For everyday PDF work, PDF24 is one of the strongest free options worth considering. Its biggest advantage is breadth. The online service covers a large collection of PDF tasks, while PDF24 Creator brings many of those functions to Windows for offline processing.
There are limits, though. PDF24 Creator is a Windows application, and PDF24's approach to editing existing PDF text differs from a full professional editor such as Adobe Acrobat. This review breaks down the differences so you know which PDF24 option fits your needs.
Excellent free PDF toolkit for everyday document work. The broad feature set and offline Windows option make PDF24 stand out.
Table of Contents
- What Is PDF24?
- PDF24 Tools vs PDF24 Creator
- What Can You Do With PDF24?
- PDF24 Creator Review
- PDF24 Online Tools Review
- Is PDF24 Safe?
- How PDF24 Handles Uploaded Files
- Does PDF24 Work on Mac, Linux and Mobile?
- Can PDF24 Edit Existing PDF Text?
- PDF24 Pros and Cons
- PDF24 vs Other PDF Tools
- Who Should Use PDF24?
- Final Verdict
- PDF24 FAQs
What Is PDF24?
PDF24 is a PDF software ecosystem developed by Geek Software GmbH, a German company based in Berlin. The company was founded in 2006 and operates both PDF24 Online Tools and PDF24 Creator.
The name PDF24 covers two closely related products:
- PDF24 Tools: a browser based collection of online PDF utilities.
- PDF24 Creator: a Windows desktop application designed for local PDF work.
The online platform includes tools for merging, splitting, compressing, editing, signing, converting, OCR, protecting and organizing PDF documents. PDF24 also states that its online tools require no installation or registration for use.
PDF24 Tools and PDF24 Creator are not the same product. The online service is designed for browser based work. PDF24 Creator is the better choice when you want local processing on a Windows PC.
PDF24 Tools vs PDF24 Creator
This is one of the most important differences to understand before choosing PDF24.
| Feature | PDF24 Tools | PDF24 Creator |
|---|---|---|
| Runs in browser | Yes | No |
| Installation | Not required | Required |
| Internet connection | Required for online processing | Designed for offline processing |
| Local file processing | No for online processing | Yes |
| Windows desktop software | No | Yes |
| Mac and Linux access | Through a browser | No dedicated Creator version |
| Mobile access | Browser based | No desktop version |
| Best use | Quick PDF jobs | Frequent or privacy sensitive PDF work |
PDF24's own documentation states that PDF24 Creator processes files locally on the PC. The current Creator changelog also documents fixes related to local processing.
What Can You Do With PDF24?
PDF24 has a broader tool collection than a basic PDF merger or converter. The official online directory includes utilities for document creation, conversion, organization, compression, OCR, signatures, security and more.
Create PDFs
Create PDF documents from supported files, images and other sources. PDF24 also supports document creation workflows through its desktop software.
Convert PDFs
Convert PDFs to formats such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, images and other supported formats. You can also convert common files and images into PDF documents.
Merge and Split PDFs
Combine several PDF files into one document or split pages into separate files. Page extraction and rearrangement tools also help organize long documents.
Compress PDFs
Reduce PDF file size before emailing, uploading or storing documents. Compression settings help balance file size and output quality.
OCR
OCR, or Optical Character Recognition, helps turn scanned document content into searchable text.
Sign and Annotate
PDF24 includes tools for signing and annotating PDF files, useful for forms, approvals and document review.
Protect PDFs
Password protection and other security related tools help users control access to PDF documents.
Organize PDF Pages
Remove, rotate, extract and rearrange pages to create a cleaner final document.
PDF24 Creator Review
PDF24 Creator is the desktop side of the PDF24 ecosystem. It is designed for Windows and gives users access to a broad collection of PDF functions without relying on the browser for processing.
This makes Creator especially useful for people who handle sensitive documents or work with PDFs regularly.
Why PDF24 Creator Stands Out
- Local PDF processing on Windows.
- Large collection of PDF utilities.
- PDF creation and conversion.
- Compression and document organization.
- OCR support.
- PDF signing and annotation.
- PDF protection and other document tools.
PDF24 continues to update Creator. Version 11.30.0 added a Markdown to PDF converter, while version 11.30.1 fixed an issue involving the PDF Form Editor and online uploading from the Creator toolbox.
If you do not want a document uploaded to an online PDF service, PDF24 Creator is the more suitable option because processing happens locally on your Windows computer.
How to Get PDF24 Creator
- Visit the official PDF24 Creator page.
- Download the Windows installer.
- Run the installer.
- Follow the setup instructions.
- Open PDF24 Creator after installation.
- Select the PDF function you need from the available tools.
Always download desktop software from the official PDF24 website rather than third party download portals.
PDF24 Online Tools Review
PDF24 Tools is built for convenience. Open the website, select a PDF task, upload your document and process the file from your browser.
The official PDF24 site lists tools for merging, splitting, compression, editing, signing, conversion, OCR, page management, security, redaction and more. The service also states that its online tools are free and require no installation or registration.
What I Like About the Online Tools
- No desktop installation.
- Large range of PDF utilities.
- Useful for quick one off tasks.
- Works through a modern web browser.
- No account is required for ordinary tool use.
- No watermark is listed on the official tool pages for supported free tools.
Where the Online Version Falls Short
- You need an internet connection for online processing.
- Files are uploaded to PDF24's processing service.
- The online interface is advertising supported.
- Users handling confidential files should consider the desktop Creator instead.
Is PDF24 Safe?
PDF24 is a legitimate PDF service operated by Geek Software GmbH, a German software company based in Berlin. PDF24 provides both online PDF services and downloadable software.
Safety depends on which version you use.
PDF24 Online
Your document needs to reach PDF24's processing service when you use an online tool. PDF24 says file transfers are encrypted and files are automatically deleted from its processing servers within one hour after processing.
PDF24 Creator
The desktop Creator processes files locally on the Windows PC. PDF24's own changelog confirms the local processing approach.
Do not treat every online PDF service as equal. If you are working with highly confidential contracts, identity documents, financial records or internal business files, use local processing where possible. PDF24 Creator is the better fit for this workflow.
How PDF24 Handles Uploaded Files
PDF privacy is one of the most important factors when choosing an online converter or editor.
According to PDF24's FAQ:
- File transfers are encrypted.
- Files are automatically deleted from the processing server within one hour after processing.
- PDF24 states that it does not store files after processing.
PDF24 also states that its processing servers are located in EU data centres.
These statements make PDF24's online privacy position clearer, but the safest workflow for highly sensitive documents is still local processing through PDF24 Creator.
Does PDF24 Work on Mac, Linux and Mobile?
Yes, through the online tools. You do not need the Windows desktop Creator to use PDF24's browser based services.
| Platform | PDF24 Online | PDF24 Creator |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Mac | Yes, browser | No dedicated version |
| Linux | Yes, browser | No dedicated version |
| Android | Yes, browser | No |
| iPhone/iPad | Yes, browser | No |
PDF24's online tool pages list Windows, Linux, Mac, iPhone and Android access, while Creator is the Windows desktop product.
Can PDF24 Edit Existing PDF Text?
This is an area where users should set the right expectations.
PDF24 provides editing, annotation and page manipulation tools. But if your goal is to rewrite large amounts of existing PDF text, PDF24 does not follow exactly the same workflow as a full professional PDF editor.
For text editing, PDF24's own online workflow recommends converting a PDF to Word when the goal is to edit the document's text.
If you need to rewrite paragraphs inside a PDF, convert the document to an editable format such as Word, make your changes, then export the finished document back to PDF.
For annotations, page changes, signatures, compression, conversion and document organization, PDF24 is much more compelling.
PDF24 vs Other PDF Tools
PDF24 does not need to win every category. The better question is which tool fits your workflow.
| Tool | Free option | Offline use | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDF24 | Yes | Yes, through Creator on Windows | Broad everyday PDF work |
| Adobe Acrobat | Limited | Yes | Professional PDF editing and document workflows |
| Smallpdf | Freemium | Limited | Simple browser based PDF tasks |
| iLovePDF | Freemium | Limited | Common online PDF operations |
| Sejda | Limited free use | Desktop option | PDF editing and document manipulation |
PDF24 vs Adobe Acrobat
Choose PDF24 if your priority is a broad collection of free PDF utilities, especially merging, compression, conversion, OCR and page management.
Choose Adobe Acrobat if your workflow depends on advanced PDF editing, professional document workflows and deeper business features.
PDF24 vs Smallpdf
Both focus heavily on browser based PDF tasks. PDF24 has an important advantage for Windows users because PDF24 Creator adds an offline desktop option.
PDF24 vs iLovePDF
Both cover common PDF operations such as merging, splitting, compression and conversion. PDF24 stands out through the combination of its online tool collection and Windows desktop Creator.
PDF24 vs Sejda
Sejda is attractive for users who want PDF editing focused workflows. PDF24 is stronger when you want a broad collection of PDF utilities under one free ecosystem.
PDF24 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large collection of PDF tools.
- Free online PDF utilities.
- Free Windows desktop software.
- Offline processing through PDF24 Creator.
- No registration required for online tools.
- OCR support.
- PDF conversion and compression.
- PDF merging, splitting and page management.
- Encrypted online file transfers.
- Online files are automatically deleted after processing according to PDF24's FAQ.
Cons
- PDF24 Creator is Windows only.
- Online tools require internet access.
- Online processing involves uploading files.
- The online service is advertising supported.
- Direct editing of existing PDF text is not the strongest use case.
- The interface focuses more on function than visual polish.
- Users needing advanced enterprise document collaboration should look beyond PDF24.
Who Should Use PDF24?
PDF24 is a strong fit for:
- Students: combine assignments, compress documents and convert files before submission.
- Freelancers: create, sign and organize client documents.
- Small businesses: handle invoices, forms, reports and routine PDF tasks.
- Office workers: merge, split, convert and compress documents quickly.
- Windows users: get a broad offline PDF toolkit through PDF24 Creator.
- Privacy conscious users: process sensitive documents locally with Creator.
Who Should Choose Another PDF Tool?
- Users who need advanced direct text editing inside PDFs.
- Teams requiring sophisticated document collaboration.
- Organizations looking for a full enterprise PDF management platform.
- Mac users who specifically want a dedicated PDF24 desktop application.
Useful PDF24 Workflows
Before Emailing a PDF
Compress the PDF first. A smaller document is easier to upload and share.
Combining Documents
Use Merge PDF to combine reports, receipts, forms or multiple document sections into one file.
Scanned Documents
Use OCR when you need searchable text from scanned pages.
Confidential Files
Use PDF24 Creator when local processing is preferable to uploading the document to an online service.
Final Verdict: Is PDF24 Worth Using?
Yes, PDF24 is worth using in 2026.
The strongest reason is not one individual feature. PDF24 brings a large collection of useful PDF functions into one ecosystem. You get browser based tools for quick jobs and PDF24 Creator for local Windows processing.
For merging, splitting, compression, conversion, OCR, signing, page management and other everyday PDF work, PDF24 offers an unusually broad free toolkit.
The main caveat is editing. If your work involves rewriting large sections of existing PDF text, a dedicated PDF editor might suit you better. PDF24 also does not offer a dedicated Creator application for macOS, Linux or mobile devices.
For everyone else, especially students, freelancers, small businesses and Windows users who want offline PDF utilities, PDF24 deserves a place near the top of your free PDF tool shortlist.
Ready to Try PDF24?
Use the official PDF24 Online Tools for browser based PDF tasks or download PDF24 Creator for local Windows processing.
Visit PDF24 ToolsRelated ComfortSkillz Guides
If you work with PDFs regularly, you may also find our guide on the best image to PDF converters useful when you need to turn JPG, PNG or other images into PDF files.
For document scanning and OCR workflows, see our guide to the best document scanner apps for Android and iPhone.
PDF24 FAQs
Is PDF24 really free?
Yes. PDF24 offers free online PDF tools and free PDF24 Creator software. The online service is supported by advertising, while PDF24 Creator provides a free Windows desktop option.
Is PDF24 safe for confidential documents?
PDF24 states that online file transfers are encrypted and processed files are automatically deleted from its processing servers within one hour. For highly confidential documents, PDF24 Creator is the safer workflow because files are processed locally on your Windows PC.
Does PDF24 upload your files?
Online PDF24 tools require files to be sent to the service for processing. PDF24 Creator works differently because the desktop application processes files locally on your computer.
How long does PDF24 keep uploaded files?
PDF24 states in its FAQ that files are automatically deleted from its processing server within one hour after processing.
Is PDF24 Creator offline?
Yes. PDF24 Creator is designed for local PDF processing on Windows. This makes the desktop version useful when you want to work with documents without sending them to an online PDF service.
Does PDF24 work on Mac?
Yes, through PDF24's browser based online tools. PDF24 Creator itself is a Windows desktop application.
Does PDF24 work on Android and iPhone?
Yes. PDF24's online tools work through mobile browsers, so Android and iPhone users do not need to install PDF24 Creator.
Does PDF24 require registration?
No registration is required for the normal use of PDF24's online tools.
Can PDF24 edit existing PDF text?
PDF24 provides PDF editing and annotation functions, but direct rewriting of existing PDF text is not its strongest workflow. For substantial text changes, PDF24 recommends converting the PDF to Word and editing the resulting document.
Does PDF24 have OCR?
Yes. PDF24 includes OCR tools for processing scanned documents and turning recognized content into searchable text.
Is PDF24 better than Adobe Acrobat?
For free everyday PDF utilities, PDF24 offers excellent value and a broad selection of tools. Adobe Acrobat is stronger for advanced professional PDF editing and business document workflows. The better choice depends on the tasks you need to perform.
What is the difference between PDF24 Creator and PDF24 Tools?
PDF24 Tools is the browser based service. PDF24 Creator is the Windows desktop application. The biggest practical difference is processing: Creator handles files locally on the PC, while online tools process uploaded files through PDF24's service.
Does PDF24 add watermarks to PDFs?
PDF24's official online tool pages describe supported tools as free with no watermarks. The exact result depends on the specific tool and workflow, so check the individual PDF24 tool page before processing an important document.
Is PDF24 good for students?
Yes. Students often need PDF merging, compression, conversion, page extraction and document organization. PDF24 covers these common tasks without requiring a paid PDF subscription.
Who should use PDF24 Creator instead of PDF24 Online?
Windows users who work with PDFs frequently or handle sensitive documents should consider PDF24 Creator. Local processing reduces the need to upload files to an online PDF service and also helps when you need offline access.
This PDF24 review was updated for 2026 to reflect the current PDF24 Tools and PDF24 Creator ecosystem, including current product information, privacy details and recent Creator updates.