iLovePDF

Overview

iLovePDF is a PDF toolkit from Barcelona-based iLovePDF, founded in 2010, that brings editing, conversion, OCR and form tools to browsers, computers and phones. It suits people who handle varied PDF tasks and want the option to work offline on a desktop. Its main trade-off is that free processing is limited, with caps that differ by tool.

Alongside text editing and annotations, the service can detect fields and build fillable forms, and it offers AI tools for summarizing and translating PDFs and converting them to Markdown. Users can also assemble, automate and reuse workflows from favorite tools. Integrations include Zapier, Make and WordPress; iLoveAPI supports document automation for developers.

The Mac and Windows desktop app stands out for offline batch editing and local document management without internet or limits. That makes it a more useful fit for recurring local work than a browser-only workflow, while free users who process documents often may find the task-specific caps restrictive.

Key features

• Editing and markup: Text editing and annotation tools cover common changes and review work within PDFs.
• Conversion and OCR: PDF conversion and OCR broaden its use beyond markup, though the free plan's processing limits vary by task.
• Fillable forms: Field detection and support for text fields, checkboxes, multiple-choice fields and lists make it useful for preparing PDFs for completion.
• AI tools: Summarization, translation and PDF-to-Markdown conversion provide options for extracting or reusing document content.
• Security: Documents are encrypted and processed under international data protection regulations including GDPR. The pricing comparison lists HTTPS and ISO27001 certification.
• Team and workflow tools: Business includes custom contracts, a dedicated account manager and Single Sign On. Multiple accounts can share one card for centralized billing.

Pricing

iLovePDF uses a freemium model. The Basic plan is free, with core tools for light use and limited document processing. Caps vary by task: Merge PDF allows files up to 100 MB, while Office to PDF allows 15 MB. Those limits make Basic suitable for occasional work, but less dependable for larger or frequent jobs.

Premium costs ₹3,400 billed annually or ₹500 billed monthly. It supports up to 25 users, unlimited document processing, 2,000 AI credits and priority customer support. The annual option costs less than paying month by month over a full year, while monthly billing avoids an annual commitment; either way, the 25-user ceiling matters for larger teams. Users can upgrade, downgrade or cancel in account settings.

Business uses custom pricing for 25+ users and adds scalable business solutions, custom contracts, a dedicated account manager, Single Sign On and dedicated support. It is the tier for organizations that need team administration beyond Premium's user limit, rather than a low-cost step up for individuals. Payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay; bank transfer is available for Business.

Platforms

iLovePDF runs on the web and has desktop apps for Windows and macOS, plus mobile apps for iOS and Android. Desktop is the strongest choice for offline work: it supports batch editing and local document management without an internet connection or limits. The listed security measures include encryption, HTTPS and ISO27001 certification.

Who it's for

Choose iLovePDF if you need a broad set of PDF tasks across devices, particularly if forms, OCR or reusable workflows are part of your work. It also suits desktop users who need offline batch processing. Occasional users can start with Basic, but those who regularly process large files or many documents will get more from Premium's unlimited processing. Larger organizations needing more than 25 users and dedicated administration should consider Business.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Editing, annotations, OCR, conversion, forms and AI tools share one service, reducing the need to switch tools for different PDF jobs.
• Pro: Offline desktop batch editing and local document management support work without an internet connection.
• Pro: Premium combines unlimited document processing with up to 25 users and 2,000 AI credits.
• Con: Free file caps vary by task, so a file that works for one operation may exceed the limit for another.
• Con: Premium's 25-user ceiling leaves larger teams to custom-priced Business.
• Con: AI use is quantified at 2,000 credits on Premium, so it is not an unlimited AI tier.

Alternatives

For a wider PDF shortlist, browse PDF editors, PDF Compression Software or PDF Merger Software.

• WPS PDF Editor is another freemium option, with a free trial and a Standard plan that includes 1 GB cloud storage, 47 file formats and 46 languages.
• ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor offers a free plan and trial, with support for self-hosted and Linux use as well as common desktop and mobile platforms.
• Smallpdf is worth comparing if a 7-day free trial and a free tier with 30+ tools and two Sign.com documents per month suit your workflow.
• Soda PDF is another freemium option, with Pro, Team and Business plans listed for 3–19 licenses.
• PDF Candy offers a free web and desktop tier, but its free plan has page and hourly restrictions, no batch processing and limited file size.
• PDFgear is a free alternative whose online editor allows PDFs up to 100 MB.
• Foxit PDF Editor is a paid alternative at $129.99 a year, with an annual subscription that includes DMS and 300 AI credits per month.
• DocHub has a free plan limited to three uses per month shared across core features.

Verdict

iLovePDF is a strong fit for people who want editing, conversion, OCR and forms in one cross-platform service, especially if offline desktop batch work matters. Premium is the practical choice for regular processing, while free users must work around task-specific caps. Look elsewhere if your team exceeds 25 users and you need predictable, published pricing rather than a custom Business plan.