An open-source alternative to Sejda
Sejda is one of the few services that also sells a desktop version, which already puts it ahead of purely cloud tools. PdfCanvas goes further on one axis: the web editor never uploads the file.
Where Sejda is the better choice
- You need form filling, OCR, PDF to Word or Excel conversion, or batch processing.
- You want a desktop application on Windows, macOS or Linux with a paid license.
- You need to process files larger than the browser can hold in memory.
The comparison that matters
| Feature | PdfCanvas | Sejda |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free tier with limits |
| File upload | Never | Required |
| Account | Not required | Usually required |
| Open source | MIT | No |
| Self-host | Yes | No |
| Works offline | Once loaded | No |
| Watermark | Never | Varies by tool |
What a local editor changes
With Sejda's web version the document is uploaded, processed and returned. With PdfCanvas the bytes stay in the tab from open to export, and the same page can be used again after disconnecting.
There is also no task counter. The free Sejda web tier limits how much you can do per hour; PdfCanvas has no metering because there is no server cost to recover.
What you give up
No OCR, no Office conversion, no form filling, no batch operations. If your workflow is conversions, Sejda's desktop licence is the more useful product and worth the price.
Frequently asked questions
+Is there a task limit?
No. There is no hourly or daily quota. The only practical limit is the 200 MB default file size.
+Can I use it offline?
Yes, after the editor page has loaded. Sejda's web version needs a connection for every operation.
+Does PdfCanvas fill PDF forms?
No. AcroForm fields are not supported. You can place text over the field area, but the field itself is not filled.
+Which is better for a one-off conversion?
Sejda. PdfCanvas does not convert formats; it edits PDFs.