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5 best read-only PDF converters [Windows & Mac]

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Updated onOctober 10, 2024

updated onOctober 10, 2024

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Many users are using PDF format for document sharing, but sometimes PDF files can beprotectedor in read-only mode.

To edit thesefilesyou’re going to need a read-onlyPDFconverter, and in this guide we’re going to show you the best tools for the job for bothMacand Windows.

What are the best read-only PDF converters?

What are the best read-only PDF converters?

Adobe Acrobat

Being the most popular and used tool for Portable Document formatfiles, Adobe Acrobat allows users to perform advancedfilemanagement.

Thus, using this solution from Adobe, you will be able to view, create, manage, manipulate and print differentfiles.

Using Adobe Acrobat repeatedly, you will be able to save your PDF file as read-onlyfilewith ease. You can also easily convert fromPDFand to PDF format.

Adobe Acrobat has more useful features, such as extensive editing, text recognition, and much more. If you want to makePDFread only, this is the right tool for the job.

Icecream PDF Converter

IcecreamPDFConverter is a great tool for converting different files into the PDF format. Now you can use any Word, jpg or epub and quickly convert it into PDF.

Another feature of this read onlyPDFconverter allows you to take differentfilesand join them into a single document. The IcecreamPDFConverter contains a built-inPDFreader that supports files that are password-protected.

We also have to mention IcecreamPDFconverter’s OCR feature that recognizes text, allowing you to create editable Word documents.

When it comes tofileconversion, IcecreamPDFConverter is one of the best tools for the job, so be sure to try it out.

Nitro PDF

A performant read-onlyPDFconverter, Nitro PDF your ideal tool for converting PDF files into Word, Excel or PowerPoint formats, and vice versa.

NitroPDFwill also retain the format of your files by maintaining the aspect of your images, fonts and formatting.

Also, when using an Outlook plugin, you are able to convert emails, attachments, and email folders intoPDF, and archive importantfilesfor future usage.

Wondershare PDFelement

Wondershare PDFelement is an PDF software that allows you to createPDFforms and documents. Edit, create forms, annotate, convert and protect your files with ease.

This software is available on multiple platforms, so it’s a great option if you want to makePDFread only onMacor Windows.

If you need aPDFeditor that works on multiple platforms, supportsPDFforms and annotations, then PDFelement might be the right choice for you.

Mac PDF Converter Ultimate

MacPDFConverter Ultimate is another great tool that can make PDF files read only on Mac. It was designed to convert PDF files into editable text documents.

Usingthissoftware you can easily convert PDF files to ePub, text, Excel, HTML and other file formats.

You can also useMacPDFConverter Ultimate to convert a PDF file into image-related formats such as jpg, png or gif.

The softwarealso has advanced OCR technology, so ti works withscannedPDF files that are image-based.

If you’re looking for the best read-only PDF converter, Adobe Acrobat is the best tool you can use for this purpose.

However, other entries on our list aren’t too far behind in terms of functionality, so be sure to consider them as well.

Before leaving, don’t hesitate to check our latest guide on the bestfill & sign PDF toolsthat you can use.

Teodor Nechita

Eager to help those in need, Teodor writes articles daily on subjects regarding Windows, Xbox, and all things tech-related.

When not working, you may usually find him either at the gym or taking a stroll in the park, trying to find inspiration for the next articles he may write.

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