PDF24 Alternative — TryDocsy
PDF24, made by the German company Geek Software GmbH, comes in two forms: PDF24 Tools on the web and PDF24 Creator for Windows. Both are free. TryDocsy is also free, but it takes a third route: the tools run in your browser and the file stays on your device, on any operating system.
Updated September 17, 2026 · TryDocsy team
Online tools, a Windows app, or the browser
With PDF24 Tools, you upload the file. PDF24's FAQ says all file transfers are encrypted, all processing servers are in data centers within the EU, and files are automatically deleted from the processing server within one hour after processing, or sooner if you remove them yourself.
If you would rather not upload, PDF24 recommends PDF24 Creator, which brings its tools to your PC and works offline. The catch is that it installs only on Windows (PDF24 lists Windows 11 and Windows 10 downloads); Mac and Linux users are told to keep using the online tools.
TryDocsy's PDF tools take the file into the web page and process it there with JavaScript, so nothing is uploaded and nothing needs installing. That works the same on a Mac, a Chromebook, Linux or a phone. Two honest caveats: each tool has a per-file size limit (100 MB on most PDF tools), and the site runs Google Analytics and ads, which record usage such as the tool name but not your documents.
TryDocsy vs PDF24: side by side
| Feature | TryDocsy | PDF24 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free, ad-supported | Free, ad-supported (Tools and Creator) |
| Online processing | In your browser, no upload | Uploaded to EU processing servers, deleted within 1 hour |
| Offline option | Cached pages you have already opened | PDF24 Creator (Windows only) |
| Operating systems | Any modern browser | Tools: any browser; Creator: Windows 11/10 |
| Install | None | Creator: EXE, MSI or Microsoft Store |
| Per-file size limit | 100 MB on most PDF tools | Not stated on the pages we checked |
| Virtual PDF printer | No | Yes (Creator) |
| OCR | Yes (/pdf/ocr: 20 MB, first 50 pages) | Yes (Creator lists PDF OCR) |
PDF24 details are from tools.pdf24.org/en/faq and tools.pdf24.org/en/creator, checked on 2026-09-17. The Creator page listed version 11.30.1.
Everyday PDF jobs on TryDocsy
Put pages in order with /pdf/organize or remove a few with /pdf/delete-pages. Combine files with /pdf/merge, shrink them with /pdf/compress, and fix a typo in existing text with /pdf/edit.
For privacy clean-ups, /pdf/redact removes sensitive text and /pdf/sanitize strips JavaScript, embedded files and hidden actions while showing what it removed. The tools page lists the rest.
When PDF24 is the better choice
- You want a PDF printer on Windows. PDF24 Creator installs a virtual printer, so any Windows program that can print can save a PDF. TryDocsy can't do that from a web page.
- You need true offline work on a Windows PC. Creator processes files locally with no connection at all. TryDocsy's offline use depends on what your browser has already cached.
- You scan paper documents. Creator imports images from a scanner or camera and can build a PDF from them.
- You batch files or need archive formats. Creator lists batch processing, a File Explorer context menu, and output such as PDF/A and PDF/X.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PDF24 free as well?
Yes. PDF24 says its online tools are free for everyone, including companies, "free of charge and without restriction", paid for by advertising. PDF24 Creator, its Windows app, is also free. TryDocsy is free too and also carries ads, so price is not the difference.
Where does PDF24 process my files?
PDF24 Tools upload files to its processing servers, which PDF24 says are in data centers within the EU, and delete them within one hour after processing. PDF24 Creator works offline on your PC. TryDocsy's PDF tools process the file in your browser without uploading it.
Can I use PDF24 Creator on a Mac or Linux?
No. PDF24 says the Creator "can only be installed on Windows systems" and that Linux and Mac are not currently supported. On those systems PDF24 points people to its online tools. TryDocsy runs in any modern browser, including on a Mac, Linux and phones.
Does TryDocsy have file size limits?
Yes. Each tool sets a maximum per file: 100 MB for most PDF tools, 50 MB for the form filler and 20 MB for PDF OCR. Big documents also depend on how much memory your device has.
When is PDF24 Creator the better choice?
On a Windows PC where you want a PDF printer to create PDFs from any program, a right-click menu in File Explorer, scanner and camera import, batch processing, or PDF/A and PDF/X output. TryDocsy does not offer those.
Can TryDocsy work without an internet connection like PDF24 Creator?
Not in the same way. TryDocsy's service worker caches pages and scripts you've already loaded, so a tool you've used can often reopen offline, but it isn't an installed program and a tool you haven't opened before needs a connection.