Alternate Resources to Adobe Apps

While Adobe app may be the first thought when completing a task other alternative apps might, just as well, complete the same task. These alternative apps often are less complicated and quicker than signing into, installing then running an app in the Adobe suite. The list below has some of OITs recommendations. Please take a look before committing to using the Adobe suite.

  • Microsoft Word or Google Doc Recommended - Use Word or Google Docs to manage an ‘original’ from which PDF files are created as needed and then save as pdf, “print” to pdf, or export pdf.

    Edit an existing PDF:
    Word [open PDF with Word, Word will convert PDF, then choose to Edit document, Word will make PDF content editable] Google Doc [upload PDF to Drive, open with Doc] Note: If you’re working with a scanned article or book, then you’re working at a disadvantage. Both Word and Doc will do their best to recognize scanned words and convert them to editable text, but the conversion is rarely 100% and you may lose all of the original formatting. For best results, consult a Librarian to seek out a source that already has editable text.

    Merge PDFs:
    macOS: Preview
    Windows: PDF Merger & Splitter(free): https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/pdf-merger-splitter/9p4tcns9h432?activetab=pivot:overviewtab

    Compress PDFs: https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/online/compress-pdf.html (online, free)

  • macOS, PC & Linux (free): Audacity
    Download here: https://www.audacityteam.org/download/

    Complete online FAQ and topic based resource guide: https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/faq.html

    Topic based tutorials (text & screenshots): https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/tutorials.html

    LinkedIn Learning video tutorial series: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/learning-audacity-2/jump-into-the-world-of-audio-editing?u=67946010