How to use the PDF tools
- 1Choose a tool
Merge, split, compress, convert, edit & sign, OCR or protect.
- 2Add your files
Select PDFs or images, complete human verification, and verify the total file size.
- 3Download the result
Pay the quoted amount if required, run the tool, and save your new file.
How are my files handled?
Source files are sent over HTTPS for actual-size verification and hashing, then discarded by the verification endpoint. Editing and OCR run in your browser. Checkout recovery saves the source files on this device; use Remove saved checkout files when finished.
| RichScripts PDF tools | Typical upload-based PDF sites | |
|---|---|---|
| Where files are processed | On your device, in the browser | Uploaded to the provider's servers |
| Account needed | No | Often for bigger files or more tasks |
| Price | Under 200 KB free; US$1–10 for larger batches | Free tier with limits, then subscription or credits |
| Watermark on results | Never | Sometimes on free plans |
| Word / Excel / PowerPoint conversion | Not available | Usually available |
| Number of tools | 7 essentials | 20 to 50+ |
Upload-based services such as Smallpdf, iLovePDF and PDF2Go offer more tools and conversions. Some require a paid subscription just to download results. Choose what fits your documents.
What each PDF tool does
Merge PDFs
Combine several PDFs into one document in the order you choose.
Tip: Use the arrows in the file list to reorder files before merging.
Good to know: Forms, bookmarks and digital signatures may not carry over.
Split PDF
Extract a page range into a new PDF, or split every page into its own file (downloaded as a ZIP).
Tip: Type ranges like 1-3, 5. Leave it empty to select all pages.
Good to know: Up to 100 pages per operation.
Compress PDF
Re-renders each page as a JPEG image to shrink scanned documents and photo-heavy PDFs.
Tip: Pick Balanced (70%) first, then compare the size shown in the result.
Good to know: Removes searchable text, links and forms. Text-only PDFs can get bigger. Up to 50 pages.
Convert
Turn JPG or PNG images into a PDF, export PDF pages as PNG images (ZIP), or save existing PDF text as a .txt file.
Tip: Scanned PDF with no selectable text? Use OCR instead of PDF → text.
Good to know: Word, Excel and PowerPoint files are not supported.
Edit & sign PDF
Preview pages, click to place text, images or a drawn signature, and rotate pages.
Tip: Draw your signature once, then click where it should go. Undo removes the last placement.
Good to know: Adds overlays only. It cannot rewrite existing text or securely redact.
Extract text with OCR
Reads scanned pages and photos of documents and gives you editable plain text.
Tip: Choose the document language (English, Chinese, Spanish, French or German) for best accuracy.
Good to know: Up to 10 pages. Output is plain text, not a searchable PDF. Check names and numbers.
Protect PDF
Locks a PDF with AES-256 encryption so it needs a password to open.
Tip: Use at least 8 characters and store the password somewhere safe.
Good to know: We cannot recover lost passwords. Already-encrypted PDFs cannot be used as input.
Popular uses
- Job applications: merge a CV, cover letter and certificates into one PDF.
- Email attachments: compress a large scan so it fits under mailbox limits.
- Contracts: add your drawn signature and today's date, then password-protect the file.
- Receipts and forms: turn phone photos (JPG/PNG) into a single PDF.
- Research: pull text out of scanned pages with OCR instead of retyping.
- Sharing a few pages: split out just the pages someone needs.
Frequently asked questions
Are my PDFs uploaded to a server?
Yes. Source files are uploaded over HTTPS for size and fingerprint verification before processing. The endpoint does not retain their contents. PDF editing runs in your browser, and your entered PDF password is neither uploaded nor saved for checkout recovery.
What does processing cost? Is there a watermark?
Under 200 KB total is free. 200 KB–2 MB costs US$1; over 2–10 MB costs US$2; over 10–50 MB costs US$3; over 50–100 MB costs US$10. Payment is verified before processing, and every batch requires human verification. No watermark is added.
How is this different from Smallpdf or iLovePDF?
Most online PDF sites upload your file to their servers, process it there and delete it later. Here the work happens on your device, which is better for confidential documents. The trade-off is fewer tools: there is no Word, Excel or PowerPoint conversion.
What are the file limits?
Up to 10 files per task and 100 MB total (1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes). OCR handles 10 pages, compression and image export 50 pages, and other operations 100 pages.
Can I edit existing text or redact information?
Not yet. You can add text, images and a drawn signature on top of pages and rotate pages, but you cannot change existing text. For confidential information, use dedicated redaction software; covering text with an overlay does not remove it.
Can I sign a PDF?
Yes. Open Edit & sign, draw your signature, and click where it should appear. This is a visual signature, not a certificate-based digital signature.
Why did my compressed PDF get bigger?
Compression turns each page into a JPEG image. That shrinks scans and photos, but text-only PDFs are already small and can grow. Try a lower quality or keep your original.
Does OCR make my PDF searchable?
Not in this version. OCR gives you plain text that you can copy or download. Review names, numbers and punctuation before using it.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes, in modern mobile browsers. Large files and OCR are slower on phones because the processing uses your device.
Do I need to stay online?
An internet connection is needed to load the page and each tool the first time. Your document itself is processed locally.
Keep a copy of your original documents. Restructured PDFs may lose interactive forms, bookmarks and digital signatures.