Stirling PDF
Self-hosted all-in-one PDF editing tool platform
Free alternative to Adobe Acrobat · Smallpdf · ILovePDF
Screenshot from the project’s own README · tap to enlarge
Stirling PDF is a private tool suite to edit, merge, split, sign, redact, and convert PDF files. It runs completely on your own machine or server without sending documents to third parties. You access all features through a simple web browser interface.
✓ Good for
Anyone handling sensitive documents who needs complete PDF editing privacy.✕ Skip it if
People who prefer quick, public online converters without setting up Docker.How to start
- Run the Docker command provided in the guide
- Open http://localhost:8080 in your web browser
- Upload your PDF and pick any tool to use
Needs Docker or a server setup to run on your own machine.
Not sure how to install, or if it’s safe? Read the beginner guide
FAQ
Is Stirling PDF free?
Yes, Stirling PDF is free to self-host on your own computer or server without subscription fees or API keys.
Is Stirling PDF safe to download?
It is open source (NOASSERTION license) with 96,524 GitHub stars, last updated 2026-11-13. Download only from the official link on this page, and scan the file before installing: see the safety checklist in our beginner guide.
Does Stirling PDF work offline?
Yes, once deployed locally via Docker or a server setup, all PDF operations run entirely on your own machine without uploading files to third parties.
Compiled from the project README. 96,524 GitHub stars (2026-11-13) · License NOASSERTION · Last update 2026-11-13