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Deckle vs PDFPix: which PDF tool should you use?

By DeckleUpdated

Deckle and PDFPix work the same way in one important respect: both process PDFs in your browser tab, and neither uploads your file. PDFPix says it offers 38 free tools with no account and no cap, including compression to a target size, signing, form filling and Office conversion, which Deckle does not have. Deckle's differences are a JPEG quality choice, more split modes, plain-text extraction and a Verified: line on every result. Choose by the job you need to finish.

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

Deckle vs PDFPix at a glance

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

Deckle PDFPix
Where files are processed In your browser, on your device In your browser tab; "the file is never uploaded"
Account and limits No account No account, "no cap"
Merge, organise, split Yes Yes
Split Split points, one file per page, fixed-size chunks, page ranges Mark where each file starts; single-page preset
Compression No Yes, to a target size
PDF to JPG resolutions 72, 150 or 300 DPI 96, 150 or 300 DPI
JPG quality Smaller 75%, Balanced 92%, Maximum 100% Fixed at 82
Per-page image limit 16 megapixels on most computers, 4 on iPhone, iPad and low-memory devices 40 million pixels
Output checks Verified: line on every result Outputs reopened and checked
Signing, form filling No Yes
Password protect, unlock, metadata removal Yes Yes
Text out of a PDF Plain text, with optional page breaks PDF to Markdown and PDF to Word

When to choose PDFPix

  • You need a file under a specific size. PDFPix compresses to a target size; Deckle does not compress PDFs.
  • You need to sign or fill a form. PDFPix has tools for both.
  • You need Word, Excel or PowerPoint conversion. PDFPix lists them; Deckle has none.
  • You export very large pages as images. PDFPix's per-page cap is higher than Deckle's.

When to choose Deckle

  • You want to control JPEG quality. PDF to JPG offers three quality levels alongside the resolution.
  • You want more split modes. Deckle's Split PDF has fixed-size chunks and custom ranges as well as split points and single pages.
  • You need the text. PDF to text exports selectable text with optional page breaks, and reports how much of the source text was kept.

How to protect a PDF with a password in Deckle

  1. Open Password protect PDF and choose your PDF, or drop it onto the page.
  2. Type the password in Password, then again in Confirm password.
  3. Choose Protect this PDF.
  4. Download the protected copy and test it by opening it with the password.

Adding an open password to a PDF covers choosing and sharing the password.

Example: a freelancer must email a signed contract under the client's 2 MB limit, with an open password. Deckle does not compress, so they compress the contract with PDFPix first, then add the password in either tool. Both steps happen in the browser.

Tips

  • Use each for what it does best. Both are browser-local, so mixing them does not change where the file is processed.
  • Compare result checks. Both tools check outputs; read the result screen before downloading.
  • Keep your original. Deckle never changes the PDF you opened.

Frequently asked questions

Do Deckle and PDFPix upload files?

No. Both process files in the browser on your device.

Which is better for PDF to JPG?

Deckle lets you choose the JPEG quality; PDFPix uses a fixed quality and allows larger pages. Both offer 150 and 300 DPI.

Can Deckle compress a PDF to a target size?

No. Deckle has no target-size compression.

Can I split a PDF by bookmarks in either tool?

No. Both split by page position. PDFPix warns that bookmarks may not carry across a cut; in Deckle, use the bookmark panel in your viewer to find where each chapter starts, then enter those pages in Page ranges I choose.

Which should I use for a page export to print?

Either, at 300 DPI. In Deckle, choose Print and Maximum in PDF to JPG, or use PDF to PNG for lossless text and diagrams.

Is Deckle free?

Yes. The tools on the site are free to use with no sign-up.

Related tools

Sources