PDF Buddy

At a glance

• Editor score
  3.0 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Lightweight browser-based PDF changes
• Free plan
  Yes
• Founded
  2013 · Brooklyn, New York, United States
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Adds text, signatures, images, highlights, annotations, and whiteouts
  • Merges, splits, and reorders PDF pages in a browser
  • Supports forms and editable public links for sharing PDFs

• Where it doesn't

  • Adds text but does not directly edit existing embedded PDF text
  • No verified OCR, file-format conversion, or new fillable-form creation
  • Free plan is limited to 3 PDFs per month and 1 GB of storage

Our verdict on PDF Buddy

PDF Buddy is a browser-based PDF application for people who need straightforward document changes without installed software. It supports PCs, Macs, Linux systems, and Chromebooks through modern web browsers. Its feature set covers adding text, signatures, and images; highlighting, annotating, and whiting out content; filling out forms; merging files; splitting and reordering pages; and sharing PDFs through editable public links. The product suits individuals and small teams handling routine forms, signatures, markups, and page organization rather than users seeking a full document-production suite.

Pricing is structured around a free plan, a monthly subscription, and credits. The Free plan costs $0 per month and allows 3 PDFs per month with 1 GB of storage; credits can be redeemed by sharing on social media. Pro costs $7.99 per month and adds unlimited PDFs, 25 GB of storage, and unlimited use while subscribed. Pay-as-you-go credits cover 5 PDFs, with credits valid for one year from purchase. This gives occasional users a low-commitment route while making Pro the clearer fit for recurring PDF work.

PDF Buddy’s main strength is its focused browser workflow for additive changes and page-level tasks. It can handle signatures, form completion, annotations, and document assembly in one web interface. Its limits matter for more advanced editing: adding text is not the same as changing existing embedded PDF text, and OCR, file-format conversion, and creation of new fillable forms are not part of the documented feature set. Choose PDF Buddy for lightweight online changes, signing, forms, and page management; choose an alternative if direct text editing, OCR, conversion, or broader integrations are central requirements.

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PDF Buddy pricing

All 6 PDF Buddy plans and prices →

PDF Buddy fact sheet

Alternatives to PDF Buddy

• Foxit PDF EditorA mature PDF workspace with deep editing, OCR, forms, security, and integrations.9.3
• iLovePDFA broad PDF toolkit with free access, offline desktop processing, and cross-device apps.9.2
• SmallpdfA broad PDF toolkit for simple editing across web, Windows, mobile, and Chrome.9.1

See all PDF Buddy alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

PDF Buddy is listed in our PDF Editors directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 16 Oct 2026 · How we research and update