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Top Rated PDF Editor Software with Access Controls/Permissions in 2026

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All user reviews are verified by in-house moderators and provider data by our software research team.  Learn more

Last updated: February 2026

Access controls and permissions protect sensitive information by restricting who can view, edit, or share PDF documents. They ensure security, prevent unauthorized access, and allow tailored permissions for different users, enhancing document confidentiality and integrity. Our reviewers in PDF editor software rated this feature as important.

5 Best PDF Editor Software with Access Controls/Permissions

Product
User rating
Starting price
Adobe Acrobat logo
4.7
(4.1K)
29.99
per user/per month
visit website
ABBYY FineReader PDF logo
4.7
(427)
16
flat rate/per month
visit website
pdfFiller logo
4.6
(988)
8
flat rate/per month
learn more
iLovePDF logo
4.7
(1.7K)
9
flat rate/per month
learn more
DocHub logo
4.8
(263)
Free
learn more

See other top PDF Editor products with access controls/permissions

How we picked the 5 top rated products

We chose the high-performing solutions on this list based on verified user ratings on our site. Depending on available data, qualifying products either had to be among the most user-reviewed or the most searched-for products in the PDF Editor software category. They also needed to have sufficient reviews about access controls/permissions, have a minimum user rating of 3 out of 5 for that feature, and show evidence of U.S. market presence. We then added a distinction for up to three products based on our proprietary ratings and reviews: Highest rated, Highly rated for access controls/permissions, and Highly rated for free version. Sponsorship or client status has no influence on the selection of these products, but it may impact the order in which products appear.

Details for the 5 best products

Adobe Acrobat logo

Adobe Acrobat

Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(31)
3-4(1,091)
5(3,012)
Key Features
Convert to PDF4.7
Text Editing4.4

User insights about the access controls/permissions feature

Reviewers highlight Adobe Acrobat's robust access controls/permissions for protecting documents. They appreciate the ability to set detailed permissions, such as view-only or edit access, and use password protection to secure sensitive files. Users find these controls crucial for preventing unauthorized access and ensuring document integrity, though some mention occasional complexity in setup.
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“They help protect sensitive and confidential information within PDF documents and only authorized individuals can view, edit, print, or copy the content when restrictions are set. These prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of breaches or information leakage. ”
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tshegofatso r.

Administration

“allows you to set different levels of access (e.g. view only, edit, etc.) for your PDFs, which is very useful for controlling who can do what with your files.”
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Ahmed S.

web developer

Starting price
29.99per user /
per month
visit website
Pros and Cons based on 4,134 verified reviews
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Efficient document sharing

Seamless integration with other tools

Comprehensive PDF editing features

Robust document security

Convenient diGital signing

Inconsistent font editing

Slow performance and high resource usage

High cost concerns

Frequent updates and version issues

Complicated page navigation

See pros and cons details
ABBYY FineReader PDF logo

ABBYY FineReader PDF

Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(7)
3-4(99)
5(321)
Key Features
Convert to PDF4.6
Text Editing4.3

User insights about the access controls/permissions feature

Reviewers indicate that ABBYY FineReader PDF's access controls/permissions are simple and easy to use. They appreciate the straightforward setup and minimal learning curve. However, many users report not needing this feature frequently, especially in smaller operations or individual use cases.
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“Not a very difficult task to manage the permissions, it is very easy and can be done by just few clicks ”
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Abhinav B.

Graphics Artist

“The access controls/permissions are simple to use for ABBYY FineReader PDF ”
SC

Sriram C.

Associate Professor

Starting price
16flat rate /
per month
visit website
Pros and Cons based on 427 verified reviews
Verified reviewer profile picture

Accurate OCR functionality

Comprehensive PDF management

High cost concerns

See pros and cons details
pdfFiller logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(27)
3-4(256)
5(705)
Key Features
Convert to PDF4.8
Text Editing4.7

User insights about the access controls/permissions feature

Reviewers indicate that pdfFiller's access controls/permissions are straightforward and user-friendly. They appreciate the ability to customize permissions, control document editing, and secure sensitive information with passwords. Users find it easy to manage who can access and modify documents, which is particularly useful for confidential files and collaborative work.

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“With this feature, I can have control over who has permission to edit the pdf and this is very important especially when the documents are confidential or really important ones.”
LM

Llana M.

Online Instructor

“This allows me to place restrictions on my documents to ensure no changes can be authorized without my permission. ”
KO

Kory O.

Owner

Starting price
8flat rate /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 988 verified reviews

Efficient document signing

Streamlined office productivity

High cost concerns

See pros and cons details
iLovePDF logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(5)
3-4(391)
5(1,338)
Key Features
Convert to PDF4.9
Text Editing4.4

User insights about the access controls/permissions feature

Reviewers appreciate iLovePDF's access controls/permissions for securely managing document access. They find it easy to lock/unlock PDFs, set selective permissions, and control who can view, edit, or share files. Users highlight the integration with Google Drive and the enhanced security features that protect sensitive information, making document handling both secure and efficient.

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“Access Controls/Permissions allows you to restrict access to your PDF documents, ensuring that only authorized people can view, edit, or download them. This can help to protect sensitive or confidential information from unauthorized access or data breaches.”
WT

Wajeeha T.

Search Engine Evaluator

“Access controls in iLovePDF help protect sensitive documents, manage who can view or edit files, and ensure only authorized users perform various actions and supporting secure and efficient document handling.”
RW

Rooshan W.

Medical Officer

Starting price
9flat rate /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 1,734 verified reviews

Seamless user experience

Versatile file merging and conversion

Intuitive user interface

Efficient PDF merging

Convenient diGital signature

Intrusive advertisements

Restrictive file size limits

Inaccurate OCR scanning

Slow file upload and download

See pros and cons details
DocHub logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
3-4(56)
5(207)
Key Features
Convert to PDF4.8
Text Editing4.6

User insights about the access controls/permissions feature

Reviewers feel that DocHub's access controls/permissions are essential for document security and collaboration. They appreciate the ability to control who can view, edit, and sign documents. Users report that these controls are easy to customize and crucial for managing sensitive information, especially as their teams grow.

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“Security is critical that no one can access my documents, or make changes. I can set the controls myself and not have to worry!”
LH

LJ H.

Owner

“DocHub allows me to easily invite people to access a document or sign it!”
SR

Skyler R.

Executive Director

Starting price
Free
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 263 verified reviews

Cost-effective document management

Efficient signature management

Frequent glitches and errors

See pros and cons details

Other Top Rated PDF Editor Software with Access Controls/Permissions in 2026

Xodo PDF Studio logo

Xodo PDF Studio

(0)

Securely manage, convert, and edit PDFs across all platforms

visit website
Xodo PDF Studio is a comprehensive desktop PDF editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering secure tools for editing, annotating, and converting PDFs.

Read more about Xodo PDF Studio

Users also considered
Adobe Acrobat logo

Adobe Acrobat

PDF editing with e-signatures and document review tools

visit website
Adobe Acrobat is PDF editing software that can be used to create, convert and share PDF documents. It can convert documents in Microsoft Office formats to PDFs, and vice versa. PDFs can be viewed, annotated, and signed using Adobe Sign and the free Acrobat Reader mobile app.

Read more about Adobe Acrobat

Users also considered
ABBYY FineReader PDF logo

ABBYY FineReader PDF

PDF solution for document editing and digital collaboration

visit website
FineReader PDF empowers professionals to maximize efficiency in the digital workplace. Featuring ABBYY’s latest AI-based OCR technology, FineReader PDF makes it easier to digitize, retrieve, edit, protect, share, and collaborate on all kinds of documents in the same workflow.

Read more about ABBYY FineReader PDF

Users also considered
iLovePDF logo

Document generation and management software

learn more
Edit PDFs effortlessly with iLovePDF’s PDF Editor. Modify and add text, add images, and include annotations with ease. As part of a versatile 25+ tool suite, iLovePDF also offers merging, OCR, and digital signatures, providing a complete solution for teams managing PDFs.

Read more about iLovePDF

Users also considered
Smallpdf logo

PDF document management and conversion suite

learn more
Smallpdf is a desktop, mobile & cloud-based PDF document management and conversion tool, providing a suite of 21 tools to create, convert and edit documents.

Read more about Smallpdf

Users also considered
pdfFiller logo

Online PDF form filler & editor

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pdfFiller is an online form and document management system for editing, printing, downloading, sending, and converting documents. The cloud-based system offers eSignature capabilities, a PDF editor, form builder, authentication features, and native Android and iOS mobile applications.

Read more about pdfFiller

Users also considered
Edit Pdfs logo

Smart PDF editing tool with automatic text recognition

learn more
Smartest Online PDF managing tool !

Enjoy our trial offer : €0.99 for 7 Days then €7.50/month - Annual payment.

Edit your PDF with the same font, color and size. Simple and fast.

Advanced technology with recognition of text, font, color, size and text typology.

Read more about Edit Pdfs

Users also considered
Nitro PDF logo

Document generation and management software

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A robust, user-friendly Adobe Acrobat alternative. Offers seamless PDF creation, editing, collaboration, and secure workflows. AI-powered tools enhance productivity with features like summarization and data extraction. A cost-effective solution for individuals and businesses.

Read more about Nitro PDF

Users also considered
DocHub logo

PDF software for creating, editing, and signing documents

learn more
DocHub offers a comprehensive online solution to streamline and enhance your document workflows. With DocHub, you can effortlessly edit, sign, fill out, and share documents or forms from anywhere, making it perfect for work, school, or everyday tasks.

Read more about DocHub

Users also considered
iScanner logo

Making your documents better than they are! PDF Scanner App

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iScanner is a scanning and document management tool that helps businesses create PRO documents on the go. It is a must-have for those who work remotely or on the go, students and educators, and anyone involved in a small business, including accountants, realtors, managers, or lawyers.

Read more about iScanner

Users also considered
PDFelement logo

Cloud-based and on-premise PDF editor tool for teams.

learn more
PDFelement is a cloud-based and on-premise PDF editor that assists users in creating, editing, protecting, and signing PDFs across desktop, mobile, and web platforms. The tool allows users to modify PDF content similar to a word processor, incorporating text, images, shapes, and the ability to import and edit layers. Users can also adjust the size, color, and font styles, insert links, and apply watermarks to their documents.

Read more about PDFelement

Users also considered
Lumin PDF logo

PDF platform for annotating, splitting and sharing documents

learn more
Lumin PDF is a PDF platform designed to help businesses collaborate on, annotate, share, synchronize, sign, and highlight documents from within a unified cloud-based interface. Users can merge and split multiple files into specific parts for removal, compress documents' size and remove passwords from PDFs according to requirements.

Read more about Lumin PDF

Users also considered
Tungsten Power PDF logo

Tungsten Power PDF: Built on 20 years of Innovation

learn more
Tungsten Power PDF is a productivity software designed to help businesses of all sizes create, convert, compile, and share PDF files. Buy it once and own it forever.

Read more about Tungsten Power PDF

Users also considered
LiquidText logo

Multi-touch document manipulation system

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LiquidText brings all documents with your highlights, annotations, observations and notes into a unified workspace and allows you to make live connections among, between and within anything in the project by just drawing lines.

Read more about LiquidText

Users also considered
Able2Extract Professional logo

Everything PDF

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All-in-one PDF solution for Windows, Mac, and Linux with perpetual licensing.

Read more about Able2Extract Professional

Users also considered
Foxit PDF Editor logo

Create, edit, and manage PDF documents from any device.

learn more
Foxit PDF Editor is a powerful desktop solution for creating and editing PDF documents. Offering seamless integration with Foxit eSign, it enables users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents within and outside the organization.

Read more about Foxit PDF Editor

Users also considered
DocFly logo

Online PDF solution to create, edit, convert & secure files

learn more
DocFly (formerly PDFPro) is an online PDF editor that allows users to create, convert, edit, and secure PDFs. It includes a set of editing tools designed to fully manipulate PDF files, such as reordering and extracting pages, merging and splitting files, editing PDF text, and more. DocFly is accessible from any modern browser and securely stores all files via Amazon Cloud hosting. Files can be deleted from the database at any time.

Read more about DocFly

Users also considered
Goodnotes logo

The leading AI-powered digital note-taking app

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Goodnotes is a powerful note-taking app designed to provide a seamless, natural handwriting experience on digital paper. Import PDFs and images to annotate, edit, highlight, and mark up important documents anytime, anywhere.

Read more about Goodnotes

Users also considered
Sejda logo

OCR-enabled PDF editing with format conversion tools

learn more
Sejda is an OCR-enabled PDF editing tool. It can be hosted on the cloud or downloaded to macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Sejda allows users to compress, merge, edit, fill out, and sign PDF documents. Files in various formats, including JPG, Excel, Word, PPT, and others, can be converted to PDFs, and vice versa. Sejda is available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, German, Japanese, French, and others.

Read more about Sejda

Users also considered
PDF Studio logo

PDF software for document creation, editing, and review

learn more
PDF Studio is an on-premise PDF editing software that is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It includes several features and tools to complete PDF editing workflows. Users can create PDFs, scan documents, fill in forms, secure sensitive documents, edit pages, and more.

Read more about PDF Studio

Users also considered
Fabreasy PDF Creator logo

Add letterhead to (existing) PDF files on on the fly

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Fabreasy PDF Creator is designed to add digital stationery on the fly. Use Letterhead sets for different companies or activities. Fabreasy includes many handy PDF tools. Do not forget the user friendly price tag as a bonus and a full 14 day trial, no registration.

Read more about Fabreasy PDF Creator

Users also considered
Soda PDF logo

Simplifying PDFs with powerful, easy-to-use software

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Soda PDF is a powerful, all-in-one solution for creating, editing, converting, merging, and securing PDFs. With advanced OCR, e-signatures, batch processing, and cloud integration, it streamlines document management for professionals and businesses. Work smarter with Soda PDF today!

Read more about Soda PDF

Users also considered
PDFLiner logo

Online Platform for Editing All Kinds of PDF Documents.

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PDFLiner helps you to fill out forms, edit PDFs, convert images to PDF and back, create your own fillable documents and more.

Read more about PDFLiner

Users also considered
Adobe PDF Library logo

Solving Complex PDF Workflows

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Fully automate the creation, editing and management of PDFs and document workflows.

Built with reliable Adobe technology, easy-to-use APIs, and with expert support, Datalogics Adobe PDF Library lets developers build faster, smarter, and with confidence.

Read more about Adobe PDF Library

Users also considered
PDF Editor Pro logo

PDF editing and format converting app with OCR for macOS

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PDF Editor Pro is an editing and format converting app with OCR features for macOS. It can be used to edit, convert, and annotate scanned files as well as create new PDFs. Users can add, update, move, and delete text and images from pages. The app is available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and others. PDF Editor Pro is compatible with macOS 10.6.6 and later versions.

Read more about PDF Editor Pro

Users also considered

Key features for PDF Editor software

Based on GetApp's analysis of verified user reviews collected between July 2021 and August 2024.

  • Convert to PDF: Users value the ability to convert various file formats, such as Word, Excel, and images, into high-quality PDFs quickly and accurately. 90% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Text Editing: Reviewers appreciate the flexibility to make changes directly in PDFs, including modifying text, adjusting formatting, and adding annotations. 88% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Merge/Append Files: Users find the merging feature helpful for combining multiple documents into a single PDF, improving organization and ease of sharing. 85% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Delete Pages: Reviewers highlight the convenience of removing specific pages from PDFs, which helps in decluttering and customizing documents. 85% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Electronic Signature: Users appreciate the convenience of signing documents digitally, which saves time, reduces paper usage, and ensures security. 84% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Rearrange Pages: Reviewers value the ability to reorder pages within a PDF, allowing for better organization and presentation of information. 83% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.