PDF24 alternative: merge and convert PDFs in your browser
PDF24 is a long-standing free PDF toolbox with a web version and a downloadable desktop program. Its generous free offer is why many people use it. The reasons to look for a PDF24 alternative are narrower: you may not want to install a program, you may be on a locked-down work computer, or you may prefer that a web tool never uploads the file.
MergeDoc is a set of browser tools. Open a page, drop in your files and get the result. It covers merging, PDF to image and image to PDF without installing anything.
If you rely on PDF24's desktop features, such as a virtual PDF printer, we do not replace those.
Why people look for a PDF24 alternative
No software installs allowed
Work and school machines often block installers. A browser page works wherever the browser does.
Uploads you would rather avoid
Online tools typically send the file to a server first. For private documents, a local-only tool removes that step entirely.
A simpler interface for a simple job
If you just need to turn three photos into one PDF, a single focused page is quicker than a toolbox with dozens of options.
Phones and tablets
A desktop program is no help on a phone. A browser tool works on any device with a modern browser, so you can turn a few photos of a receipt into a single PDF without moving files to a computer first.
Shared computers
On a library or office machine you may not want to leave software or temporary files behind. A web page that processes in memory and leaves nothing installed is tidier, and closing the tab clears the working data.
Checking what a page looks like
Turning pages into images is a common way to share a preview, paste a page into a slide or send a single page by chat. A local converter does that without a round trip to someone else's server.
PDF24 vs MergeDoc, side by side
| PDF24 | MergeDoc | |
|---|---|---|
| Where your files go | Web tools typically upload to their servers; the desktop program processes locally. | In-browser only. No server involved. |
| Sign-up | Typically not required for the free tools; check their current terms. | Never required. |
| Usage limits | Generally generous for free use; check their current terms for size caps. | None from us; browser memory is the ceiling. |
| Watermark | Typically none on free output. | None. |
| Offline use | Desktop program works offline; web tools need a connection. | Processing is local, but there is no installable version. |
| Speed on large files | Desktop avoids transfer; web adds upload time. | No transfer; depends on your device. |
| Feature depth | Very broad: OCR, conversions, virtual printer, batch processing and more. | Focused set of PDF and image tools. No OCR or Office conversion. |
| PDF to image | Offers several output formats and options. | Renders each page to JPG using the browser PDF renderer. |
When PDF24 is still the better pick
- •You want a desktop program that installs a virtual PDF printer and works fully offline.
- •You need OCR or conversion between PDF and Office formats.
- •You regularly batch-process many files and want a tool built for that.
- •You want more output choices for PDF to image than a single JPG export.
- •You want to work with documents stored in cloud drives or shared folders and prefer a tool with direct integrations.
- •You are processing sensitive files on a managed corporate device where installed, audited software is mandated over web pages.
How to switch in a few steps
- 1.
Combine PDFs in Merge PDF: add files, set the order and download.
- 2.
Turn pages into pictures with PDF to Image. Each page is exported as a JPG.
- 3.
Go the other way with Image to PDF, which accepts JPG and PNG and builds a single PDF.
Tools covered
Read next
Merge PDF Files Without Uploading Them Anywhere
Combine several PDFs into one in your browser. No upload, no sign-up, no watermark, no file-size cap set by a server.
Why Client-Side Tools Matter: Keep Files on Your Device
Most online file tools upload your data to a server. Here is why many tasks do not need that, and the honest trade-offs of doing it locally.
How to Split a PDF Into Pages, Ranges or Single Files
Split a PDF into single pages or pull out ranges like 1-3,5, free and in your browser. Learn which tool fits, plus the limits worth knowing.
Other alternatives
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a PDF24 alternative that needs no install?
- Yes. MergeDoc runs in the browser, so there is nothing to download or install.
- Can I merge images and PDFs together?
- Convert the images first with [Image to PDF](/image-to-pdf), then combine everything in [Merge PDF](/merge).
- What image format does PDF to image produce?
- JPG, one image per page.
- Does it upload my files?
- No. Files are processed in your browser and never leave your device.
- Is there a watermark on converted images or PDFs?
- No watermark is added to any output.
- Can it recognise text in scanned pages?
- No. MergeDoc does not include OCR.
- Which is better for batches of files?
- For repeated bulk processing, a desktop program is usually the better fit. MergeDoc is aimed at one-off jobs where you want a quick result and no setup.
PDF24 is a trademark of its owner and is named here only for comparison. MergeDoc is not affiliated with or endorsed by PDF24. Check their current terms for the latest details.