Stirling PDF
Open-source PDF platform with 50+ tools to edit, sign, redact, convert and OCR, runnable on your own server.
Edit, sign, redact and convert PDFs on your own machine, with a REST API for automation.
Stirling PDF is an open-source PDF editing platform you can run as a desktop app, in the browser or on your own server. It suits teams that want PDF work done without sending files to an outside service.
What it is
It bundles 50+ tools to edit, merge, split, sign, redact, convert, OCR and compress PDFs. No-code pipelines run in the UI, and REST APIs cover nearly all tools for integration.
Who it's for
It suits IT teams and privacy-minded users who can run one Docker command. It does not offer a built-in AI chat over your documents, and some folders carry proprietary licences.
Key features
50+ PDF tools
Edit, merge, split, sign, redact, convert, OCR and compress in one interface.
Private API
REST endpoints for nearly every tool let you automate PDF jobs from your own systems.
No-code pipelines
Chain tools into workflows in the UI and run them on batches of files.
Three ways to run
Use the desktop client, the browser UI, or deploy on your own servers.
Enterprise options
SSO, auditing and on-premises deployments are listed for larger organisations.
40+ interface languages
The UI is available in more than 40 languages.
Up and running in 3 steps
Our honest verdict
What's great
- One docker run command from the README gives you a working instance at localhost:8080
- Documents stay on your own machine or server instead of an outside upload service
- REST APIs for nearly all tools make it usable inside your own applications
- Desktop, browser and self-hosted modes share the same tool set
Where it falls short
- You must run and update a Docker container or desktop client yourself
- Folders such as app/proprietary and engine carry licences other than MIT
- The README describes no AI chat or summarising over documents
- Team and enterprise features such as SSO sit on paid plans
Pricing & license
The code is free under its licence. Stirling's pricing page lists Free at $0 with 60+ tools and 1,000 monthly credits, Team at $99 a month for 100 users, and custom Enterprise terms (https://stirling.com/pricing).
Open remote AI-training roles
879 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 15, 2026; most pay $20–$175 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.
Alternatives
These reviewed AI tools do the same job instantly — from our scored directory.
Use it, or have us set it up
FAQ
Is Stirling PDF free?
The code is MIT with some folders under separate licences. Its pricing page lists a free tier, a Team plan for 100 users and enterprise terms.
Can it replace Adobe Acrobat?
For editing, redacting, converting and OCR it covers many tasks. It does not ship an AI assistant that answers questions about PDFs.
What do I need to run it?
The README names Docker as the setup requirement; desktop and Kubernetes routes are in the docs.
