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Deckle vs iLovePDF: which PDF tool should you use?

By DeckleUpdated

Deckle and iLovePDF both merge, split and convert PDFs online, but iLovePDF uploads your files to its servers, where its FAQ says they are kept for up to two hours, while Deckle processes them in your browser without uploading them. iLovePDF offers a much wider set of tools, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint conversion, OCR, editing and e-signatures. Deckle covers page jobs, image conversion, passwords, metadata and text extraction, with a check of every result.

Split PDF
Illustrated report, proposal and notes beside a numbered page sequence.
Illustration · choose the pages and order for your reader.

Deckle vs iLovePDF at a glance

iLovePDF facts are from its own pages, checked on 5 November 2026.

Deckle iLovePDF
Where files are processed In your browser, on your device On iLovePDF's servers, kept for up to two hours; you can delete them sooner
Free use Free, no sign-up Free "Basic" plan with per-tool limits; Premium and Business plans
Free-plan limits No account or plan Each tool has its own file-size and task limits; Merge and Split accept files up to 100 MB
Merge, split, reorder, rotate Yes Yes
Split modes Split points, one file per page, fixed-size chunks, page ranges Custom, fixed and Smart ranges, pages to extract; split by size is Premium
PDF to JPG Page images at 72, 150 or 300 DPI Page images, or extract the embedded images
Word, Excel, PowerPoint conversion No Yes, both ways
Compression, OCR, editing, e-sign No Yes, including requesting signatures from others
Apps Browser only Desktop for Mac and Windows, with a free Desktop Reader; mobile for iOS and Android

When to choose iLovePDF

  • You need Office conversion. PDF to Word, Excel to PDF and similar conversions are iLovePDF features that Deckle does not have.
  • You need signatures from other people. iLovePDF's Sign tool can request signatures.
  • You need OCR or compression. Both are available on iLovePDF; Deckle does not offer them.
  • You want to extract the photos inside a PDF. iLovePDF's PDF to JPG can pull out the embedded images rather than whole pages.

When to choose Deckle

  • You would prefer the file stayed on your device. Deckle opens, edits and saves the PDF in your browser.
  • You want more split options for free. Deckle's Split PDF offers split points, single pages, fixed-size chunks and custom ranges, with a plan of the files before you click.
  • You want to see what was checked. Every result carries a Verified: line of measured facts about the new file.
  • You want to choose the image resolution. PDF to JPG offers Screen, Standard and Print, plus a JPEG quality choice.

How to split a PDF with Deckle

  1. Open Split PDF and choose your PDF, or drop it onto the page.
  2. Under How to split it, choose a mode, such as Page ranges I choose.
  3. Enter the ranges, for example 1–4 and 5–18.
  4. Read the planned files list, which shows each file's pages and any that are left out.
  5. Choose the button, such as Create 2 PDFs, and download the files.

Splitting a PDF by page range explains gaps, overlaps and printed page numbers.

Example: an accountant needs to send three clients their own sections of a 45-page joint report. In Deckle, three ranges in Split PDF produce three PDFs in one run, and the report is never uploaded.

Tips

  • Check the limits per tool. iLovePDF sets different free limits for each tool; read its pricing page for the one you need.
  • Delete uploaded files when you are done. iLovePDF lets you remove files from its servers before the two-hour limit.
  • Keep your original. Deckle never changes the PDF you opened, so you can always start again.

Frequently asked questions

Is Deckle a free alternative to iLovePDF?

For merging, splitting, organising, rotating, image conversion, passwords, metadata removal and text extraction, yes. For Office conversion, OCR, editing or e-signatures, use a broader suite.

Does iLovePDF upload my files?

Yes. Its FAQ says files are kept on its servers for a maximum of two hours.

Can Deckle convert PDF to Word?

No. Deckle has no Word, Excel or PowerPoint conversion. PDF to text copies the text into a plain text file.

Does Deckle work offline?

Deckle runs in the browser, so the site needs to load over the internet. Your files are processed on your device.

Related tools

  • Split PDF to break a PDF into files by range or page
  • Merge PDFs to combine PDFs in a set order
  • PDF to JPG for page images at a chosen resolution

Sources