License: Open source
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Self-hosted
Status: Active
- PDF: opens and saves, full fidelity
- DOCX: opens and saves, partial fidelity. Convert tools exist; layout fidelity was not tested
This replaces Adobe Acrobat Pro
Stirling-PDF
Open-source PDF toolkit with 50+ tools for merging, OCR, redaction and signing, as a desktop app or a self-hosted server.
Facts
- Made by
- Stirling PDF Inc.
- Website
- www.stirling.com
- License
- License: Open sourceMIT
- Pricing
- Free tier with paid plansDesktop apps and a self-hosted server for up to 5 users are free. Team adds users and a database; Enterprise adds SAML and audit logs.
- Platforms
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Self-hosted
- Self-hostable
- Yes
- Works offline
- Yes
- Account required
- No
- Telemetry
- Analytics (PostHog and Scarf) are optional. The server asks the admin on first launch and a setting turns them off.
- Maturity
- Stable
- Source code
- github: Stirling-Tools/Stirling-PDF
- Maintenance
- Status: ActiveLast commit
Stirling-PDF is a free alternative to
Top pick. Best for a free PDF toolbox on desktop or your own server.
0 people switched
Health history
Repository checks, newest first; last checked Oct 8, 2026. Checks older than 90 days are kept as one per week.
| Checked | Last commit | Latest release | Stars | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| v3.1.0 | 93,797 | Open |
Changelog
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