — and for good reason. What sets a PDF apart from other types of digital documents is that it preserves the document’s original content and layout, no matter which program or device you open it with.

You can also create a PDF from almost any document type. Word documents, spreadsheets, and presentation slides can all be converted to PDFs with an effective document-generation tool.

However, finding the right tool can be difficult. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the 11 best PDF-generation tools.

1. Jotform

Jotform’s PDF Editor allows you to create PDFs from the responses you collect from online forms. Start by creating a PDF from Jotform’s more than 600 templates or upload an existing PDF. Just drag and drop elements to customize the design and add your branding, then connect the PDF to a form to have the responses automatically populate into your PDF.

Jotform can also transform PDFs into signable documents with Jotform Sign. Just upload your PDF to Jotform Sign or start with a template and add e-signature fields. Then, use Jotform Sign to share the PDF for signature via email, a link, or by embedding it on your website. You can even manage your signed documents with Jotform’s cloud storage integrations.

The Jotform PDF Editor is free, but there are limits on the number of forms you can create and form submissions you can collect with the free plan. If you need to create more PDF forms or collect more e-signatures, check out Jotform’s paid plans or enterprise-level plan.

2. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is one of the top programs for generating and editing PDFs on the market. Adobe created the PDF file format in the 1990s and still retains the rights to it. More recent updates to the program’s interface has made it more intuitive for casual users.

While a free trial is available, full access requires an annual commitment to Adobe’s cloud-based subscription service.

3. Soda

Soda isn’t just a PDF-creation tool. It’s actually a suite of tools that lets you edit, create, convert, sign, and share PDFs. You can create PDFs from more than 300 file formats, including images, Word documents, Excel files, and separate PDFs.

It doesn’t limit you to creating just PDFs, either. Once you’ve created a PDF, you can convert it into a range of other file types. A free trial is available, as well as a standard version that costs $7.00 per month, a pro version for $10.42 per month, and a business version for $16.50 per month.

4. FormSwift

FormSwift is a free PDF-generation tool that’s best for those looking to create legal documents. The platform offers more than 1,000 templates, which you can customize and download as PDFs. You can also upload and edit existing documents and export them as PDFs.

5. HiPDF

HiPDF provides an all-in-one online PDF solution that lets users create, edit, and sign PDFs. Users can create documents from more than 10 different file types and use the tool’s web app on both Windows and Mac.

You can access the basic tool online for free. The pro version starts at $8 per month and offers full access to additional features like batch processing and the platform’s desktop app.

6. Nitro Pro

Nitro Pro is an enterprise PDF solution that lets users create, edit, annotate, sign, share, and store PDFs. You can create documents from a range of file formats already on your computer or directly from a scanner.

If security is a concern, Nitro lets you create PDF/A files, which preserve files exactly as they were originally created for long-term storage. Nitro offers a free trial, and the pricing for Nitro PDF Pro is a one-time payment of $179.99 per user, billed once. You can also consider the Nitro Pro plan which is at $14.99 per user/month when billed annually.

7. PDF Candy

PDF Candy is a PDF generation platform created by the team at Icecream Apps. On top of simple PDF creation, the tool also lets you add watermarks to documents, crop files, split existing PDFs, and number pages.

The tool is available to both Mac and Windows users online through a browser. Windows users can also download the free desktop app for offline access. Pdf Candy’s paid plans start with the Web Yearly plan, which costs $4 a month.

8. PDF Generator API

PDF Generator API enables you to automatically generate personalized PDFs from your other applications’ existing data. With this tool, you can create a range of templates that can automatically merge with data from your software, using an API, or application programming interface, to create unique PDF documents instantly.

Whether you want your software to generate invoices, procurement documentation, marketing reports, or any other type of business documentation, PDF Generator API is the go-to tool. The tool offers a 30-day trial, and paid plans start at $55 per month with annual billing.

9. Xodo

If you want a fast, easy, and free way to turn your Word documents into PDFs, look no further than XODO (formerly PDF Online). The platform also allows you to create PDFs from a number of other file formats, including JPG, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Xodo offers non-signed users limited access, allowing only 1 action per day. Additionally, it provides a 7-day free trial for evaluating its features and performing unlimited document processing. Paid plans are available at $9 per month when paid annually.

10. Small PDF

Small PDF is a free and simple PDF generation tool that provides the average user with everything they need to create, edit, and download documents. You can upload almost any file type for conversion. File transfers are secure, and all files are automatically deleted from the company’s servers after use.

SmallPDF offers a free plan that includes access to 21 Smallpdf tools and basic capabilities. Paid plans start at $9 per month with annual billing.

All of these tools are perfect for generating PDFs, so no matter your choice, you can start creating PDFs with confidence. Each tool has its own unique benefits, so try a couple to see which best meets your needs.