vioscaleAI
Comparison

pdf-lib vs Smallpdf

No clear leader: pdf-lib (47.6) and Smallpdf (44.0) are within the 5-point margin; treat as a tie. The attribute-by-attribute breakdown below, with a source and date on every value, is the honest way to compare them.

pdf-lib full profile →Smallpdf full profile →
Machine formatsMarkdownJSONGraphQLMarkdown is open. JSON and GraphQL need a free key.
pdf-lib48
Smallpdf44
Score
vioscaleAI score
pdf-lib48 / 100low · 44%
Smallpdf44 / 100medium · 74%
Pricing
Free tier
pdf-lib✓
Smallpdf✓
Model
pdf-libcommercial
Smallpdffreemium
Price level
pdf-libfree
Smallpdflow
Transparent
pdf-lib✓
Smallpdf✗
Integrations
Count
pdf-lib–
Smallpdf3
Security
Certifications
pdf-lib–
SmallpdfISO 27001
Gdpr
pdf-lib–
Smallpdf✓
Iso27001
pdf-lib–
Smallpdf✓
Vulnerabilities
Adoption
Dependent repos
pdf-lib2,364
Smallpdf–
Github stars
pdf-lib8,660
Smallpdf–
Activity
Commits last 30d
pdf-lib0
Smallpdf–
Release
Cadence days
pdf-lib19
Smallpdf–
History
pdf-lib20 items
Smallpdf–
License
Spdx
pdf-libMIT
Smallpdf–
Language
Primary
pdf-libTypeScript
Smallpdf–
Market
Availability
Content
Faq
pdf-lib4 items
Smallpdf7 items

Capabilities

Feature-by-feature on the axes that matter for pdf editors. “-” means undocumented, not absent.

Capabilities
Deployment model
pdf-lib-
SmallpdfCloud saas
Base text and image editing within PDF
pdf-lib✓
Smallpdf✓
Page merging extraction and splitting
pdf-lib✓
Smallpdf✓
OCR optical character recognition scanning
pdf-lib✗
Smallpdf✓
Permanent blackout redaction engine
pdf-lib-
Smallpdf✗
Password protection and encryption
pdf-lib-
Smallpdf✓
Interactive form field creation
pdf-lib✓
Smallpdf✗
Digital signature certification enforcement
pdf-lib-
Smallpdf✓
Microsoft office docx xlsx conversion
pdf-lib-
Smallpdf✓
File size compression engine
pdf-lib-
Smallpdf✓
SOC2 type ii
pdf-lib-
Smallpdf✗
ISO 27001
pdf-lib-
Smallpdf✓
Pricing model
pdf-lib-
SmallpdfFreemium

What each one is

The product in its own terms, so the numbers below have context.

pdf-lib

A programming library that enables developers to create, edit, and manipulate PDF files with support for embedded fonts, form field creation, page embedding, and text drawing.

Independently observed

Smallpdf

Smallpdf is a cloud-based PDF service offering 48 tools for converting, editing, compressing, and managing PDF documents. It's available as web applications, browser extensions, desktop software for Windows and macOS, and mobile apps for iOS and Android, with integrations for Google Workspace and Dropbox.

Independently observed

Pricing

List pricing as published by each vendor, with the date we read it. Always verify at the source before you buy.

pdf-lib

FreeFree tier

Free

as of verify ↗

Smallpdf

SubscriptionFree tier7-day trial

Freemium model with paid subscription tiers billed annually.

  • FreeFree
    • 30+ document management tools
    • Limited document downloads
    • Limited mobile app access
    • Limited Sign.com access
  • ProBilled annually
    • Unlimited access to 30+ tools
    • Unlimited document downloads
    • Edit Text, OCR, and more
    • Strong Compression
    • Unlimited AI-powered tools
    • +2 more
  • TeamPer-seat billed annually
    • Everything in Pro
    • Special discounted pricing
    • Priority customer support
    • Centralized billing
    • Member access management
    • +1 more
  • BusinessContact sales
    • Everything in Pro for Teams
    • Custom pricing
    • Flexible payment options
    • Dedicated customer support
as of verify ↗

Platform & deployment

Where each product runs and how it can be hosted. A dash means undocumented, not unsupported.

Platforms
Web
pdf-lib✓
Smallpdf✓
iOS
pdf-lib✗
Smallpdf✓
Android
pdf-lib✗
Smallpdf✓
macOS
pdf-lib✗
Smallpdf✓
Windows
pdf-lib✗
Smallpdf✓
Deployment
Cloud / SaaS
pdf-lib–
Smallpdf✓
Hybrid
pdf-lib–
Smallpdf✓

Integrations

What each product connects to. Counts come from the vendor's own integration directory where one exists.

pdf-lib

Not documented yet.

Smallpdf

5 total
  • Google Drive
  • Dropbox
  • Google Chrome
  • Google Workspace
  • Sign.com
Independently observed
Still deciding?

pdf-lib or Smallpdf: which one depends on you

A composite score cannot know your constraints. Describe them and both get re-weighted against what you actually need, with the evidence behind every position.

Free to run, no account needed to start. How the evaluation works

Comparison generated from independently-sourced facts. Every value links to its source and retrieval date. See the method.