Best Free Online PDF Tools for Quick Browser-Based Tasks
Compare common PDF tasks and choose the right free online PDF tool for compression, merging, splitting, conversion, OCR, and security.
Choose the right PDF tool
Different PDF tasks need different tools. Pick the tool based on the problem you are trying to solve.
| Tool | Best for |
|---|---|
| Compress PDF | Reduce file size for upload or sharing. |
| Merge PDF | Combine multiple PDFs into one file. |
| Split PDF | Extract or separate pages. |
| Image to PDF | Convert JPG, PNG, and photos into PDF. |
| OCR PDF | Make scanned PDFs searchable. |
| Lock PDF | Password-protect PDF files. |
Start with these tools
Honest notes
Compression can affect quality
Very small target sizes may reduce image clarity, especially for scanned PDFs.
OCR is for scanned text
Use OCR when text inside a scanned PDF is not selectable or searchable.
Keep original files
Always keep the original document before compressing, editing, or converting.
FAQ
Which PDF tool should I use first?
Start with the tool that matches your task: Compress PDF for size, Merge PDF for combining, Split PDF for pages, and OCR PDF for scanned text.
Can I use multiple tools on one file?
Yes. For example, merge documents first and then compress the final PDF.