Need to combine files, compress an application packet, extract pages or read text from a scan? Start with the task and where you want the document processed. The AfroTools PDF and document hub lists focused tools for those jobs. This guide compares seven providers so you can choose a workflow that fits your file, device and privacy needs.
How we compared them: We checked the providers' published tool, pricing and help pages on 27 September 2026. We did not run a controlled speed or output-quality test across all seven services. Free plans and file limits can change, so follow the linked provider pages before using a service for a large or sensitive job.
Quick comparison: processing and free access
Swipe sideways to see all table columns.
| Tool | Where your file is processed | Free access to check | Useful when you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| AfroTools | On your device for core PDF tools | Local downloads need no account; device memory limits large files | Merge, split, compress, annotate or run OCR locally |
| iLovePDF | Web files use its servers | Free Basic plan has processing and file-size limits | A broad set of format conversions |
| Smallpdf | Online service | Free plan has daily download limits | Occasional online PDF tasks |
| PDF24 | Online tools use its servers; Creator runs on Windows | Free online tools and free desktop app | A Windows desktop option as well as web tools |
| Sejda | Web editor uses its servers; desktop app is local | Free limits vary by tool; editor has page, size and hourly caps | Editing existing PDF text |
| PDF Candy | Online service | Free use has hourly, page and file-size restrictions | Occasional conversion or page tasks |
| Adobe Acrobat online | Adobe cloud service | Most tools allow one transaction without sign-in; some require an Adobe ID | Adobe document workflows |
Seven free PDF tool options
1. AfroTools: local PDF tasks in a browser
PDF Workspace lets you organize pages, add text and annotations, sign a copy, compress and download from your browser. For one task, the focused Merge & Split and Compressor may be faster to use. The core PDF actions process source files on your device and their direct downloads do not require an account. Optional saving or service features can ask you to sign in.
AfroTools also has a separate PDF OCR tool for scanned pages. It extracts text locally and offers a TXT download; check names, numbers and dates because OCR can misread a scan. The converter handles DOCX to PDF, PDF to text and PDF pages to images. It does not currently offer PDF to Word conversion.
There is no server upload limit for these local actions, but a large scan or many-page PDF can exhaust browser memory, especially on an older phone. The site and its libraries still need to load, so do not assume the tools work without a connection. Keep an untouched original and inspect the downloaded copy.
2. iLovePDF: online tools and conversions
iLovePDF offers merging, splitting, compression and format conversion, including PDF to Word. Its web service processes uploaded files on its servers. The published plans describe a free Basic tier with limits on document processing and file size; its security page describes server handling and deletion. Check the tool and plan before assuming a particular file size or daily allowance.
3. Smallpdf: occasional online PDF jobs
Smallpdf provides online conversion, compression, editing and signing tools. Its pricing page lists a free plan with limited daily downloads and paid access for expanded use. The page does not establish one fixed number of free tasks for every tool, so check the current allowance in the workflow you intend to use.
4. PDF24: web tools plus a Windows app
PDF24 Tools offers a broad set of free online PDF tasks. The online service processes files on PDF24's servers. PDF24 Creator is a separate free Windows program that works locally, which is useful when you want a desktop workflow. Choose the desktop version when local processing is the deciding factor; the web and desktop products have different file paths.
5. Sejda: editing text already in a PDF
Sejda's web editor can edit existing PDF text as well as add content. Its published free editor limits include up to 200 pages or 50 MB and three tasks per hour. Those figures describe the editor, not every Sejda tool; the plan page says limits vary. Sejda also offers a desktop app for local work. The web editor uploads files to Sejda's servers.
6. PDF Candy: occasional conversion and page work
PDF Candy offers online conversion and page tools. Its pricing page describes a free tier with hourly, page and file-size restrictions, while batch processing is a paid feature. The published plan does not support a fixed one-task-per-hour claim for every tool. Check the current limit for the operation you need.
7. Adobe Acrobat online: Adobe's cloud tools
Adobe Acrobat online includes free tools for common PDF jobs alongside paid Acrobat features. Adobe's online services FAQ says most tools allow one free transaction and download without signing in, while some require an Adobe ID. Uploaded files use Adobe cloud storage. Check the specific tool before starting if account-free export matters to you.
Choose by the task, then verify the export
- Merge an application packet: Use Merge & Split to combine or extract pages. Check the recipient's page order and file-size rules first, then reopen the downloaded file and count its pages.
- Reduce file size: Start with the local compressor and compare the output with the original. Clean mode is the safer choice when selectable text matters. Stronger image modes can make text non-selectable or blur scans.
- Read a scan: Use PDF OCR and review the extracted text before copying or downloading it. OCR accuracy depends on scan quality and language.
- Convert a Word file to PDF: Use AfroTools PDF Convert for DOCX to PDF. If you need an editable Word file from a PDF, compare the current conversion options from iLovePDF, PDF Candy or Adobe and check their upload terms.
- Edit existing PDF text: Sejda's editor supports this online, within its published free limits. If you only need to add a note or signature, PDF Workspace offers local overlays.
- Work on a Windows desktop: PDF24 Creator offers a local app. Its online tool is a separate server-based workflow.
Find the PDF tool for your task
Open a focused tool for merging, compression, OCR, conversion or editing. Core local processing and direct downloads do not need an account.
Browse PDF and document tools →How to handle a sensitive PDF
Before using any web service, check whether it uploads the source document, how long files are kept and whether your organization allows that service. Local processing avoids a source-file upload for the specific task, but it is not a security guarantee: the site must load, browser extensions can access what you see and shared devices may retain downloads. A desktop app can also keep processing local when installed from its official source.
Keep the original, work on a copy and inspect every page of the export. Compression, conversion and page changes can affect searchable text, form fields or signatures. For certified signatures, legal redaction or regulated submissions, use the recipient's required process and confirm the final file in another viewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free PDF tool online?
Choose by task and file handling. AfroTools runs its core PDF actions locally with downloads that need no account. PDF24 has online tools and a local Windows app. Check each provider's current free plan before relying on a limit.
Are free PDF tools safe to use?
Check where the file is processed and read the provider's terms before using a sensitive document. AfroTools' core local PDF actions do not upload the source file; web services such as iLovePDF process uploaded files on their servers. Keep an original and inspect the download before sharing.
Can I merge PDF files for free without signing up?
Yes. AfroTools PDF Merge & Split and PDF Workspace let you merge and download locally without an account. PDF24 also offers free online merging. Check each provider's current file and usage terms for large jobs.
Which PDF tool does not upload my files to a server?
AfroTools' core PDF Workspace and focused merge, compress and OCR tools process source documents locally in the browser. PDF24 Creator is a separate Windows desktop option for local processing; PDF24's online tools use its servers.