Working with PDF files can be difficult if you do not have professional software like Adobe Acrobat to help.

However, if you are a Chrome user, there are several extensions and apps that are useful. From viewing and editing to merging and splitting, there is a PDF tool here for almost anything you need.

1. Kami

Kami is a powerful PDF tool that lets you view, annotate, share, and collaborate. There is an extension for Chrome and the tool also works in Firefox and Safari.

You begin by either dragging and dropping a file or importing one from Google Drive, Box, or Dropbox. Then, take advantage of the annotation features, which include:

  • Highlight, strikethrough, and underline
  • Add comments
  • Add or select text
  • Draw and erase
  • Split or merge
  • Share, export, or print

Kami is a terrific tool for working with PDF files and offers even more features if you upgrade to a premium plan. But, the free tool offers all of the basics that you need for viewing and editing your PDFs.

The tool also works seamlessly with Google Classroom, making it an ideal tool for remote learning.

2. Xodo PDF Viewer & Editor [No Longer Available]

Xodo PDF Viewer & Editor is another reliable tool for viewing, annotating, and editing PDFs on Chrome. Similar to Kami, you get started by dragging and dropping a file or importing one from your local drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. You can then easily edit and annotate with these features:

  • Highlight, strikethrough, and underline
  • Add comments and collaborate
  • Add text, a shape, or a callout
  • Add a signature, print, or save
  • Merge and organize pages

In order to collaborate or save items within the app, you need to create a free account with Xodo. But, if you just want to use the basic features, they work well and the tool is easy to use.

3. PDF Buddy

pdf buddy

For viewing and editing, you can check out PDF Buddy as another option. Once you upload a file from your computer, you have editing options that are similar to Microsoft Word's editor. Change the font style and size, use bold and italics, align your paragraphs, or pick a font color. In addition to those handy tools you can also use the following features:

  • Highlight or whiteout
  • Transform or use the pen
  • Add customizable shapes and symbols
  • Include an image or signature with a free account

With a decent amount of features and a clean workspace, PDF Buddy is a solid choice for viewing, annotating, and editing your PDFs. Note that you also need to sign up for a free account to download your completed document.

4. PDF Merge [No Longer Available]

pdf merge

If you only need to merge PDFs, then PDF Merge works great. This tool actually uses Xodo in the background if you decide to view the document.

However, you can simply upload your files from your local drive or Google Drive and then click the Merge button. You can download the new file to your computer or save the PDF to Google Drive. Merging PDFs does not get much easier than that.

5. Split PDF

split pdf

Split PDF is a convenient tool if you normally only split PDF files. You can drop a document onto the page or upload one from your computer, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Then, just choose a range of pages or extract them all into separate files. If you do the latter, you can customize the names of each file if you like.

If you are concerned about security, you can also click the link to enable a secure connection.

6. Merge PDF - Split PDF

mergepdf-splitpdf

If you do just as much merging as splitting, then Merge PDF - Split PDF can help. You can upload files from your computer, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

For merging, drag and drop the documents in the order you want them or sort them alphabetically. You have options for pages, bookmarks, and a table of contents based on your documents.

For splitting, you upload your documents the same way. Then, just choose how to split the files from every page to just odd, only even, or specific pages. For any other PDF tasks, you can not only merge and split, but also compress, rotate, and crop.

7. PDF Converter

PDFConverterChrome

PDF Converter is a good extension if you need to convert a document to a PDF quickly. The converter supports HTML, images, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Open Office, postscript, and text files. Just drag your document into the box, upload it from your local drive, grab it from Google Drive, or enter the URL for it.

You can, as an option, have the document converted and sent to you via email, but if you simply click the Convert and Send button, a popup window will appear. You can then choose to download it and will be redirected to Xodo where you can then work with it and save it.

8. PDF Compressor

pdf compressor

If you have the need to compress a PDF before sending or sharing it, then PDF Compressor from Smallpdf.com is a terrific tool. You can upload the document from your computer, drag and drop it into the box, or import it from Dropbox or Google Drive. You will quickly see both the original and new size of your PDF. To download it, click the button and once again you will be redirected to Xodo.

Smallpdf.com offers additional PDF services, which makes it quite handy. Aside from compressing PDFs, you can also convert, merge, split, and protect a file. Each of these options is conveniently displayed at the top of the page. But for a simple compression, it does the trick.

print friendly pdf

Print-Friendly & PDF is a simple tool that lets you download a web page as a PDF. You can adjust the text size, remove the images, and select the page size from letter or A4. If you want to remove certain parts of the page, you simply click to delete them.

As a bonus, this Chrome app offers an email feature to send the page as well as a nicely displayed PDF print-friendly version. So, for something as basic as downloading a web page as a PDF, Print Friendly & PDF gets the job done.

10. PDF Viewer

pdf viewer

If you see a PDF on a website and would like to view it without downloading it, then PDF Viewer is a handy tool. Just enter the URL of the PDF and it will display for you within the browser window without the need for a reader. If you would like to download the file after viewing it, that option is available.

PDF Viewer supports more than just PDF files as well. Word and Excel documents, text files, and images can all be viewed without the need for additional software. You can also upload a file from your computer, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, or Dropbox. However, the convenience really comes in when you want to simply view an online file.

These Tools Make It Simple to View and Edit PDFs

There are tons of PDF tools out there for Chrome. No matter which one you choose, you'll likely be satisfied by the number of options that each one offers.

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