All iPads Turning iPad on a good PDF editor

[RaphaZ]

Hello community!

I have an iPad 9th gen with Apple Pencil, and I do like it. Nevertheless, there are things that I would like to ameliorate:

1. the pencil does a sound when writing. Is there any way of reducing the noise? Does the laminated display solve this issue? Does a good screen protector solves this?
2. is there a good PDF reading/editing app that you like? I don't mind spending some EUR on it (however, I do mind to spend a dozen EUR). I need basic PDF editor, just for underlines and some notes.
3. is there a better way to store and synchronize PDF documents from iCloud, or do you find iCloud a good service to have the edited PDF's synchronized ?

I'm using ZOTERO for my thesis, which I like, but they have limited purchasing options, so I'm calling for help here

Best wishes,
Rafael

 

[Rafterman]

I use PDF Expert. I like that it can globally search all PDFs on your device for text inside each PDF. But it's a subscription service, which is lame. But it's a really good product.

 

[sracer]

I use PDF Expert on my iPad 9th gen too. I paid a one-time fee for it (no subscription).

Regarding the sound of the Pencil on the glass, I use a matte screen protector that helps cut down on the tapping sound... but there are alternative Pencil tips that have a softer composition that reduce it even further.

 

[Rafterman]

I use PDF Expert on my iPad 9th gen too. I paid a one-time fee for it (no subscription).

Regarding the sound of the Pencil on the glass, I use a matte screen protector that helps cut down on the tapping sound... but there are alternative Pencil tips that have a softer composition that reduce it even further.

I have Premium, which is $50 a year, Not terrible, but I still hate subscriptions.

 

[TorbenIbsen]

Hello community!

I have an iPad 9th gen with Apple Pencil, and I do like it. Nevertheless, there are things that I would like to ameliorate:

1. the pencil does a sound when writing. Is there any way of reducing the noise? Does the laminated display solve this issue? Does a good screen protector solves this?
2. is there a good PDF reading/editing app that you like? I don't mind spending some EUR on it (however, I do mind to spend a dozen EUR). I need basic PDF editor, just for underlines and some notes.
3. is there a better way to store and synchronize PDF documents from iCloud, or do you find iCloud a good service to have the edited PDF's synchronized ?

I'm using ZOTERO for my thesis, which I like, but they have limited purchasing options, so I'm calling for help here

Best wishes,
Rafael

I use the database app "Keep It" and "Keep It Mobile" to store all important files and documents, including PDF files. You get OCR and good search and extremely good organizing features. Like Evernote, but much better. Subscription based but worth it if you want to synchronize 3000 notes of which most have some attachments. Apple-only, so no cross-platform.

 

[Abazigal]

I use PDF Expert. I like that it can globally search all PDFs on your device for text inside each PDF. But it's a subscription service, which is lame. But it's a really good product.

I guess I am lucky to have qualified for the one-time unlock option in pdf expert (bought it on my Mac). I like it for the ability to manage PDFs and enable OCR (which in turn lets me search PDFs for text).

 

[RaphaZ]

I use PDF Expert. I like that it can globally search all PDFs on your device for text inside each PDF. But it's a subscription service, which is lame. But it's a really good product.

Thank you. Do you organize all the PDF's within the app?
Nevertheless, I don't want to pay that amount.

I use PDF Expert on my iPad 9th gen too. I paid a one-time fee for it (no subscription).

Regarding the sound of the Pencil on the glass, I use a matte screen protector that helps cut down on the tapping sound... but there are alternative Pencil tips that have a softer composition that reduce it even further.

Thanks. I saw some colorful nibs that might do the work.

I use the database app "Keep It" and "Keep It Mobile" to store all important files and documents, including PDF files. You get OCR and good search and extremely good organizing features. Like Evernote, but much better. Subscription based but worth it if you want to synchronize 3000 notes of which most have some attachments. Apple-only, so no cross-platform.

Thanks, but I couldn't find it on Apple Store!

I guess I am lucky to have qualified for the one-time unlock option in pdf expert (bought it on my Mac). I like it for the ability to manage PDFs and enable OCR (which in turn lets me search PDFs for text).

Lucky you!

 

[Rafterman]

Thank you. Do you organize all the PDF's within the app?
Nevertheless, I don't want to pay that amount.

Thanks. I saw some colorful nibs that might do the work.

Thanks, but I couldn't find it on Apple Store!

Lucky you!

You can organize them into folders and then browse to each folder, it does not just dump then all into on long list, like Acrobat does.

 

[Rafterman]

I guess I am lucky to have qualified for the one-time unlock option in pdf expert (bought it on my Mac). I like it for the ability to manage PDFs and enable OCR (which in turn lets me search PDFs for text).

I have used PDF Expert for years, when it was just a single charge. I don't remember why I switched to subscription. There must have been a reason.

 

[RaphaZ]

You can organize them into folders and then browse to each folder, it does not just dump then all into on long list, like Acrobat does.

Sounds great. Nonetheless, 50€ for one year subscription is too much for me I think.

 

[rui no onna]

Hello community!

I have an iPad 9th gen with Apple Pencil, and I do like it. Nevertheless, there are things that I would like to ameliorate:

1. the pencil does a sound when writing. Is there any way of reducing the noise? Does the laminated display solve this issue? Does a good screen protector solves this?
2. is there a good PDF reading/editing app that you like? I don't mind spending some EUR on it (however, I do mind to spend a dozen EUR). I need basic PDF editor, just for underlines and some notes.
3. is there a better way to store and synchronize PDF documents from iCloud, or do you find iCloud a good service to have the edited PDF's synchronized ?

I'm using ZOTERO for my thesis, which I like, but they have limited purchasing options, so I'm calling for help here

Best wishes,
Rafael

1. Matte screen protectors help a lot when using the Apple Pencil. Feels and sounds more like writing on paper rather writing on glass.

2. Do you need actual PDF editing capabilities or just annotations? I have both GoodReader and PDF Expert. I only need to annotate and tend to use GoodReader more. I find PDF Expert too clean/clutter-free that it makes hunting down tasks/functions a bit more difficult.

3. I use Dropbox to sync between my Windows PCs and GoodReader. Annotations I make using GoodReader show up just fine in the free Adobe Reader on Windows.

 

[RaphaZ]

1. Matte screen protectors help a lot when using the Apple Pencil. Feels and sounds more like writing on paper rather writing on glass.

2. Do you need actual PDF editing capabilities or just annotations? I have both GoodReader and PDF Expert. I only need to annotate and tend to use GoodReader more. I find PDF Expert too clean/clutter-free that it makes hunting down tasks/functions a bit more difficult.

3. I use Dropbox to sync between my Windows PCs and GoodReader. Annotations I make using GoodReader show up just fine in the free Adobe Reader on Windows.

Thanks.
1. What matte screen protector do you use? There are many brands and some with different reviews. I guess PaperLike is too much.
2. I just need annotations. I'm seeing GoodReader and it matches the things I'm searching. The price is within my desires.
3. Is there any chance of using iCloud to sync between GoodReader and the Mac? Or is this a stupid question? Does GoodReader have enough storage space? I'm talking about 10/15 GB of pdfs.

 

[rui no onna]

Thanks.
1. What matte screen protector do you use? There are many brands and some with different reviews. I guess PaperLike is too much.
2. I just need annotations. I'm seeing GoodReader and it matches the things I'm searching. The price is within my desires.
3. Is there any chance of using iCloud to sync between GoodReader and the Mac? Or is this a stupid question? Does GoodReader have enough storage space? I'm talking about 10/15 GB of pdfs.

1. To be perfectly honest, I stopped using matte screen protectors. I'm very sensitive to the rainbow effect on those and it gives me major eyestrain. I find the sound/feel of writing on glass to be the lesser of two evils.


3. iCloud sync should work fine.

As far as I'm aware, GoodReader doesn't have its own cloud service. It supports various protocols and services like SMB, FTP, Dropbox, iCloud, OneDrive, etc. Storage space is only limited by either your local iPad storage (for files stored locally), network storage or cloud storage service.

 

[LibbyLA]

Thanks.
1. What matte screen protector do you use? There are many brands and some with different reviews. I guess PaperLike is too much.
2. I just need annotations. I'm seeing GoodReader and it matches the things I'm searching. The price is within my desires.
3. Is there any chance of using iCloud to sync between GoodReader and the Mac? Or is this a stupid question? Does GoodReader have enough storage space? I'm talking about 10/15 GB of pdfs.

I have switched to matte glass screen protectors. They don’t cause the grainy rainbow effect that the “paper“ ones do and they don’t wear like the ”paper” ones do, either.

If you have a Microsoft account, OneDrive has a good basic PDF editor that might work for you. I use that for documents that I need to be able to access from several devices. If you need to edit when you don’t have internet access, it may not be the right option for you.

 

[JD2015]

I use PDF expert but an alternative cheaper option is iannotate4 which I always hear good things about

‎iAnnotate 4 — PDFs & more

‎iAnnotate by Folia is the best way to read, annotate, and share PDFs, Microsoft Office files, images and web pages! Over 1 million people turn to iAnnotate to take notes, sign agreements, highlight documents, insert stamps and more. New in v4: iPhone support, iPad Pro and multitasking support...

apps.apple.com

 

[pakster]

Hello community!

I have an iPad 9th gen with Apple Pencil, and I do like it. Nevertheless, there are things that I would like to ameliorate:

1. the pencil does a sound when writing. Is there any way of reducing the noise? Does the laminated display solve this issue? Does a good screen protector solves this?
2. is there a good PDF reading/editing app that you like? I don't mind spending some EUR on it (however, I do mind to spend a dozen EUR). I need basic PDF editor, just for underlines and some notes.
3. is there a better way to store and synchronize PDF documents from iCloud, or do you find iCloud a good service to have the edited PDF's synchronized ?

I'm using ZOTERO for my thesis, which I like, but they have limited purchasing options, so I'm calling for help here

Best wishes,
Rafael

Why don’t you just use Zotero for the iPad? The app has a great odd reader built in, and you can sync for pdf files with Zotero online storage and sync solution which is very affordable. It also keeps all your highlights and notes.
Then you don’t need iCloud or paying for any pdf reader. Super easy.

 

[RaphaZ]

Why don’t you just use Zotero for the iPad? The app has a great odd reader built in, and you can sync for pdf files with Zotero online storage and sync solution which is very affordable. It also keeps all your highlights and notes.
Then you don’t need iCloud or paying for any pdf reader. Super easy.

That was my idea, but the problem is storage. I love the app. I’ve already bought 2GB of storage but it will become insufficient. Can I link Zotero to iCloud?!

 

[pakster]

My advice would be to upgrade the storage then. A thesis should hopefully not be a very long multi year project. ☺️

Zotero · Citing · Help & how-to · Concordia University Library

library.concordia.ca

Alternatively have a look at that site. But honestly, the PDFs and the Zotero database is too important to find cheap solutions too. I have lost data trying to use Dropbox and Zotero.

 

[sracer]

Thanks.
1. What matte screen protector do you use? There are many brands and some with different reviews. I guess PaperLike is too much.
2. I just need annotations. I'm seeing GoodReader and it matches the things I'm searching. The price is within my desires.
3. Is there any chance of using iCloud to sync between GoodReader and the Mac? Or is this a stupid question? Does GoodReader have enough storage space? I'm talking about 10/15 GB of pdfs.

I've had good success with the iCarez matte screen protectors. They're durable and inexpensive. They're under $10 for 2 and provide plenty of accessories for applying the protectors. (I've been able to have perfect applications each and every time... which is a bit of a minor miracle for me)

I've used them on everything from Amazon Fire tablets, Samsung tablets, iPads (12.9 Pro, 9th gen iPad, 6th gen, Mini 4, and Mini 5). They even had one for my Google Pixelbook.

I suggest giving that a try first. If you're satisfied with it, then you've found an inexpensive solution. But if you like the matte finish but not that particular protector, then you can move up to one of the more expensive and higher quality alternatives. I've tried PaperLike. They're "ok" and although slightly better than the iCarez protectors, they're not worth the significant different in price.

I hope that one day Apple will sell an iPad with a matte finish as an option.

 

[RaphaZ]

I have switched to matte glass screen protectors. They don’t cause the grainy rainbow effect that the “paper“ ones do and they don’t wear like the ”paper” ones do, either.

If you have a Microsoft account, OneDrive has a good basic PDF editor that might work for you. I use that for documents that I need to be able to access from several devices. If you need to edit when you don’t have internet access, it may not be the right option for you.

I'm learning to use OneDrive, looks really good.

My advice would be to upgrade the storage then. A thesis should hopefully not be a very long multi year project. ☺️

Zotero · Citing · Help & how-to · Concordia University Library

library.concordia.ca

Alternatively have a look at that site. But honestly, the PDFs and the Zotero database is too important to find cheap solutions too. I have lost data trying to use Dropbox and Zotero.

That URL is really a good help. Thanks! I'll try to sync everything perfectly.

I've had good success with the iCarez matte screen protectors. They're durable and inexpensive. They're under $10 for 2 and provide plenty of accessories for applying the protectors. (I've been able to have perfect applications each and every time... which is a bit of a minor miracle for me)

I've used them on everything from Amazon Fire tablets, Samsung tablets, iPads (12.9 Pro, 9th gen iPad, 6th gen, Mini 4, and Mini 5). They even had one for my Google Pixelbook.

I suggest giving that a try first. If you're satisfied with it, then you've found an inexpensive solution. But if you like the matte finish but not that particular protector, then you can move up to one of the more expensive and higher quality alternatives. I've tried PaperLike. They're "ok" and although slightly better than the iCarez protectors, they're not worth the significant different in price.

I hope that one day Apple will sell an iPad with a matte finish as an option.

Thanks. I've bought a protection for nibs that I really want to try: https://pen.tips/blogs/blog/the-6-best-note-taking-apps-for-ipad-users.

 

[TorbenIbsen]

Thank you. Do you organize all the PDF's within the app?
Nevertheless, I don't want to pay that amount.

Thanks. I saw some colorful nibs that might do the work.

Thanks, but I couldn't find it on Apple Store!

Lucky you!

Just look for: Keep It

in Mac App Store. and look for:

Keep It Mobile

in IOS/iPad App Store.

Of couse I cannot know if the app is available in all the national App Stores, but I would expect it to be available in all countries where "western type" letters are used. So perhaps not in Arabic stores and China and similar.- But since you do not seem keen to pay for apps then maybe Keep It is not for you. It is subsciption based, like Evernote. Only much better.

 

[Nhwhazup]

My absolute favorite matte protector was from Power Support. Expensive but worth it. However, they have been out of stock for a long time.

 

[RaphaZ]

Just look for: Keep It

in Mac App Store. and look for:

Keep It Mobile

in IOS/iPad App Store.

Of couse I cannot know if the app is available in all the national App Stores, but I would expect it to be available in all countries where "western type" letters are used. So perhaps not in Arabic stores and China and similar.- But since you do not seem keen to pay for apps then maybe Keep It is not for you. It is subsciption based, like Evernote. Only much better.

Yes, I’ve found it! Looks really great.
I don't mind to have a subscription, I just don't want to pay a great amount of money on it (like PDF Expert or Acrobat asks). For example, I've a subscription on Zotero, but they ask 60 dollars for...6 GB cloud storage.
I'll try in the next days.

My absolute favorite matte protector was from Power Support. Expensive but worth it. However, they have been out of stock for a long time.

Thanks. I've bought different nibs to have a good experience. Let's see.

 

[RaphaZ]

Hello again!
I’ve tested the apps, thanks for the input. I enjoyed some: GoodNotes, Noteful and CollaNote.
I’m looking for note taking on existing PDFs (so some Apps weren’t that good, like MS OneNote), so I gave PDF Expert another chance. It was ok! I think I was successful with the iCloud sync.
Now, I have other question. Can I use Books, Pages or even Folder - Apple’s own apps - for a satisfatory pdf marking and sync?

 

[flobach]

Hello again!
I’ve tested the apps, thanks for the input. I enjoyed some: GoodNotes, Noteful and CollaNote.
I’m looking for note taking on existing PDFs (so some Apps weren’t that good, like MS OneNote), so I gave PDF Expert another chance. It was ok! I think I was successful with the iCloud sync.
Now, I have other question. Can I use Books, Pages or even Folder - Apple’s own apps - for a satisfatory pdf marking and sync?

I Just use the files app. Unfortunately you can’t search contents of pdfs that way. You could try importing the necessary pdf in to notes, which gains you searchable content, but a bit janky at times.