Free picks
8 Best Free PDF Tools
Merging, compressing, signing or converting a PDF should not need a paid subscription. These PDF tools are free or have free plans, from quick online toolkits to open-source apps that keep your files on your own computer.
Short answer
Our top picks for free PDF tools are iLovePDF, Smallpdf and PDF24 Tools. Of the 8 picks on this list, 4 are completely free and 4 have a free plan.
Updated
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The list
Every pick is free or has a usable free plan. Pricing and features change, so check each tool's own site before you commit.
- 1
Online PDF tools for merging, splitting, compressing and converting files.
Why it stands out: Covers almost every PDF task
Best for Students, Professionals, Small Businesses · Web App
- 2
Browser-based PDF tools to compress, convert, merge, edit and sign documents.
Why it stands out: Simple, clean interface
Best for Students, Professionals, Small Businesses · Web App
- 3
24 free online PDF tools with no artificial limits, plus a free Windows app.
Why it stands out: Free with no artificial limits
Best for Personal Use, Students, Small Businesses · Web App
- 4
A completely free PDF editor, converter and reader with AI chat, no sign-up.
Why it stands out: Completely free with no sign-up
Best for Personal Use, Students, Professionals · Desktop App
- 5
A privacy-first PDF toolkit that works entirely in your browser.
Why it stands out: Files never leave your device
Best for Students, Professionals, Small Businesses · Web App
- 6
An open-source PDF toolkit with 60+ tools you can host yourself.
Why it stands out: 60+ PDF tools in one place
Best for Developers, Small Businesses, Personal Use · Web App
- 7
Edit, merge, compress, sign and convert PDF files online.
Why it stands out: Can edit existing PDF text
Best for Professionals, Students, Small Businesses · Web App
- 8
A small, fast reader for PDFs, e-books and comics on Windows.
Why it stands out: Opens large files quickly
Best for Students, Professionals, Personal Use · Windows App
Frequently asked questions
- Which of these free PDF tools is the top pick?
- iLovePDF is our first pick. Online PDF tools for merging, splitting, compressing and converting files. iLovePDF has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features or usage.
- Are all of these PDF tools free?
- Every pick is free to start. 4 picks are completely free, and 4 have free plans with paid upgrades for more features or usage.
- Which ones are easiest for beginners?
- iLovePDF, Smallpdf and PDF24 Tools are rated beginner-friendly in our directory, along with 4 other picks.
- What platforms do these tools run on?
- The most common platforms are Web (7 of 8 picks), Windows (6) and macOS (4). Check each tool's page for its full list of platforms.
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