A free PDF24 alternative with nothing to install
A desktop PDF suite is a fine thing until you are on a locked-down work laptop, a Mac, or someone else's computer. Tool Genie needs a browser and nothing else, and still keeps every file on the machine you are sitting at.
No installer, no admin rights
Nothing is downloaded and nothing is registered with the operating system, so it works on managed devices where you cannot install software.
Same tools on every platform
Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iPad — the toolbox is identical, because it is the browser doing the work.
Local processing, like a desktop app
Files are read and written on your device. You get the privacy of installed software with the convenience of a web page.
Always the current version
There is no update to run and no old build lingering on a second computer. Open the page and you have the latest tools.
| Tool Genie | Typical online tool | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | None, runs in the browser | Desktop app or website |
| Admin rights needed | No | Yes, for the desktop app |
| Where files are processed | In your browser | Locally or on a server |
| Operating systems | Any with a browser | Mostly Windows for the app |
| Price | Free, every tool | Free, with paid options |
Indicative comparison — other services change their plans and limits over time. Tool Genie is not affiliated with PDF24.
The PDF tools you were looking for
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install anything at all?
No. Every tool loads as part of the web page and runs inside the tab, which is why it also works on a phone or a tablet.
Can I password-protect a PDF?
Yes. You can set an open password, and you can also remove a password from a PDF you are able to open yourself.
Does it work on a work computer?
Usually, since it only needs a modern browser. And because nothing is uploaded, using it does not move company documents off the device.