Merge, split, compressand edit PDF files
PDF Helper is a free set of PDF tools that run entirely in your browser. Combine documents, pull out the pages you need, shrink a heavy file for email or sign and fill in a document, without creating an account and without uploading anything to a server.
- Free, no sign up
- Files never leave your device
- No watermark
- Works on phone and desktop
How PDF Helper works
Step 01
Choose a tool
Pick merge, split, compress or edit with the tabs above the drop area.
Step 02
Add your PDF files
Drag them onto the drop area or click it to browse. The merge tool accepts several files at once.
Step 03
Adjust the options
Put files in order, type the page ranges you want, choose how strong the compression should be or place text, images and your signature on the pages.
Step 04
Download the result
The new PDF is created on your own device in a few seconds. Save it, or start over with another file.
What you get
Private by design
Your browser reads and processes the PDF itself. Nothing is sent to a server, so contracts, invoices and scanned IDs stay on your device.
Nothing to unlock
No account, no daily quota and no watermark on the result. The only ceiling is the memory of the device you are using.
Fast on real documents
The heavy work runs in a background thread, so the page stays responsive while a large file is being processed.
Opens protected files
A password protected PDF opens as soon as you type its password. The result is saved without the password.
Which PDF tool do you need?
Use Merge PDF when several documents should travel as one file, for example an application form and its attachments, or a set of scanned receipts. The pages keep their original size and content, and you decide the order.
Use Split PDF when you only need part of a document, or want to cut a long file into chapters. You can type ranges such as 1-3, 5, 8- or cut a document into pieces of a fixed number of pages. Several results are delivered as a ZIP file.
Use Compress PDF when a file is refused by an email provider or an upload form for being too large. Four levels let you trade image quality for size, and the tool shows the size before and after so you can try another level when needed.
Use Edit PDF when a document needs something added: a filled in field, your signature, a date, a stamp, a highlight or a note. You click the page, type or place the item, move it where it belongs and download the result. Pages can also be rotated, reordered, deleted or added.
PDF Helper is built with open source libraries, pdf-lib and PDF.js, that run as JavaScript inside your browser. That is why it can work without a back end: there is no server that could receive, store or leak your documents.
Frequently asked questions
Is PDF Helper really free?
Yes. There is no account, trial period or paid tier, and the result has no watermark. The site may show advertising on the tool pages to help cover its running costs.
Are my PDF files uploaded anywhere?
No. Files are read and processed by your browser and nothing is sent over the network. You can check it yourself: open the developer tools of your browser, look at the Network tab while you merge, split, compress or edit a file, and you will see no upload.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes, in any recent browser on iOS, Android and desktop. Very large files can be slow on a phone because phones have less memory than computers.
Is there a limit on the size of the file?
PDF Helper does not set one. The practical limit is the memory your browser can use, so a modern computer copes with files of hundreds of megabytes, while a phone is more comfortable with smaller ones. If the browser runs out of memory, the tool tells you.
Can I use password protected PDFs?
Yes, if you know the password. Type it when the file asks for it. The merged, split, compressed or edited result is saved without the password, so add one again with your PDF reader if you need it.
Which browsers are supported?
Current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari. Image compression needs Safari 16.4 or newer. In an older browser the tool still merges and splits, and compression only does the parts that do not need images.
Who made PDF Helper?
Hiran Travassos, a senior software engineer, built it as a small side project to keep a few everyday tools free and private. You can reach out through the contact page.