Apps for PDF annotation with Apple Pencil

[Naiqi]

Hi everyone,

I am searching for an app on iPad for PDF annotation with Apple Pencil.

Specifically, I wish this app could allow me to annotate with Apple Pencil WITHOUT tapping any "pencil" or "draw" icon. So I can directly use Apple Pencil to mark PDFs. In addition, this app could discriminate finger from Apple Pencil. Therefore I can still use my fingers to scroll or zoom in/out PDFs without switching back to a hand mode. This is a function in Microsoft Office. If you use the Office for iPad, you would know what I mean. This would make work much easier.

I have been using PDF Expert for years, however, even it couldn't deliver such a function.

Thanks,
Gabriel

 

[Air King]

It sounds like what you want is Notability. Write directly overtop the PDF with the pencil, and use your finger to move around the page.

 

[jgelin]

It sounds like what you want is Notability.

I have notability on my iPP and I do not believe that it allows you to import PDF's and annotate them.

There are other apps that do like: GoodNotes 4($$), PDF Expert($$), and Liquid Text(which is great for the annotations, Free).

 

[eg2007]

I have notability on my iPP and I do not believe that it allows you to import PDF's and annotate them.

There are other apps that do like: GoodNotes 4($$), PDF Expert($$), and Liquid Text(which is great for the annotations, Free).

That's not true. I use Notability every day in meetings at work. I import PDF's and annotate them all the time.

 

[Air King]

I open the PDF in safari and use the top left hover-icon to open it in Evernote. My favorite part is that before it moves the file over it allows you to select which pages of the PDF you want to import. My version allows me to do this and use finger/pencil separately.

 

[jgelin]

That's not true. I use Notability every day in meetings at work. I import PDF's and annotate them all the time.

I just figured out how to open it in there!! I have just assumed it did not have the ability to insert as there is no option under the "+" media menu. Only photos, and the like. This just made the app worth a WHOLE lot more now.

 

[Naiqi]

I just figured out how to open it in there!! I have just assumed it did not have the ability to insert as there is no option under the "+" media menu. Only photos, and the like. This just made the app worth a WHOLE lot more now.

Would Notability allows you to write (annotate) on PDF without select any "pen"? Just like using pencil write on an actual paper. I mean, using Apple Pencil. Thanks!

 

[tgara]

I keep many PDF documents in Dropbox. If you have Adobe Acrobat installed, you can open a document in Dropbox and edit or annotate it in Acrobat using the Pencil or keyboard. Works great.

Edit: For you cheapskates out there, both of those are free apps.

 

[rtmadden]

Does GoodReader support the Apple Pencil? I've used the app in the past and liked it. I believe it allowed for freehand annotation prior to the Pro release.

 

[serrharry]

I use both notability and pdf expert. Only thing i dont like on notability that when annotating or higliighting it does not sync (its basically overlapping when writing, so i recommend pdf expert, cost more $$ but totally worth it for me, as i do lots of pdf annotating, and syncs to the cloud seamlessly.

 

[eg2007]

Would Notability allows you to write (annotate) on PDF without select any "pen"? Just like using pencil write on an actual paper. I mean, using Apple Pencil. Thanks!

Yes. I use it every day for writing on PDF's.

 

[serrharry]

i highly recommend notability, i annotate lots of PDF for school/notes, really cool you can scroll with finger and wont detect "pen", will only write on screen when using the Apple pencil

 

[docc]

Of all the apps that I have tried, I think PDF expert is the best. The fact that it syncs to many cloud services is a big bonus.

 

[Low country]

By FAR PDF Expert is the best with or without the Apple Pencil. They have great customer service and reply quickly. Notability is great too.

I've weeded out a LOT of apps over the years and I don't have many installed due to my short patience with crap.

My short list of installed apps is:

PDF Expert
Notability
Procreate
Pixelmator
Scanner Pro
Converter Pro

 

[pucherprencis]

Hello, thread is a bit old now but the subject is still interesting.
How much would you rate Adobe Acrobat (not Reader) for the pourpose of writing on a pdf file with Apple pencil? For instance, in comparison to PDF Expert or Notability.
Thank you very much.