10 Best Free and Open-Source PDFsam Alternatives in 2025
In today’s digital world, PDFs remain the gold standard for sharing documents. Whether you’re merging reports, splitting invoices, or editing contracts, having reliable PDF software is essential. PDFsam Basic has long been a go-to tool for many users, offering free and open-source PDF manipulation features. However, as technology evolves, so do user needs. Whether you’re seeking advanced functionality, better performance, or a simpler interface, exploring alternatives can unlock new possibilities.
This article highlights 10 free and open-source PDFsam alternatives in 2025, each offering unique features for splitting, merging, editing, and converting PDFs. Let’s dive in!
1. PDF Arranger
Website: PDF Arranger GitHub
Features:
Merge, split, rotate, and reorder PDF pages.
Drag-and-drop interface for intuitive organization.
Lightweight and cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS).
Pros:
User-friendly GUI ideal for non-technical users.
No installation required (portable version available).
Actively maintained by open-source contributors.
Cons:
Limited advanced editing tools (e.g., text or image modification).
Why Choose This in 2025?
PDF Arranger continues to thrive due to its simplicity and efficiency. In 2025, expect faster rendering and improved compatibility with large PDFs.
2. LibreOffice Draw
Website: LibreOffice Official Site
Features:
Edit PDF text, images, and layouts directly.
Export documents to PDF/A standards.
Integrated with LibreOffice’s suite (Writer, Calc, etc.).
Pros:
Full-fledged editing suite beyond basic PDF tasks.
Supports annotations and form filling.
Regular updates ensure long-term viability.
Cons:
Steeper learning curve compared to dedicated PDF tools.
Why Choose This in 2025?
LibreOffice remains a powerhouse for open-source productivity. Future updates may introduce AI-driven editing assistants.
3. Apache PDFBox
Website: Apache PDFBox
Features:
Extract text, split/merge, and encrypt PDFs via Java API.
Command-line tools for quick operations.
Embeddable in custom applications.
Pros:
Developer-friendly with robust documentation.
Supports PDF/A and digital signatures.
Ideal for automating batch PDF tasks.
Cons:
Requires coding knowledge for advanced use.
Why Choose This in 2025?
As automation grows, PDFBox’s API-first approach will appeal to developers building custom PDF workflows.
4. QPDF
Website: QPDF Official Site
Features:
Linearize PDFs for web viewing.
Encrypt/decrypt files and repair corrupted PDFs.
Command-line interface for scripting.
Pros:
Lightning-fast processing for large files.
Minimal dependencies (runs on most OS).
Preserves PDF structure during edits.
Cons:
No GUI; unsuitable for casual users.
Why Choose This in 2025?
QPDF’s reliability makes it a staple for backend PDF processing in enterprise environments.
5. PDFtk (Free Version)
Website: PDFtk Server
Features:
Merge, split, and watermark PDFs.
Fill PDF forms and apply permissions.
Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Pros:
Mature tool with a strong user base.
Scriptable for automated workflows.
Cons:
Free version lacks a GUI (requires command-line use).
Advanced features reserved for paid PDFtk Pro.
Why Choose This in 2025?
Despite competition, PDFtk’s stability keeps it relevant for legacy systems and scripting.
6. Ghostscript
Website: Ghostscript
Features:
Convert PDFs to images (PNG, JPEG) and vice versa.
Compress PDFs and embed fonts.
Command-line and API integration.
Pros:
Industry-standard for PDF rendering.
Supports PostScript and XPS formats.
Cons:
Complex syntax for beginners.
Why Choose This in 2025?
Ghostscript’s role in print workflows ensures ongoing updates and compatibility.
7. Poppler Utilities
Website: Poppler
Features:
Includes
pdftotext,pdfunite, andpdfseparate.Extract text, merge files, and inspect metadata.
Cross-platform command-line tools.
Pros:
Lightweight and fast for basic tasks.
Integrated into Linux distributions.
Cons:
No GUI; fragmented toolset.
Why Choose This in 2025?
Poppler’s adoption in Linux ensures it remains a core PDF toolkit for developers.
8. Okular
Website: Okular
Features:
View, annotate, and highlight PDFs.
Support for eBooks, comics, and presentations.
Available on Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Pros:
Rich annotation tools (sticky notes, shapes).
Integrates with KDE ecosystem.
Cons:
Limited editing capabilities (e.g., cannot split/merge).
Why Choose This in 2025?
Okular’s focus on annotations makes it ideal for collaborative reviews.
9. PDF Mix Tool
Website: PDF Mix Tool GitHub
Features:
Merge, rotate, and reorder pages.
Add/remove passwords and adjust metadata.
Simple GUI for quick edits.
Pros:
Beginner-friendly interface.
Built-in PDF preview pane.
Cons:
Limited to basic operations.
Why Choose This in 2025?
Its minimalist design caters to users needing straightforward solutions without bloat.
10. Stapler
Website: Stapler GitHub
Features:
Merge, split, and manipulate PDFs via Python.
CLI and GUI (experimental) options.
Extract specific pages using logical operations.
Pros:
Flexible for scripting enthusiasts.
Actively maintained with Python 3 support.
Cons:
GUI is still in early stages.
Why Choose This in 2025?
Stapler’s Python foundation aligns with the growing demand for programmable PDF tools.Conclusion
Choosing the right PDF tool depends on your needs:
Casual Users: PDF Arranger or PDF Mix Tool.
Developers: Apache PDFBox or QPDF.
Power Users: LibreOffice Draw or Ghostscript.
While PDFsam remains a solid choice, these free and open-source alternatives offer specialized features that cater to diverse workflows in 2025. Whether you prioritize simplicity, automation, or advanced editing, there’s a tool here to elevate your PDF game—without breaking the bank.