# PDF Expert

Readdle’s PDF editor for Mac, iPhone, and iPad — edit original text, sign, convert, and OCR scanned documents, from $49.99/yr or $139.99 once for Mac only.

- **Category:** [Utilities](https://notchlist.vercel.app/category/utilities/)
- **Price:** $139.99 one-time via the Mac App Store (Lifetime license, Mac only); or $49.99/yr (Essential) to $79.99/yr (Pro) via pdfexpert.com, covering iPhone, iPad, and Mac together. Free trial available; no permanent free tier found
- **Open source:** no
- **Official site:** https://pdfexpert.com/
- **Available via:** Mac App Store, Direct
- **Requirements:** macOS 12 or newer, per the Mac App Store listing.
- **Maker:** Readdle Technologies Limited

## Kitsmith's take

One of the most consistently well-reviewed PDF apps on the Mac — MacStories, Cult of Mac, and Macworld are all quoted on Readdle’s own site, and the pitch holds up: PDF Expert edits a scanned document’s original text (not just an overlay), converts to Word/Excel/PowerPoint, and runs Apple Vision-based OCR. Pricing is genuinely two-tiered and worth reading closely — an Essential/Pro subscription ($49.99–$79.99/yr) covers Mac, iPhone, and iPad together, while a separate $139.99 one-time Lifetime purchase through the Mac App Store is Mac-only. There is a free trial but no permanent free tier — Readdle’s pricing page lists paid plans only.

## Features

- **Edit original PDF text:** Detects the font, size, and opacity of existing text automatically so edits blend in, rather than adding an overlay.
- **OCR via Apple Vision:** Recognizes text in scanned documents using Apple’s own Vision framework, making scans searchable and selectable.
- **Convert to Word, Excel, PowerPoint:** Exports a PDF to editable Office formats (or JPG/PNG) while leaving the original file untouched.

## FAQ

**Is PDF Expert free?**

No permanent free tier was found — a free trial is available, then plans run from $49.99/yr (Essential) up to a one-time $139.99 Mac-only Lifetime license via the Mac App Store.

**Who makes PDF Expert?**

Readdle Technologies Limited, also known for Spark, Scanner Pro, and Documents.

**Does one purchase cover iPhone, iPad, and Mac?**

The $49.99–$79.99/yr subscriptions do, under one account. The $139.99 Lifetime option sold on the Mac App Store is Mac-only.


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Hand-verified listing on Kitsmith: https://notchlist.vercel.app/apps/pdf-expert/