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What is a free alternative to PDF Candy without hourly limits?

Short answer

PDF Candy processes files on its servers and keeps them there for up to two hours, and its paid plans list no hourly limits, a larger file size per task and skipping the queue as upgrades. A browser-based PDF toolkit does the everyday jobs on your own device, so there is no hourly limit and nothing is uploaded.

The key difference: server hourly limits vs unlimited local

PDF Candy is a large online PDF toolkit, and its own site says it keeps your files on its servers for no longer than two hours, while its paid plans list "No hourly limits", an increased file size per task and "High priority processing (No queue)" as upgrades. In other words, the free tier is uploaded and metered by the hour and can sit in a queue. Client-side tools compress, merge and split PDFs inside your browser, so there is no upload, no hourly cap and no queue.

When the browser option is better

The local route is the safer default for confidential files and is genuinely unlimited, with no hourly count and no waiting. PDF Candy offers many advanced and AI features that run as a service; for the everyday tasks of compressing, merging and splitting a PDF, the free browser tools cover them with no account and no upload.

Step by step

  1. Open the tool. Open the PDF compress, merge or split tool in your browser.
  2. Add your PDF. Select the PDF file. It stays on your device.
  3. Process and download. Compress, merge or split locally, then download the result.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an hourly limit?

No. The tools run locally with no hourly cap and no queue.

Are my PDFs uploaded?

No. Compressing, merging and splitting all run in your browser, so the document never leaves your device.

Do I need an account?

No. Every tool works immediately with no sign-up.

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