Why use these pdf tools?
| These tools | Online converters such as iLovePDF, Smallpdf or Adobe Acrobat online | Desktop software such as Adobe Acrobat Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your file is uploaded | No, processed on your device | Yes, to their servers | No |
| Install or sign-up | None | Sign-up for some features | Install needed |
| Free limits | No daily limit, no watermark | Free plans are often limited | Depends on the app |
| Works on phones | Yes, in the browser | Yes | Mostly computers |
Other services change their plans; check their sites for current limits. Finished files can be sent straight from any tool with a free download link, up to 20 GB.
Questions about the pdf tools
Are these PDF tools free?
Yes. Merging, splitting, compressing, converting and signing PDFs is free with no daily limit, no account and no watermark on the result.
Are my PDFs uploaded?
No. PDFs are opened and changed inside your browser, on your own device, including OCR and PDF to Word. Nothing is sent to a server unless you choose to send the result with a link afterwards. Converting a Word, Excel or PowerPoint file to PDF works differently: that document is uploaded over an encrypted connection, converted on our server and deleted straight away.
Can I make a scanned PDF searchable?
Yes. OCR PDF recognises the text in a scanned PDF or photo, in 19 languages, and adds an invisible text layer so you can search, select and copy it. Image to text gives you only the text.
How large a PDF can I use?
Each tool shows its limit per file, typically 100 to 300 MB. Very large scanned PDFs work best on a computer rather than an older phone.
Can I edit a password-protected PDF?
If you know the password, use Unlock PDF first to remove it, then use any other tool. Protect PDF adds a password again afterwards.
Do the PDF tools work on iPhone and Android?
Yes, in Safari, Chrome, Firefox and Edge. Pick the PDF from Files or your downloads.
Need to send a big file?
Send files up to 20 GB with a download link or by email. Free, no account needed, original quality.
Send large files free