Highlights alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Highlights: apple platforms only, and not a general PDF editor. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Highlights, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Skim currently ranks first.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 4 alternativesThe best Highlights alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Highlights alternative for most people
SkimFree open-source Mac annotator with a notes panel and LaTeX support.
Best Highlights alternative for a free option
OkularFree open-source annotator for Linux and Windows users.
Best Highlights alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
PDF ExpertA full Apple-platform editor if you also need to edit and sign.
Best Highlights alternative for open source
SkimFree open-source Mac annotator with a notes panel and LaTeX support.
Best Highlights alternative for Mac
Adobe Acrobat ReaderFree cross-platform annotation without Markdown export.
Best Highlights alternative for Windows
OkularFree open-source annotator for Linux and Windows users.
Best Highlights alternative for iPhone and Android
Adobe Acrobat ReaderFree cross-platform annotation without Markdown export.
Best Highlights alternative for working in the browser
Adobe Acrobat ReaderFree cross-platform annotation without Markdown export.
Highlights alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Highlights?
Skim ranks first right now. Free open-source Mac annotator with a notes panel and LaTeX support. PDF Expert and Okular follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Highlights?
Yes. Skim (open source), PDF Expert (free plan + paid), Okular (open source) and Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Highlights?
Yes: Skim and Okular.
Which Highlights alternatives work on Linux?
Okular runs on Linux.
Why do people switch from Highlights?
The complaints we hear most: apple platforms only; not a general PDF editor; key export features need Pro.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Highlights, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.