LeafLock PDF vs iLovePDF: privacy and features compared
iLovePDF and LeafLock PDF both offer free tools to merge, split, compress, convert, sign and protect PDFs in a web browser. The main difference is where the work happens. iLovePDF processes files on its servers. LeafLock processes them on your own device, in the browser.
This page compares the two on facts you can check. Everything we say about iLovePDF comes from its own website, linked under each section and in the sources for this page.
At a glance
| LeafLock PDF | iLovePDF | |
|---|---|---|
| Where files are processed | In your browser, on your device | On iLovePDF’s servers (per its FAQ) |
| How long files are kept | Not kept: files aren’t uploaded | Deleted automatically within 2 hours of processing; signed documents kept up to 5 years (per its security page) |
| Free plan | All tools free, including the Pro and Practice ones during early access | Free Basic plan with limited tools and processing (per its pricing page) |
| Free-tier file limits | No set limits; very large files depend on your device’s memory | Published per tool, for example 100 MB for Merge PDF and 15 MB for OCR PDF (per its pricing page) |
| Platforms | Web browser | Web, desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (iOS and Android) |
| Interface languages | English | 26 languages in its language menu |
| Office conversions (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) | Not yet | Yes |
| AI tools | Not yet | Yes, such as AI Summarizer and Translate PDF |
Where your files are processed
iLovePDF. According to iLovePDF’s FAQ, files are stored on its servers while they’re processed, and processing speed depends partly on how busy those servers are. Its security page describes cloud infrastructure, HTTPS encryption in transit and at rest, and end-to-end encryption from upload to delivery. The pricing page lists regional file processing as a Premium feature.
LeafLock. All processing runs in your browser. The file is read, changed and saved on your device, and isn’t sent to our servers or anyone else’s. The site’s Content Security Policy sets connect-src 'self', so the browser itself blocks the page’s scripts from sending data to other sites. You can check this with our guide on how to check if a PDF site uploads your files.
How long files are kept
iLovePDF. According to its security page, files processed on the platform are deleted automatically and permanently within two hours, and you can also delete them yourself from the download screen. The same page says signed documents are kept for up to five years to meet legal requirements. Its FAQ also states that the company doesn’t check, copy or analyze your files.
LeafLock. There’s nothing to keep, because files never reach a server. Results are created in your browser and downloaded directly.
Security certifications
iLovePDF. Its security page states that iLovePDF holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, is a Europe-based company that complies with the GDPR, and uses qualified trust service providers under the EU’s eIDAS rules for its electronic signatures.
LeafLock. We don’t hold a security certification at this time. Our approach is to avoid handling your files at all, and to let the browser enforce that through the Content Security Policy.
Free plan and limits
iLovePDF. Its pricing page lists a free Basic plan with access to essential tools and limited document processing. Limits are published per tool. For example, on the free plan Merge PDF accepts up to 25 files and 100 MB per task, Compress PDF accepts 200 MB, and OCR PDF and the Office conversions accept 15 MB. The paid Premium plan removes most of these limits and adds access across web, mobile and desktop, digital signatures, workflows, no ads and AI credits.
LeafLock. All tools are free, and we set no file-size limit on any of them: because the work happens on your device, the only limit is your device’s memory and speed. We do limit how many tools you can use per day on the free plan: 20 a day without an account, 60 a day with a free account, and no daily limit on Pro. Tools marked Practice, such as Redact PDF and Compare PDF, are free during early access.
Tools
iLovePDF offers more tools than LeafLock. Beyond the common PDF tasks, its site lists conversions to and from Word, PowerPoint and Excel, HTML to PDF, PDF to PDF/A, and AI tools such as a summarizer, PDF translation and PDF to Markdown. Its pricing page also lists “smart” versions of Split and Redact.
LeafLock covers the common PDF tasks: merge, split, compress, organize, sign, fill forms, edit, OCR, redact, compare, protect and more. LeafLock doesn’t offer Office conversions or AI tools yet. Our OCR currently recognizes English only.
Apps and platforms
iLovePDF. Its desktop page describes apps for Windows and macOS, including a free PDF reader, and lists iOS and Android apps alongside the web version. Its FAQ says you can import files from Google Drive and Dropbox.
LeafLock. LeafLock runs in a web browser on computers, tablets and phones. There are no desktop or mobile apps, and no cloud storage integrations.
Languages
iLovePDF. Its language menu offers 26 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and Hindi.
LeafLock. The site is in English. More languages are planned.
Which one fits you
iLovePDF may suit you better if you need Office conversions, AI tools, desktop or mobile apps, cloud storage imports, or an interface in a language other than English.
LeafLock may suit you better if you’d rather your files never leave your device, for example with contracts, medical documents, financial records or anything you’d prefer not to upload.
Sources
Facts about iLovePDF were checked on October 21, 2026 against the sources below, and may have changed since.