iLovePDF
ilovepdf.comA broad set of single-purpose PDF tools: merge, split, compress, convert to and from Office formats, sign and add page numbers.
Best for: Quick one-off tasks with a simple interface.
Free with paid plansmergesplitcompress
Online PDF tools worth using
Most PDF jobs are small: joining two scans, removing a page, signing a form or turning a Word file into a PDF. Browser-based PDF services handle these without installing anything.
The services below differ mainly in how generous their free tier is, whether files are processed on their servers, and how well they edit existing text. For confidential documents, prefer tools that run on your device or offer a desktop app.
Websites
Smallpdf
smallpdf.comPolished PDF converter and editor with e-signatures and cloud-storage connections.
Best for: Occasional use when you want a clean, guided workflow.
Free with paid planseditsignconvert
PDF24 Tools
tools.pdf24.orgA large collection of free PDF tools, plus a free desktop app for Windows for offline work.
Best for: Frequent use without paying, and offline processing on Windows.
Freemergesplitocr
Sejda PDF
sejda.comOnline and desktop PDF editor that can edit existing text, fill forms and redact.
Best for: Editing text already in a PDF.
Free with paid planseditfill formredact
Tips
- Free tiers usually limit file size or the number of tasks per day — split large jobs into smaller files.
- Check whether the service deletes uploaded files automatically, and how soon.
- Editing text inside a scanned PDF needs OCR; plain editors can only add text on top.
Descriptions are written by ZIYNU. Features and free-plan limits change, so check each site before relying on it. Listings are not paid.