PDF Tools
Compress, merge, split, convert, and edit PDF files without uploading them to a server.
Showing 10 tools · Every tool is hand-tested. Privacy notes (local vs. server-side processing) shown on each card.
PDF Slim
Compress PDF to an exact target size (100KB–5MB) entirely in your browser.
Sejda PDF
Simple PDF tools with a clean interface — edit, merge, split, compress, and convert.
Stirling PDF
Self-hosted, local-first PDF manipulation tool for developers and privacy users.
Adobe Acrobat Online
The industry-standard PDF editor — merge, compress, convert, sign, and organize PDFs.
PDF24 Tools
Free online PDF tools suite with 30+ utilities, including a desktop app.
PDF Candy
44+ free PDF tools: compress, convert, merge, split, edit, and protect.
iLovePDF
All-in-one PDF toolkit: merge, split, compress, convert, edit, and sign.
Canva PDF Editor
Edit PDFs with drag-and-drop design tools — add text, images, and elements.
Smallpdf
Popular PDF suite with compress, convert, merge, and e-sign tools.
CleverPDF
20+ free PDF tools: convert, merge, split, compress, unlock, and edit.
How we review pdf tools
There are a lot of pdf tools out there — but most roundups are written by people who never opened the tool. We actually test each one: we run real tasks, check the free-tier limits, and see where your files go.
For every tool we list, you'll see: the real pricing (including hidden limits), whether an account is required, and whether files are processed locally in your browser or uploaded to a server. That last one matters more than most reviews admit.
Every tool on this page was personally tested by our team. We rate each one honestly, including downsides.