Top Highlights Alternatives for Enhanced PDF Annotation

Highlights is a popular PDF reader designed specifically for note-takers, allowing users to highlight text and select images within PDFs while taking notes in a separate, traditional text editor. Its standout feature is the automatic extraction and formatting of annotations and notes into a neat summary. However, for various reasons such as platform preference, specific feature needs, or budget constraints, users often seek compelling Highlights alternative options. This article explores some of the best replacements that offer similar or even enhanced functionalities for your PDF annotation and note-taking workflows.

Top Highlights Alternatives

If you're looking to streamline your document review and research process, these alternatives to Highlights provide robust tools for annotating, organizing, and extracting information from your PDFs.

PdfHighlights

PdfHighlights is an excellent Highlights alternative for users who need to easily extract and export all their highlights and annotations from multiple PDF files into a single, clean report. Available for free on Windows, it simplifies the process of summarizing your research, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing straightforward PDF annotation and data extraction.

paperly

Paperly aims to significantly improve the entire experience of reading, note-taking, and mind mapping, making it a comprehensive Highlights alternative. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux as a freemium model, it offers key features like WYSIWYG Citation, a built-in note taker, and citation detection. This makes Paperly ideal for academics, researchers, and anyone needing advanced note-taking and citation management alongside their PDF reading.

Sumnotes

Sumnotes focuses on extracting information from PDF files to help users concentrate on the most important details. As a free web-based Highlights alternative, it allows you to extract highlights and images, saving you the hassle of manually searching for key information. While its feature set is currently basic, its ease of use and web accessibility make it a convenient option for quick information extraction.

Choosing the right PDF reader and note-taking tool depends heavily on your specific workflow and needs. Whether you prioritize deep integration, cross-platform compatibility, advanced citation tools, or simple extraction, there's a Highlights alternative out there for you. Explore these options to find the perfect fit that enhances your productivity and research process.