PDFkind

PDFkind vs PDF Candy

PDFkind and PDF Candy both offer many free PDF tools without watermarks. The difference is where files go: PDF Candy uploads files and keeps them for up to 2 hours, with page and hourly limits on the free plan, while PDFkind processes everything in your browser with no limits.

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PDFkind and PDF Candy side by side

FeaturePDFkindPDF Candy
Where your files goProcessed in your browser. Files are never uploadedUploaded and kept no longer than 2 hours
Account neededNoneNot stated on their site
Free usage limitsNo task, file or page limitsPage and hourly limits (numbers not published), 50 MB per file in the editor
Watermark on free filesNoneNone
Edit existing textYes, free. Keeps the original font when it canYes, replace or delete paragraphs and change fonts
Scanned PDFs and OCRFree OCR, and scanned lines can be turned into editable text (Latin scripts and Arabic)PDF OCR tool available
Number of tools5790+
Desktop or offline appNo install needed. Works in any modern browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOSWindows desktop app that works offline
Paid plansNone. Everything is freeWeb US$6 a month, a yearly Desktop+Web plan, or US$99 lifetime
AdsYes, that is how the site is fundedNo ads on the free plan
Where your files go

PDFkindProcessed in your browser. Files are never uploaded

PDF CandyUploaded and kept no longer than 2 hours

Account needed

PDFkindNone

PDF CandyNot stated on their site

Free usage limits

PDFkindNo task, file or page limits

PDF CandyPage and hourly limits (numbers not published), 50 MB per file in the editor

Watermark on free files

PDFkindNone

PDF CandyNone

Edit existing text

PDFkindYes, free. Keeps the original font when it can

PDF CandyYes, replace or delete paragraphs and change fonts

Scanned PDFs and OCR

PDFkindFree OCR, and scanned lines can be turned into editable text (Latin scripts and Arabic)

PDF CandyPDF OCR tool available

Number of tools

PDFkind57

PDF Candy90+

Desktop or offline app

PDFkindNo install needed. Works in any modern browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS

PDF CandyWindows desktop app that works offline

Paid plans

PDFkindNone. Everything is free

PDF CandyWeb US$6 a month, a yearly Desktop+Web plan, or US$99 lifetime

Ads

PDFkindYes, that is how the site is funded

PDF CandyNo ads on the free plan

PDF Candy facts from its own pages, checked October 12, 2026: PDF Candy pricing, PDF Candy edit PDF. Prices and limits change, so check their site before you buy.

Where PDFkind is better

  • Files never leave your device. PDF Candy keeps uploads for up to 2 hours.
  • No hourly or page limits on the free plan.
  • Scanned lines become editable text in Edit PDF, with a matching font and size.
  • Arabic support with right-to-left text and Arabic fonts.

Where PDF Candy is better

  • More tools, with over 90 in total.
  • A lifetime license if you prefer to pay once.
  • No ads, even on the free plan, and an offline Windows app.

Which one should you use?

Choose PDFkind for privacy and unlimited free use. Choose PDF Candy if you want the widest tool set, no ads, or a one-time lifetime license.

Frequently asked questions

Does PDF Candy upload my files?+

Yes. PDF Candy processes files on its servers and says they are kept no longer than 2 hours. PDFkind processes files in your browser.

Is PDF Candy free?+

PDF Candy has a free plan with page and hourly limits, plus paid web, yearly and lifetime plans. PDFkind is free with no limits.

Which one can edit a scanned PDF?+

PDFkind can turn scanned lines into editable text boxes in its editor. PDF Candy offers a separate OCR tool.

Try it on your own PDF

Free, no signup, no watermark. Your file stays on your device.

Try PDFkind free
  • Files never leave your device
  • Free, no signup, no watermark
  • Works on any browser

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