HKPDF vs iLovePDF
Both split and merge PDFs and convert images for free. The big difference is where your file goes: iLovePDF uploads it to its servers, while HKPDF works in your browser and the file never leaves your device.
| HKPDF | iLovePDF (free web version) | |
|---|---|---|
| Files uploaded? | No, processed in your browser | Yes, to iLovePDF's servers |
| How long files are kept | Not applicable: files never leave your device | Deleted within two hours of processing |
| Merge: files / size | No fixed limit, depends on your device | Up to 25 files, 100 MB limit |
| Split: files per task | 1 (no size cap) | 1, up to 100 MB |
| Images to PDF | No fixed limit | Up to 20 images, 40 MB limit |
| PDF to JPG: file size | No fixed limit | Up to 25 MB |
| Sign-up | Not needed | Basic tools work without logging in |
| Languages | Hong Kong Traditional Chinese and English | Traditional Chinese (Taiwan wording) and many more |
| Local processing | Every tool, free | Paid desktop app only |
| Number of tools | 4 (growing) | 20+, including compress, Word conversion, OCR |
iLovePDF facts checked 27 September 2026 (sources below)
iLovePDF paid features that are free on HKPDF
These three need iLovePDF's paid Premium plan or paid desktop app. On HKPDF they're free.
| Feature | iLovePDF | HKPDF |
|---|---|---|
| Processing files on your own device | Paid desktop app only | Every tool, free, in your browser |
| Higher file-count and size limits | Premium: merge up to 500 files, up to 4 GB | No fixed limit |
| Unlimited processing | Premium feature (free use is limited) | Unlimited, no sign-up |
Note: HKPDF works on your device, so the real size limit is your device's memory; use a computer for very large files. iLovePDF also has paid features HKPDF doesn't offer yet, such as compression, Word conversion and OCR.
Which should you use?
Choose HKPDF if:
- the file is private: payslips, contracts, ID copies, medical records
- your files are large or many and you don't want free-plan caps
- you want Hong Kong Traditional Chinese and no sign-up
Choose iLovePDF if:
- you need compression, PDF to Word or OCR, which HKPDF doesn't offer yet
- you want a phone app or cloud-storage integrations
Asked often.
Does HKPDF really not upload files?
Yes. Splitting, merging and image conversion all run in your browser; the network only loads the page and the tool. Open your browser's developer tools, Network tab: choosing a file triggers no upload request.
Is iLovePDF safe?
iLovePDF says files are secured while on its servers and deleted automatically within two hours of processing. The difference is that your file has to leave your device; for private documents, local processing avoids that step.
Does HKPDF have every iLovePDF feature?
Not yet. HKPDF currently splits and merges PDFs and converts between images and PDF, with more tools coming.
Does HKPDF cost anything?
No. It's free, with no account and no watermark.