When comparing Jarnal (Java, cross-platform) vs pdf-xchange Editor, the Slant community recommends Jarnal (Java, cross-platform) for most people. In the question“What is the best software to annotate a PDF?” Jarnal (Java, cross-platform) is ranked 4th while pdf-xchange Editor is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Jarnal (Java, cross-platform) is:
It is possible to connect multiple Jarnal clients to a single Jarnal server for collaboration on the same document. However, only one person can make changes at a time.
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Pros
Pro Collaboration over network (although limited)
It is possible to connect multiple Jarnal clients to a single Jarnal server for collaboration on the same document. However, only one person can make changes at a time.
Pro Free and open-source (GPL license)
Pro A complete set of shapes with properties control as well as a calibrated measuring/dimensioning tool
You can use Playonlinux to install the Windows exe file with 32-bit wine.
Pro Provides proper annotation support
Unlike xournal which only adds a graphical layer on top.
Cons
Con Some actions are not intuitive
Opening a PDF into Jarnal is not intuitive. The only way I found is by using the supplied shell script. I could not find how to do it from within the UI.
Con Written in Java using Swing toolkit
As with most Java apps, the UI looks alien to all operating systems.
Con Closed source
Execution under Linux only via wine. Sandboxing recommended.