The best free PDF Candy alternative
Looking for a PDF Candy alternative that is free, needs no account, and keeps your files private? Here's how Trace Free PDF compares — and how to switch in seconds.
Quick answer
Trace Free PDF is a private alternative to PDF Candy. PDF Candy has many free tools, but the web version uploads your files and limits how often you can use tools without waiting or paying. Trace Free PDF runs in your browser with no uploads, no waiting, and no limits.
Why switch from PDF Candy?
PDF Candy is a large collection of free online PDF tools.It works well, but most people looking for an alternative want three things: to stop paying, to skip the sign-up, and to keep private files off someone else's servers. Here is where Trace Free PDF is different:
- No cooldown timer between tasks.
- No uploads — files stay on your device.
- No account.
Trace Free PDF vs PDF Candy
A quick, honest side-by-side of what matters most:
| Trace Free PDF | PDF Candy | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free forever | Free tier + paid |
| Account / sign-up | None | None |
| Files uploaded to a server | Never — stays on your device | Yes |
| Watermark or quality caps | Never | No |
| Usage limits | None | Free tools add a wait time or ask you to upgrade for back-to-back tasks. |
PDF Candy features you get for free
Every job you do on PDF Candy has a free, private version here. Pick a tool and start — no upload, no account:
What PDF Candy still does well
To be fair, PDF Candy has real strengths. It may be the better pick if you need:
- Very large tool list.
- OCR support.
- Desktop app on paid plan.
For the everyday jobs most people do — merging, compressing, converting, and signing — Trace Free PDF does the same work for free, and your files never leave your device.
Frequently asked questions
Why does PDF Candy make me wait between tasks?＋
The free web tier adds a cooldown to push upgrades. Trace Free PDF has no cooldown because processing happens on your device.
Ready to switch?
Free, private, and no account needed.