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How to switch from Acrobat Pro to PDF24 Tools

PDF24 Tools is a free set of PDF tools: merge, split, compress, convert, sign and OCR, among others. You can use it in the browser without signing up or, on Windows, with the PDF24 Creator desktop app, which works offline.

Updated: · 3 min read · How we choose the alternatives

In short

  • Dozens of free PDF tools, with no sign-up and no watermarks.
  • On Windows, PDF24 Creator does the same offline without uploading files.
  • Covers the most common Acrobat tasks: merging, compressing, converting and signing.

It’s for you if…

  • You merge notes, compress PDFs to send by email or convert documents to PDF.
  • You sign documents or add text to forms now and then.
  • You need OCR to turn scans into searchable text.

Better pick something else if…

  • You heavily edit PDF text and layout every day: editing the original document or a fuller PDF editor is a better fit.
  • You handle very confidential PDFs on macOS or Linux: use a desktop tool such as PDFsam Basic or Okular.

From Adobe Acrobat Pro to PDF24 Tools: equivalents

Adobe Acrobat ProPDF24 Tools
Combine filesMerge PDF
Organize pagesSort, rotate and delete pages
Compress PDFCompress PDF, with several quality levels
Export to Word or ExcelPDF to Word, PDF to Excel and other converters
Fill & SignSign PDF and an editor to add text on top of the document
Text recognition (OCR)PDF OCR
Protect with a passwordProtect PDF and Unlock PDF
Compare filesCompare PDF

Step by step

  1. Choose: browser or desktop

    Go to tools.pdf24.org to use it in the browser. On Windows you can install PDF24 Creator to work offline, so files never leave your computer.

  2. Find the tool

    They’re all on the home page: type “merge”, “compress” or “OCR” in the search box to jump straight to the one you need.

  3. Drag in your files

    Drop the PDFs into the window, adjust the options (order, quality, OCR language…) and press the tool’s button.

  4. Download the result

    Download the file or save it wherever you like. For the web version, PDF24 states that it automatically deletes files from its servers after a short time.

  5. Sign documents

    With Sign PDF you draw or upload your signature and place it on the page. It’s a visual signature: if a certificate-based electronic signature is required, use the official tool from your government or organisation.

  6. Create PDFs from any program

    On Windows, PDF24 Creator adds a “PDF24” virtual printer: print from any application and you’ll get a PDF.

Files and formats

Converts Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents, images (JPG, PNG) and other formats to and from PDF, and creates PDF/A for long-term archiving.

What you won’t find

Tips

PDF24 Tools100% Free
Go to the official site of PDF24 ToolsSee all alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Pro →

Frequently asked questions

Is PDF24 really free?

Yes, its tools are free, with no sign-up and no watermarks. It’s funded by advertising on its website.

Is it safe to upload my PDFs?

PDF24 states that it deletes files from its servers automatically. Even so, for documents with personal or confidential data, use PDF24 Creator on Windows or another desktop tool.

Can I edit the text in a PDF?

You can add text, images and shapes and make small changes. To rewrite a whole document, it’s better to edit the original (in Word or Writer, for example) and export it again.

Independent: we have no commercial relationship, sponsorship or affiliation with Adobe Acrobat Pro or with these alternatives, and nobody pays us to recommend them. Links go to their official websites and are not affiliate links; the site is funded only by Google AdSense ads, which don't influence the selection. Learn more.

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