PDF24 Reviews: Is PDF24 Creator and PDF24 Tools Safe?

Part 1. PDF24 Overview: Creator and PDF24 Tools

PDF24 Creator (Desktop) is a free Windows app that lets you work with PDF files offline. You can create, merge, split, compress, convert, and edit PDFs. It also adds a virtual PDF printer, so you can make PDFs from any printable file. The app includes a simple PDF reader and batch tools, and all files stay on your computer, keeping your data private.

PDF24 Tools (Online) is a web-based set of PDF tools you can use in a browser. No installation is needed. You can convert, split, merge, compress, and edit PDFs from any device with an internet connection. Files are encrypted during upload and deleted after processing. The online tools work on any operating system and are a good choice if you don’t use Windows.

Is PDF24 Free and Open Source

PDF24 Creator and PDF24 Tools are completely free to use for both personal and commercial purposes, with no hidden costs or paid upgrades. The desktop Creator works offline free of charge and imposes no usage limits, while the online tools are free thanks to discreet advertising.

However, while PDF24 itself is free, it is not open source.

Part 2. Is PDF24 Safe and Legit

Is PDF24 Safe? Virus and Security Check

Based on multiple PDF24 reviews and security checks, PDF24 is generally considered safe when downloaded from the official site. Virus and malware tests on the official PDF24 Creator installer show no detections across major antivirus engines, indicating that the downloadable file is clean and free from known malware.

For online use, tools.pdf24.org operates over HTTPS with valid certificates, and web reputation tools indicate it is likely to be safe and not a scam. Online uploads are protected with encryption, and files are automatically deleted after processing, reducing the risk of long‑term storage on servers.

That said, community discussions note that the desktop app may run in the background and sometimes restart with Windows behavior some users find surprising but not evidence of malware.

Note:

While PDF24 is generally safe, some users find its desktop version limited to Windows and online tools may raise privacy concerns. For those who need more reliable editing, PDNob offers full PDF control: edit text and images, annotate, merge or split files, OCR scanned documents, and convert PDFs—all locally and without complicated steps.

How Does PDF24 Make Money and Is It Legit?

PDF24 Creator and PDF24 Tools are completely free software developed by Geek Software GmbH, a German company with a long history dating back to 2006. The tools are distributed as freeware with no subscriptions or licensing fees.

Revenue comes primarily from advertising and promotion of related services on the official PDF24 website, rather than selling software or bundling unwanted add‑ons. Official communications state that the software installer does not include spyware, adware, or unwanted toolbars.

Third‑party website trust scores for pdf24.org and its tools subdomain suggest the sites are legitimate and have operated for many years, which supports their legitimacy, although some WHOIS information is privacy‑protected.

Can PDF24 Be Trusted?

Users generally trust PDF24 for merging, converting, compressing, and editing PDFs. Online tools delete uploaded files after use and encrypt transfers for privacy. While no online tool is 100% risk-free, PDF24 is considered reliable when used from official sources. It is a safe choice for most PDF needs.

Part 3. PDF24 Creator and PDF24 Tools Reviews from Users

PDF24 Creator and PDF24 Tools often appear on the first page of Google for free PDF software searches. Their popularity mainly comes from being free, easy to access, and suitable for basic PDF tasks. However, real user reviews show that their strengths and limitations are clearly defined depending on usage scenarios.

Positive Feedback

PDF24 Creator Positive Review

Across Microsoft Store, Trustpilot, Capterra, and PCWorld reviews, users frequently praise PDF24 Creator for its offline stability and batch processing capabilities. As a free Windows desktop PDF tool, it works without an internet connection, which many users consider a major advantage.

Several forum and Reddit discussions highlight its ability to handle large PDF files reliably. One commonly cited comment notes: “PDF24 Creator handles large PDFs quickly without internet.”

In real-world use, PDF24 Creator is often chosen for:

• Merging multiple PDFs in one session
• Converting Word or image files to PDF offline
• Adding simple signatures or annotations

TechRadar also points out that PDF24 Creator performs well for everyday PDF management tasks, especially for Windows users who prefer a no-subscription solution.

PDF24 Tools Positive Review

PDF24 Tools reviews on Trustpilot show users value PDF24 Tools for browser‑based PDF tasks, such as merging, conversion, and bookmark editing all without installing software. Several reviewers mention it being “free and genuinely usable” compared to other free editors that hide features behind paywalls.

On Capterra, many users give high scores for ease of use, noting that merging or splitting PDFs works smoothly and that it handles typical workflows without friction.

Common Complaints

PDF24 Creator Common Complaints

Despite its strengths, PDF24 Creator has several well-documented drawbacks. The most common issue is platform limitation, as it is only available on Windows and not supported on macOS.

Other recurring concerns from Capterra and Reddit include:

• An outdated interface that feels less intuitive
• Basic editing tools with limited text and image control
• Advanced features that may confuse new users

PCWorld also notes that PDF24 Creator functions more like a collection of tools rather than a modern all-in-one PDF editor.

PDF24 Tools Common Complaints

While Trustpilot mostly has positive remarks, privacy concerns come up in both review sites and Reddit discussions: some users worry about uploading files online and ask “is tools.pdf24.org safe?” even though security scans find the site legitimate and long‑established.

There are mixed opinions in less moderated review aggregators, with a few users reporting errors during tasks like merging or compression that didn’t meet expectations.

Additionally, moderate reviewers note that advanced content editing isn’t supported online, so for layout or deep text edits users must export to Word or use other programs.

Part 4. PDF24 Creator and PDF24 Tools: Pros & Cons

After reviewing user feedback, forum discussions, and top-ranking reviews, PDF24 Creator and PDF24 Tools stand out as practical free solutions for basic PDF tasks. Their strengths are clear, but they also come with limits that matter for more advanced workflows.

Part 5. PDF24 Alternative - All-in-One PDF Editor for Windows/Mac

PDF24 is useful for basic PDF tasks, but its limits show up quickly. The desktop version is Windows-only, editing options are simple, and it can struggle with large files or scanned documents.

For users who need a more complete and stable tool, PDNob offers an all-in-one solution without heavy system load. It handles everyday PDF tasks easily. You can edit text, images, and pages directly. It also lets you merge, split, compress, and convert files all in one place. The OCR feature turns scanned documents into searchable, editable text. PDNob runs locally, starts fast, and uses little memory, so it won’t freeze.

Advantages of PDNob PDF Editor:

• Merge, split, and reorder PDFs effortlessly.
• Edit text and images directly in existing PDFs.
• OCR scanned documents to make them searchable and editable.
• Add annotations, highlights, sticky notes, and digital signatures.
• Convert PDFs to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or images without losing formatting.
• Lightweight and user-friendly for daily use.

How to Edit PDF with PDNob PDF Editor

1. Step 1: Open Your PDF: Launch PDNob and click “Open PDF” to load your file. Use the zoom controls for a clearer view if needed.

2. Step 2: Edit Content: Go to the “Edit” tab to modify text, images, fonts, or backgrounds with the built-in tools.

3. Step 3: Add Comments: Switch to the “Comments” tab to highlight text, add notes, or mark up your PDF.

4. Step 4: OCR Scanned Files: On the Home tab, click “OCR”, choose the language and page range, then let PDNob process the file automatically.

5. Step 5: AI Summarizer: Use the AI Summarizer to ask questions or quickly understand key points in your document.

Conclusion

Overall, PDF24 offers reliable tools for basic PDF tasks, but users report mixed experiences in pdf24 reviews, especially regarding interface and advanced editing limitations. For those seeking a more versatile and powerful solution, PDNob PDF Editor offers easy editing, OCR for scanned files, and fast, reliable performance.

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