Xournal++Linux
vs
Adobe Acrobat ReaderWindows
Xournal++ as a Linux alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader
Updated
Our verdict
Xournal++ is a strong replacement if you prioritize annotation, handwriting, and visual markup over complex form handling or digital signing. It excels at highlighting, drawing, and adding text to PDFs with better stylus support than Acrobat. However, it is not a direct one-to-one swap for users who rely heavily on filling interactive PDF forms or creating legally binding digital signatures. For readers who mainly consume and mark up documents, it is a solid, lightweight choice. For heavy form users, look for a different tool.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.3.8 (September 25, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Opens and displays PDF documents with high-quality rendering
- Allows users to highlight, underline, and strike through text
- Supports adding text boxes and images to pages
- Provides navigation via bookmarks and page previews
- Enables printing of annotated documents
What is different
- Lacks robust support for filling interactive PDF forms
- No native digital signature creation or verification tools
- Focuses on freehand annotation rather than structured document editing
- Does not offer advanced PDF management like merging or splitting in the same way
- Requires LaTeX installation for math formula rendering
Opening your Adobe Acrobat Reader files
Xournal++ opens standard PDF files directly. When you save your work, it typically exports to PDF, preserving your annotations on top of the original content. It does not edit the underlying PDF structure, so complex form fields may not be preserved or editable in the exported file. If you need to keep interactive forms functional, you may need to use a different tool for that specific task.
Switching from Adobe Acrobat Reader to Xournal++, step by step
- Install Xournal++ from your distro repository or Flathub
- Open your existing PDF files directly in the application
- Configure your stylus or tablet settings in the preferences if needed
- Use the sidebar to navigate bookmarks and manage layers
- Export your annotated work to PDF when finished
- Test a few sample documents to ensure annotations appear correctly
Key features of Xournal++
- Pressure-sensitive stylus support for Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen tablets
- Annotate, highlight, and strike through text on top of PDF files
- Export notes to PDF, PNG, and SVG via GUI or command line
- Drawing tools including pen, highlighter, shapes, and LaTeX support
- Input stabilization for smoother handwriting
- Customizable toolbar and tool mapping to stylus buttons
- Sidebar with page previews, PDF bookmarks, and layer management
How to install Xournal++ on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.github.xournalpp.xournalppsudo apt install xournalppsudo apt install xournalppsudo dnf install xournalppsudo pacman -S xournalppsudo zypper install xournalppFrequently asked questions
Can I fill out PDF forms in Xournal++?
No, Xournal++ is not designed for filling interactive PDF forms. It is better suited for annotating static content. If you need to fill forms, use a dedicated PDF viewer or editor.
Does Xournal++ support digital signatures?
It does not have built-in tools for creating or verifying digital signatures. You can draw a signature image, but it will not be a legally binding digital signature.
Is Xournal++ good for reading large PDFs?
Yes, it handles large PDFs well and provides smooth navigation. However, if you only read and never annotate, a lighter viewer like Evince or Okular might be faster.
4 other alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Reader
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