Stirling-PDF for Mac

Product snapshot

Stirling PDF is a free, open-source Mac application designed to simplify PDF workflows for business and productivity users. It requires no account to start and provides a straightforward interface that speeds up common document tasks like editing, converting, and organizing PDF files.

Main capabilities

• Combine and divide documents easily — merge several PDFs into one file or split long documents into smaller parts.
• Edit content directly by inserting text, pictures, shapes, and quick annotations.
• Convert Office documents and images into polished PDFs while keeping layouts and formatting intact.
• Arrange and manage collections of PDFs for better file organization and retrieval.
• Protect files with passwords and encryption to control access and maintain integrity.
• Mark up text with highlighting, underlining, or strikethrough to support review and collaboration.

Supported input types

• Image files (JPEG, PNG, etc.)
• PowerPoint presentations
• Excel spreadsheets
• Word documents

Collaboration and security features

Stirling PDF includes tools for real-time review and straightforward collaboration: users can add comments and visual notes, and apply common text markups. For sensitive materials, the app offers password protection and encryption options so you can limit who can open or modify a document.

Alternative recommendation

If you’re exploring other options, Adobe Reader DC (available at no cost) is a commonly suggested alternative for viewing and basic PDF tasks, though its editing and conversion capabilities may differ from Stirling PDF.