20/01/2024

Best Free PDF Annotators on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPad

PDFs, known for their reliability and universal format, have long been the go-to choice for various documents.

However, the static nature of PDFs often limits the level of interaction one can have with the content.

When you want to annotate, highlight, markup and comment on a PDF document, you cann't do so unless you have a PDF annotation app.

PDF annotation apps typically provide a range of features that allow you to draw shapes, highlight text, add notes, and create bookmarks.

They are great for everyone, including students, teachers, business professionals, and anyone working in academia.

There are a ton of PDF annotation tools available today. But which one is the best? Are there any good but also free apps? how many functions does a powerful pdf annotator have?

In this article, we will answer all your questions regarding PDF annotators, and we've also curated a list of the 10 best PDF annotation apps on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPadOS.

What is PDF annotation?

PDF annotation is adding suggestions in the form of comments or digital sticky notes to PDF documents in the proofing stage. Think eBooks, white papers, reports, etc.

What are the benefits of PDF annotation?

Annotating PDF is not only a great way to highlight important sections of your document, but it also allows you to store information and collaborate with others.

Another benefit of using an annotation tool is that it's an efficient means of feedback, which help you remember more and be more productive.

What are the different types of PDF apps?

There are 3 types of PDF apps, including:

1. PDF reader apps help you read PDF files, allowing you to do things like flip through pages, search for phrases, highlight text, and perhaps sign digital forms.

2. PDF annotation apps let you add comments, rearrange pages, add shapes, and insert new text blocks and images.

You can add as much to the document as you want, but you can't change the core, original PDF text.

3. PDF editor apps allow you to change anything in a PDF. You can also create PDFs and forms from scratch in a PDF editor app.

In this article, we are focusing only on PDF annotation and editor apps.

How to choose the best PDF Annotation Software?

The annotations will make sure that your point of view, along with the original content, is visible to whoever has access to your PDF.

When choosing software, these are the things that you need to ensure that your annotation tool has:

A highlight section.

Strikethrough function.

Copy text function.

Ability to add hand drawings and shapes.

While there are some advanced tools out there that will offer you way more than this, these four features are absolute essentials when it comes to annotation software.

If your software has these, rest assured that your annotation experience will be seamless, and you can actually make alterations to your PDF whenever and however you like.

Other Advanced Features include:

Collect signatures: You can send signature requests and let people sign off on documents to mark them for approval.

Add a stamp: You can add a digital stamp to a document, similar to a stamp of approval on physical documents.

Import/export comments: You can import or export comments from one PDF document to another.

Shareable review links: You can create shareable links to your reviews and send them out to anyone to ask them to review a relevant comment in a PDF.

OCR: The OCR features allow you to convert PDF documents into text format.

10 Best PDF Annotation Apps for Windows, Mac, Android & iPad

PDF annotators have made our lives much easier. They not only improve productivity at work but also allow you to collaborate seamlessly with others.

Below are the most popular PDF annotation apps to use, some are free and others are not.

1. Adobe Acrobat

2. Xodo PDF Reader & Editor

3. Foxit PDF Reader

4. Drawboard PDF

5. PDF Expert

6. PDFelement

7. PDF-XChange Editor

8. PDFgear>

9. Xournal ++

10. LiquidText

Conclusion

These 10 best PDF annotation apps can help you annotate your PDFs and do more with them if you need.

It doesn't seem like there's a clear winner. Each app offers a unique set of features and platform compatibility, allowing you to work effortlessly.

Different software being better for different kinds of users. The best one for you will likely come down to price, needs, accessibility, and ease of use.

For example, if you're an Android user and all you need to do is sign the occasional form, Xodo is probably more than enough.

But if you edit eBooks for a living, you may want to invest in a more comprehensive editor like Adobe Acrobat.

Hope this Article helps you a lot.

FAQs

Why is PDF such a popular file format?

PDF file has the perfect balance of file size, portability, editability, compatibility and quality.

The PDF file format is the preferred configuration for documents as it helps them retain their designs appropriately.

Then, it also enables document creators and users to keep their content almost permanently.

It can be viewed, shared, and printed on various operating systems without the need for the original software or fonts used to create the document.

How to annotate in PDF Document?

Open a PDF in annotation app like Adobe Acrobat, go to the tool center and select “Comment” .

The comment toolbar will appear above the PDF. Next, you can tap any of them to annotate your PDFs.

You can add text boxes and sticky notes, underline text, strikethrough content, highlight text, and more.

Save your file. You can also use the Share With Others icon to send the file to others for commenting.

Can you annotate a PDF with a graphic tablet or pen?

A drawing tablet with pen like WacomAndroid pen tablet, or Apple ipad does have the ability to write in pdf annotation app.

To do this, select the drawing tool in app and you'll be able to write and draw on any pdf.

As you can see, when you have a tablet with stylus, marking up and annotating PDFs is an easy task.

It feels natural like pen and paper, so even signing and filling out forms electronically just feels right.

We highly recommend you get a pen tablet for PDF annotation.

Can I use a note taking app for annotating PDF?

Apps for Note Taking like OneNote, GoodNotes, Notability, Nebo, Noteshelf, Zoomnotes, Samsung Notes, Squid and more also gives its users the privilege to annotate PDFs on any device of their choice.

How do I annotate a PDF in Chrome?

You can install the Adobe Acrobat extension in your Chrome browser. Then you can easily open PDF file and annotate using the Comment option.

How to annotate a PDF with Microsoft Edge?

Right-click the PDF file you want to edit. Then click Open with > Microsoft Edge.

Your PDF will open in a Microsoft Edge window along with a menu bar of annotation tools: highlight, draw, erase, and add text.

After annotating, save your pdf file through save as option, and the new saved file will work fine. All annotation and editing options will work on it.

Source: https://pctechtest.com/best-pdf-annotation-apps

18/01/2024

Best Free Painting Apps on Android and iPad

Drawing is one of the most common and fun things. But gone are the days when you needed a pencil and paper to draw something.

Digital Art allows you to create any form of illustration whether portrait, logo, cartoon, or animation.

With Android drawing pads and Apple iPads that supports the pen input, you can create digital art no matter where or when you are.

When you have a mobile pen tablet, one of the many things you can do is get creative with the best drawing apps.

There are lots of great drawing apps available on the market. The only problem is, which one to pick?

To help you answer that question, we've rounded up the 12 best drawing apps for iPad & Android.

Whether you're an experienced artist or a total novice, looking for a versatility, or a simple one, there is an option for you.

What does a drawing app do?

The drawing app come with a wide range of features, from basic sketching tools to more advanced ones with layers of filters.

It can help you to express yourself effectively and take your drawing skill to the next level.

12 Best Drawing Apps for iPad and Android

This list includes both free and paid apps, each one offers its own unique features and capabilities — whether that be precise vector art, bold line work, or digital painting.

1. Procreate

Procreate is a professional digital painting app for iPad with customizable brushes, layer options, and over 200 tools for sketching, drawing, and painting. It's intuitive and versatile, making it a favorite among digital artists.

2. Adobe Fresco

Adobe Fresco is a digital drawing and painting app designed for artists and designers on windows and iPad.

It offers a variety of brushes and painting tools, including live brushes that simulate real media.

Additionally, it allows users to import and export their work across Adobe Creative Cloud apps

3. Infinite Painter

Infinite Painter is a versatile painting and drawing app with a wide range of brushes, tools, and features.

4. Ibis Paint X

Ibis Paint is a great all-around drawing tool that also includes a coloring feature. It offers a wide variety of brushes and tools, as well as the ability to import your own drawings.

5. Clip Studio Paint

Clip Studio Paint is a powerful app for comic and manga creation that also includes a wide range of painting tools.

6. Sketchbook

Sketchbook is a professional-grade digital art app for iPad and android with over 140 customizable brushes, layer options, symmetry tools, and other features for precision drawing and designing.

It's suitable for artists, designers, and illustrators of all levels.

7. Artflow

ArtFlow is a great option for drawing and coloring on Android. It offers a wide variety of brushes and tools, as well as the ability to create layers.

8. Krita

Krita is a free and open-source digital painting and drawing software that is popular among artists, illustrators, and designers.

9. Medibang Paint

MediBang Paint is a free and lightweight app with a wide range of brushes and tools, as well as cloud storage for your artwork.

10. PaperColor

PaperColor is a great option for creating realistic drawings on Android phones and tablets. It offers a variety of brushes and tools, as well as the ability to import images.

11. Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is a vector-based drawing and design app that allows users to create and edit complex illustrations and designs.

12. Dotpict

Dotpict is a mobile app available for iPadOS and Android devices that allows you to create pixel art with a simple and intuitive interface.

It provides a grid-based canvas and a variety of drawing tools, including zooming and color picker features.

Conclusion

If you want to paint digitally and hone your artistic skills on iPads or Android tablets, these drawing apps are a great start to do so!

Each jam-packed with tools and features to help you get creative.

You can use them to creat beautiful artworks, or just for relaxing and passing the time by doodling whatever comes to your mind.

The best one for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences and budget.

It's recommended to try few of these apps and find the one that suits you the best.

Hopefully you've found this article helpful in narrowing down your choices.

Happy drawing!

Similar Posts: Apps for Graphic DesignDrawing Software for PC & Mac , Programs for Photo Retouching & Editing .

FAQs

What is the best drawing app for iPad?

Procreate is the favorite but Adobe Fresco and Clip Studio Paint have got a lot going for them.

Adobe Fresco uses Adobe brushes and Adobe fonts and can do some vector, Clip Studio has an amazing vector erase brush engine and you can do larger files than Procreate can.

Ibis Paint, Medibang Paint, and Sketchbook are free.

Are there any good drawing Apps on Android?

Clip Studio Paint, Ibis Paint X, Sketchbook, Infinite Painter — these are the ones that we know are very popular and commonly used for Android artists.

Is Apple Pencil or Samsung S Pen worth it for drawing?

The Apple Pencil or S Pen is definitely important as a finger and finger like stylus do not have pressure sensitivity.

With an ideal accessory like the Apple Pencil or S Pen, Which has palm rejection, pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, you can get the most out of the drawing app and tablet.

Source: https://pctechtest.com/best-art-drawing-apps-for-android-...

16/01/2024

12 best Software for 3D Modeling

Digital Art has been continuously developing, and thanks to technology, it gets even better and easier.

3D modeling is a technique employed in computer graphics for creating a three-dimensional digital representation of any object or surface.

3D modeling is used for a wide range of purposes, including the design and manufacture of objects, architecture and engineering, education and scientific research, video games, and film and television.

3D modeling software adds value and eases the 3D modeling creation task. As technology advances, they has become an essential tool for various industries and personal projects.

They help to bring design concepts to life and allow for realistic visualization of products, buildings, and even characters for movies and video games.

There are many options available when it comes to 3D modeling software, ranging from free and open-source software to expensive professional software used in the entertainment and architecture industries.

Additionally, All 3D modeling software has its own set of unique features and toolkits, so mastering two or more might be challenging. It takes time to learn the skill and get familiarized with different tools.

Spending a lot of money on the wrong software is a good way to sabotage yourself in the long run. So you need to choose carefully to make sure you find the best 3D modeling software for you.

When choosing a software, it’s important to consider what you want to achieve with your modeling, as well as your skill level and budget.

In this guide, we review the 12 best 3D modeling software. We’ll cover all the important aspects you need to know, from price and usability to what person each program is best suited for.

CAD vs 3D modeling software: which one to choose?

3D Design software divides into two categories: CAD and 3D modeling.

CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and 3D modeling software are similar in that they both allow you to create 3D digital models. However, they differ in the way they are used and the types of models they are designed to create.

3D CAD software is primarily used for technical design, 3D printing and engineering purposes, and focuses on precision and functionality. It’s often used to create detailed technical drawings, schematics, and manufacturing plans for products.

Examples of CAD software include AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Sketchup, Rhinoceros, Inventor, FreeCAD, OnShape, OpenSCAD, and TinkerCAD.

3D modeling software, on the other hand, is used for a wider range of applications, including animation, film and game design, architecture, and product visualization. It’s more focused on creating realistic and aesthetically pleasing models, and often has a greater range of creative tools and features.

Examples of 3D modeling software include Zbrush, Blender, 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Modo, Mudbox, and Sculptris.

In summary, CAD software is used for technical design and engineering purposes, while 3D modeling software is used for a wider range of creative applications.

What are the three major types of 3D modeling?

Polygonal modeling, curve modeling, digital sculpting, Parametric modeling, Box modeling, Boolean modeling, procedural modeling and 3D scanning are all methods available to users of 3D modeling software.

However, the most popular three principal methodologies are Polygonal modeling, Spline/curve modeling, and digital sculpting. Each of these techniques offers a unique approach to 3D design, thus catering to different requirements and skill levels.

Polygonal modeling is arguably the most common method used today among the 3D modeling software options. It forms the cornerstone of much of the 3D modeling work carried out.

This technique involves creating objects and characters from an interconnected mesh of tiny geometric shapes known as polygons. The level of detail achievable in the final product is directly proportional to the number of polygons used.

This polygon-modelled object that we produced may be considered a hard surface, which is good for modeling things like buildings and cars.

Digital Sculpting begins with a flat digital shape, which is then manipulated — similar to how an artist might mold clay — to create a new object or design.

Digital Sculpting is typically employed for creating characters, animals, or other living things. This technique often finds preference among artists for its intuitive, hands-on approach to 3D modeling.

NURBS stands for non-uniform rational b-spline. Using control points, we generate incredibly smooth curved surfaces that can be manipulated.

This method is particularly useful when precision is paramount, as it allows for exact representations of complex geometric forms. Although it might present a steeper learning curve compared to polygonal modeling or digital sculpting.

What is 3D mesh?

Meshes are one of the most essential components in 3D modeling.

3D meshes use reference points in X, Y and Z axes to define shapes with height, width and depth.

A 3D mesh is the structural build of a 3D model consisting of polygons. The polygons used are typically quadrangles or triangles.

Usually it can take large numbers of polygons to make a 3D mesh approach photorealism.

12 Best 3D Modeling software

Regardless if you’re a complete beginner or an experienced 3D modeler, you’ll find a suitable option below.

Although, to make our list precise and straight-to-the-point, some programs have been excluded, therefore there shouldn’t be a cause for alarm if several premium ones are not listed here.

1. Zbrush

2. Blender

3. 3Ds Max

4. Maya

5. Cinema 4D

6. Rhino 3D

7. Sketchup

8. Houdini

9. Modo

10. Sculptris

11. Mudbox

12. Fusion 360

Conclusion

3D modeling is a fascinating and rewarding skill that offers endless possibilities for creation and design.

Whether you are interested in creating 3D miniatures or pursuing a career in 3D modeling, mastering the basics of 3D modeling software and techniques is the key to unlocking your full potential.

Choosing the right 3D modeling software is a tough decision, especially when all of them have mostly similar basic features.

With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to choose the right software and start your journey towards becoming a skilled 3D modeler.

If you’re still unsure which one to choose, We do recommend watching some videos on each program before you commit to see it is for you. You may even test two or three applications to determine which one works best for you.

Talk to us if you have questions or concerns with these tools. We will be more than willing to help!

FAQs

What is the best free 3D modeling software for newbies?

If you’re looking for free 3D modeling software, it doesn’t get any better than Blender. It is free but powerful for 3d modeling, texturing, animation and rendering.

Should I learn Blender or Maya first?

It simply depends what your needs are.

Considering the price and the support of the community, Maya is advised for big companies and studios. They can not only afford the 3D software but also need really advanced tools.

Being free makes Blender a great starting point for beginners, and its rich tools allow you to achieve the quality of modeling and sculpting that is not worse than in Maya.

Blender is a great solution for small-scale use in studios, for freelancers, and for hobbyists.

Do I need a graphics tablet for 3D modeling and Sculpting?

You don’t necessarily need a graphics tablet for 3D modeling & Sculpting, but it can certainly be helpful. It depends on your personal preference and workflow.

Many 3D artists use a combination of a mouse and keyboard to create their models. However, a graphics tablet can provide more precision and control, especially when it comes to digital sculpting and painting textures.

One of the main reasons that drawing tablets are so useful for 3D Modeling, Sculpting and painting is the incredible level of pen pressure sensitivity they’re capable of.

With pen sensitivities routinely going as high as being able to recognise as much as 8,192 levels of pressure, you can get truly granular with line thickness and shape.

Related Posts: Best Drawing tablets for ZBrush & Blender

What is the best software for 3D rendering?

There are a lot of software that is used for rendering 3D scenes. But it depends on the type of project that you are working and how you want to render your scene.

For example, if you were to render an animation for film, you would often use path-tracing renderers that render scene.

A few popular options are Arnold Renderer, Maya’s third party rendering software, or Blender’s cycles. All are great for 3D environment render and both are shipped with the 3D software itself.

You could also try a few outside rendering software such as RedShift or VRay as both are strong renderers for realistic rendering.

Another example, if you want to render 3D games with very high quality, then ray-tracing engines from game engines, like UE or Unity for example, are great options.

Source: https://pctechtest.com/best-3d-modeling-software