PDFluent

PDFluent is a native desktop PDF editor designed for macOS (version 11 and above) and Windows (version 10 and above) that emphasizes privacy and security by ensuring all operations run entirely locally on the user's device. The application does not require users to create an account, never uploads files to the cloud, and collects no telemetry, making it suitable for those who prioritize data privacy. It is available for free to all users, including for commercial use, with no subscriptions or seat limits.

The tool offers a comprehensive set of PDF editing features. Users can read PDFs with full-text search, a command palette, and page thumbnails, all processed locally for speed and privacy. Editing capabilities include direct text modification, font and color changes, and the addition of shapes. PDFluent also provides robust redaction tools that permanently erase sensitive information such as social security numbers, IBANs, and names, along with the ability to strip hidden metadata in a single action. For document signing, the application supports PAdES digital signatures, enabling cryptographically tamper-evident, certificate-based signatures that permanently seal the document.

PDFluent supports filling standard PDF forms, including full support for AcroForm PDFs commonly used for government, banking, and contractual documents. Experimental support for XFA forms is also included, with ongoing improvements. The application is lightweight, with an install size of approximately 12 MB on macOS.

NET, and Java. This allows software builders to incorporate PDFluent’s PDF processing capabilities into their own applications. The platform is currently in public beta and is developed by Innovation Trigger BV, based in the Netherlands.