Skim alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Skim: mac only, and no editing, conversion or signing. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Skim, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Highlights currently ranks first.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 4 alternativesThe best Skim alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Skim alternative for most people
HighlightsA modern Apple app for annotating papers, with Markdown export and iPad support.
Best Skim alternative for a free option
OkularA free open-source annotator if you also use Linux or Windows.
Best Skim alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
PDF ExpertA polished Mac editor that also edits text and fills forms.
Best Skim alternative for open source
OkularA free open-source annotator if you also use Linux or Windows.
Best Skim alternative for Windows
OkularA free open-source annotator if you also use Linux or Windows.
Best Skim alternative for working in the browser
PDFgearFree Mac app that adds editing and conversion.
Skim alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Skim?
Highlights ranks first right now. A modern Apple app for annotating papers, with Markdown export and iPad support. PDF Expert and Okular follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Skim?
Yes. Highlights (free plan + paid), PDF Expert (free plan + paid), Okular (open source) and PDFgear (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Skim?
Yes: Okular.
Which Skim alternatives work on Linux?
Okular runs on Linux.
Why do people switch from Skim?
The complaints we hear most: mac only; no editing, conversion or signing; dated interface.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Skim, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.