Free Smallpdf alternative
PDF tools that work on your device.
Compress, merge, split, convert, sign and edit PDFs without sending them anywhere. Every tool runs in your browser, so contracts, IDs and statements stay on your computer.
What you can do with openWorkstand
| If you use Smallpdf for… | In openWorkstand, use |
|---|---|
| Compress and merge | Compress PDF with three levels, Merge PDF with drag-and-drop order |
| Convert | PDF ⇄ Word, Excel, JPG and PowerPoint |
| Sign and edit | Sign PDF, Edit PDF, Redact PDF, page numbers and watermarks |
| Keep results organized | Save to Workstand, attach to a project, add a follow-up task |
openWorkstand vs Smallpdf: an honest comparison
Where each one is stronger. Last reviewed October 2026; products change, so check Smallpdf’s own site for current details.
| Topic | Smallpdf | openWorkstand |
|---|---|---|
| Account | Not needed for some tasks; more use needs an account or a paid plan. | Not needed.Stronger here |
| Where your files go | Uploaded to its servers for processing (see its privacy policy for how long they are kept). | Processed by your browser on your device; never uploaded.Stronger here |
| Offline | Desktop app available on paid plans; the website needs a connection. | Yes, once the page has loaded. |
| OCR and e-signature requests | Available, mostly on paid plans.Stronger here | No OCR, and no sending documents to others for signature. |
| Limits | Free use is limited; heavier use needs a paid plan. | No account limits; large files are limited only by your device’s memory.Stronger here |
| Price | Free with limits; paid plans. | Free. Public tool pages may show a few ads; the workspace has none.Stronger here |
| Connected workspace | PDF tools with cloud document storage on paid plans. | PDF tools plus a local workspace to save results into projects.Stronger here |
Why people choose openWorkstand
- Files are processed on your device, never uploaded.
- No account, no daily task limit and no watermark.
- Works offline once the page has loaded.
- Results can be saved straight into your local workspace.
When Smallpdf is the better choice
Smallpdf is the better choice if you need OCR (turning scans into searchable text), e-signature requests sent to other people, or cloud storage and team features that come with its paid plans.
Smallpdf is a trademark of its owner. openWorkstand is an independent project and is not affiliated with it.