Alternative

Like iLovePDF, but on your Mac.

iLovePDF’s free plan limits how much you can process per task, and files go through its servers. Here’s the offline way to do the same jobs.

Download for Mac

Free 7-day trial · then one purchase, no subscription · macOS 14+

In short: Sheaf does iLovePDF’s common jobs (compress, merge, split, convert, sign, OCR) on your Mac with no per-task limits during the trial or after purchase, and no upload. iLovePDF’s free plan has per-task limits; its desktop app comes with Premium.Updated 13 November 2026

Sheaf's action circle open around a dragged PDF
Done on your MacNo upload · no account
Stays on your MacNo upload, works offline
No accountNothing to sign up for
Originals untouchedEvery result is a new file
One-time purchaseNo subscription
Side by side

iLovePDF, Preview and Sheaf.

We make Sheaf, so we’ve tried hard to be fair: facts about other apps come from their own websites, checked 13 November 2026, and linked below. Prices change; their sites have the final word.

iLovePDF

Browser tools; free plan with per-task limits, Premium subscription.

  • Free plan for occasional use
  • Per-task limits on the free plan
  • Files go through their servers

Preview (built in)

Free, built into macOS.

  • Free
  • On your Mac
  • Basic tools only

SheafOur pick

Drag the file, pause, let go.

  • One-time purchase
  • Everything runs on your Mac
  • Compress, merge, sign, OCR, convert in one drag
Details

What you get, and what you don’t.

iLovePDFSheaf
Free useFree plan with per-task limits7-day trial with everything; then 3 actions a day free
PaidPremium subscriptionOne-time purchase
Where files goProcessed by iLovePDF onlineOn your Mac only
Desktop app for MacWith PremiumYes
Works offlineDesktop app (Premium)Yes

When iLovePDF is the better choice

  • You only need a PDF tool a few times a year and don’t mind uploading.
  • You’re on a computer where you can’t install apps.

Source

https://www.ilovepdf.com/pricing, checked 13 November 2026.

Questions

Is there an iLovePDF app for Mac?

iLovePDF lists a desktop app for Mac and Windows with its Premium plan.

Why does iLovePDF say I’ve reached my limit?

Its free plan limits processing per task. An app that works on your Mac has no such limits.

Can I compress a PDF on Mac without uploading it?

Yes: Preview’s Reduce File Size filter or Sheaf’s Compress both work on your Mac.

Keep going

More comparisons

Best PDF apps for Mac

Eight apps compared, with prices.

Adobe Acrobat alternative

When you don’t need a subscription.

Smallpdf alternative

The same jobs, without uploading.

Your next PDF takes one second.

Drag it, pause, let go. Free for 7 days, then yours with one purchase. Family Sharing included.

Download for Mac

Mac App Store · macOS 14 or later · Apple silicon and Intel