xiry.

Productivity · Desktop app

Stirling PDF

Open-source, self-hosted PDF manipulation and editing tool suite

From the Xiry library · Updated 3 October 2026

Visit stirling.com ↗

Stirling PDF is an open-source suite of PDF tools designed to run locally on your desktop or self-hosted on your own infrastructure. It provides over 60 operations—including merging, converting, OCR, splitting, redacting, and signing—without transmitting sensitive files to third-party servers. It is an offline, privacy-first replacement for web-based services like iLovePDF.

What it's for

  • Manipulate sensitive personal or corporate documents locally without uploading them to cloud servers
  • Merge, split, compress, and reorder PDF pages offline
  • Convert documents, extract text via OCR, and digitally sign PDF files
  • Automate batch document processing, classification, and redaction via an API or Docker setup

Features

  • Over 60 PDF manipulation utilities including merge, split, compress, crop, and convert
  • Local and offline processing so files never leave your machine
  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for scanned PDFs
  • Security features including password protection, redaction, and digital signing
  • Desktop installer options alongside Docker-based self-hosting support
  • REST API and automation pipelines for programmatic file processing
  • Integration capabilities with tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, and SharePoint

Pricing

Freemium. Free and open-source for individual use; paid enterprise/team plans available

Details

Type
Desktop app
Category
Productivity
Topic
PDF Editors
Open source
Yes
Platforms
Web, Windows, Linux, macOS, Self-hosted, API
For
Privacy-conscious individuals, IT administrators, developers, and businesses managing sensitive documents
Alternative to
Adobe Acrobat Pro, iLovePDF, Smallpdf
Tags
pdf, privacy, open source, self hosted, ocr, pdf tools, offline

Why it was saved

  • @geek_updates, 3 May 2025: Enables performing PDF modifications completely offline on your PC so sensitive personal files like tax forms and passports are never sent to third-party web servers.

Related

  • Reactive Resume

    Free, open-source resume builder with live preview and no paywalls

  • Documenso

    Open-source electronic signature platform available hosted or self-hosted

  • Transfer.zip

    Encrypted file transfer web tool with no file size limits.

  • VERT

    Open-source file converter running locally in your browser

  • Cloudreve

    Self-hosted file management system that connects multiple cloud and local storage backends.

  • LightPDF

    AI-powered suite to edit, convert, OCR, and clean PDF documents

Updated