PDFpenPro for Mac

Used PDFpenPro for Mac?

PDFpenPro Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

PDFpenPro is a robust productivity tool designed for Mac users, specializing in PDF editing and management. This trial version application offers a suite of features that enable users to annotate, edit text, and manipulate PDF documents with ease. Key functionalities include the ability to fill out forms, add signatures, and perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to convert scanned documents into editable text.

Top Recommended Alternative

Apache OpenOffice

Free

In addition to its editing capabilities, PDFpenPro supports the integration of images and allows for the creation of interactive forms. Users can also redact sensitive information and collaborate with others through document sharing options. This productivity software is ideal for professionals who require comprehensive tools for handling PDF files efficiently.

PDFpenPro for Mac

Used PDFpenPro for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: October 8, 2020

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 12.2

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System: Mac OS X

Additional Requirements

macOS Catalina
macOS Mojave
macOS High Sierra
macOS Sierra

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 10,272

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.2/5

17 User Votes

THIS A LIMITED DEMO.
realitycheck2017January 12, 2017
Pros
free free free
Cons
completely useless
Summary
should write 'DEMO" on title
Horrible- I'd give it 0 stars if the system allowed it.
sorengravesMarch 11, 2014
Pros
I honestly can't say anything positive about this software. This review, and certain others, lead you to believe that the software has more features and uses than it actually does.
Cons
It doesn't combine PDF documents, even though it says it does; it actually redirects you to Mac's own text edit software. It doesn't allow more than one PDF document to be opened at one time in one window. It has no help file that actually provides information on how to accomplish simple tasks. It is not intuitive to use. The icons are also not intuitive, nor do they make sense. You can open one document, view it, and highlight parts of it, but forget about actually editing it. It doesn't allow the document to be edited in the same sense that a Word document can be edited; it is very limited, and I bought the full $100 version.
Summary
This software has caused me significant grief. The review conned me into buying it, but I strongly urge you to reconsider. I have had to purchase another PDF editing software that actually does edit PDF documents.
Who the heck thinks this works?
blahburgblahburgAugust 6, 2013
Pros
Sometimes it will work for editing PDFs when it feels like it 2 out of 10 times with no rhyme or reason. May be useful if all you want to do is augment pictures in places that don't require you to move or edit text.
Cons
when you go to edit one word/sentence/paragraph - whatever (and yes, I'm following the directions), the format of the whole document flips out and makes the edit useless. Unfortunately, mankind has not progressed far enough to achieve PDF editing. Some day. Some day.
Summary
Don't say I didn't warn you. Oh and one more thing. It is probably the least intuitive soft wear ever made.
Great appp with advanced features for pdf manipulation
rudycubaSeptember 22, 2012
Pros
e.g. You can add images to pdf (like your signature)
Cons
The price...
Summary
In Mac OS X we can use the embedded app Preview for pdf manipulation as you probably know With Preview we can perform simple tasks (and not so) on pdf files that are usually enough for most users But PDFpenPro is the best advanced complement for pdf file manipulation that I could find and is not so heavy like other apps
GREAT PROGRAM... BUT FOLLOW DIRECTIONS WHEN USING!
evothevothJune 5, 2012
Pros
Program operates exactly as described. However, to obtain best results, it is necessary to follow all directions in tutorials.
Cons
Clumsy if you do not follow directions.
Summary
I have successfully used this program for several years.
Some bugs, but useful overall
rrc--2008February 25, 2012
Pros
Relatively easy text editing. This is the only PDF program I know of that allows you to simply paste a scanned signature into a letter or form, and it looks just as if you had signed it. Neither Adobe Acrobat nor Preview will do it.
Cons
Changing letter sizes on text is a chore. I have yet to find how to change line spacing, if it is even possible.
Summary
Works as advertised
mcw99February 22, 2012
Pros
Allows editing and OCR; does simple editing tasks very very well. Works with Snow Leopard (10.6.8). Cheap at $99, compared to AA. Definitely go with Pro.
Cons
Not as powerful as AA, but only 1/3 the cost.
Summary
My favorite for our Mac; for Win 7, I use Nitro Pro.
Either buggy software or there are no PDF standards...
star-techSeptember 15, 2010
Pros
This product has potential. I don't need to explain the pros of being able to create form-fillable PDF's.
Cons
PDF's look and behave differently when opened with Apple Preview vs. Adobe Reader. Options for form objects don't stick half the time. Show grid doesn't show a grid. Alignment guides would be great. Numerous other quirky behaviors in the editor.
Summary
I have tried multiple times over the last couple of years to justify purchasing this product. I just spent over 3 hours trying to create a simple credit card authorization form for my customers. I have no problem with support's response time or willingness to respond, but it always seems to result in being told that my newly created PDF is corrupted or has something wrong with it, never that the software has problems. All in all, this software needs a lot more polish before I will pay for this product.
Won't work on my MacBook Pro running 10.6.4
donelson2September 9, 2010
Pros
Earlier versions of this application are very useful
Cons
When I download & unzip the file, it has the crossed zero over the icon and I get the following error message when I try to launch it: "You can't open the application "PDFPen Pro" because it's not supported on this type of Mac."
Summary
I would like to be able to use and evaluate this new version, but first it must work, and, at least on my machine, it doesn't. I hope Smile fixes this quickly.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Sep 9, 2010<p/>After writing this review, I contacted support and they very quickly responded with a link to a version that works with my machine. Apparently what they posted was 64-bit only. Of course, after running it I learn that they now want another $25 to use the new version. Don't know if I use it enough to justify that.
good alternative to the PDF giant
michael!fluharty.comMay 20, 2009
Pros
everything but a box of chocolate
Cons
it's not free, unless you want a watermark on your documents.
Summary
I have had to use the PDF creator's program to edit and manipulate scanned forms, this was a few years back. then it was five to six times more do buy the professional software from the creators of the PDF format. it is still pricy but this is a good alternative, only a fourth the price and this is able to OCR the PDF, Preview has been able to but the original pdf maker was not able to. i had to print the document and take the physical copy then rescan it and use the scanners ocr program. defeats the purpose of using pdf files to reduce the need for paper.

Developer’s Description

By SmileOnMyMac

Split, combine, reorder PDFs; overlay/edit images/text in PDFs.

Edit PDFs easily with PDFpen. Add text, images and signatures. Make corrections. Fill out PDF forms. Merge, delete and reorder pages. Create and edit PDF forms and table of contents.