Overview

KDAN PDF spans everyday reading and markup through text editing, OCR, conversion, and form creation. Its free tools cover reviewing and completing existing documents; they do not cover revising text, creating forms, or converting files. That makes it a sensible starting point for routine paperwork, not a complete free editor.

Powered by KDAN Mobile Software Ltd., a company founded in 2009 and headquartered in Tainan City, Taiwan, the software is described as GDPR-compliant. For desktop users who want to work offline without cloud uploads, the one-device lifetime license offers a distinct alternative to a subscription.

Key features

Reading and document work

The free plan includes viewing, annotation and notes, handwriting, signatures, and form filling. This is a useful set for reviewing documents and completing paperwork, but it stops short of editing text or creating forms. Paid plans add text editing, merging and splitting, Office conversion, and OCR that turns scanned PDFs into searchable, editable documents.

Paid plans also include read-aloud text-to-speech. The AI+ plan adds automatic redaction, summarization, document review, paragraph translation, extraction, and document chat. Those features are most relevant to readers who regularly process or review substantial document collections; for occasional markup, the free tier is the more proportionate choice.

Pricing

Free and subscription plans

KDAN PDF Free costs 0.00 USD per free. It includes viewing, annotation, handwriting, signatures, and form filling. It excludes text editing, form creation, OCR, and PDF conversion, so it handles routine reading and paperwork but not document preparation or conversion.

Document 365 costs 59.99 USD per year and unlocks features across Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows. It adds text editing, merging and splitting, Office conversion, OCR, and password protection. This is the practical choice for users who need a full set of PDF editing and processing tools across devices but do not need AI services.

Document 365 AI+ costs 99.99 USD per year and includes Document 365 features plus AI services such as auto-redaction, summarization, document review, and paragraph translation. It suits users who will make regular use of those services; otherwise, the lower annual plan covers the core editing and processing needs. Both subscriptions offer a seven-day free trial.

Lifetime license and terms

Lifetime License costs 119.99 USD per once for one device and is a permanent desktop license. It supports offline work without cloud uploads, making it better suited to a single-device desktop workflow than someone who needs the subscription's cross-platform access. Refunds can be requested within 14 days of purchase, subject to store exclusions. Credit cards and PayPal are accepted; wire transfer is available for business and volume purchases.

Platforms

KDAN PDF runs on Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows. Document 365 provides access across all four; the lifetime license is for one desktop device. The software supports English and several major Asian and European languages.

Who it's for

Choose KDAN PDF if you want free tools for reading, annotating, signing, and filling forms, or if you are ready to pay for OCR and document editing across mobile and desktop. It is less compelling if you only need free text editing or conversion, or if AI services are not worth the higher annual price. The lifetime license is best for a desktop user who values offline work and does not need a multi-device subscription.

Pros and cons

Pros: The free plan covers annotation, handwriting, signatures, and form filling, enough for many review and paperwork workflows.
Pros: Document 365 combines editing, OCR, merging and splitting, Office conversion, and password protection across four platforms.
Pros: The one-device lifetime desktop license supports offline work without cloud uploads.
Cons: Free users cannot edit text, create forms, use OCR, or convert PDFs, limiting the free plan to reading and basic document completion.
Cons: AI services require the more expensive annual plan, while the lifetime option is limited to one desktop device.

Alternatives

Foxit PDF Reader is worth considering if you want free viewing, printing, annotation, collaboration, form filling, and signing across Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and web.

MuPDF is an option if you need PDF support across Linux or self-hosted environments as well as major desktop and mobile platforms; its commercial plan is 299.00 USD per month.

StarForce Reader is another free reader for Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, and Windows.

Kiosk is a free, open-source PDF reader for a broad range of platforms, including web and self-hosted environments.

Okular is a free-software option for Linux, Mac, and Windows.

Highlights suits readers focused on iOS or Mac who want free annotation, metadata editing, document scanning, and smart OCR.

Javelin PDF Reader is a free reader for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Adobe Scan is an alternative for readers seeking a mobile scanning app on Android or iOS.

Browse more options in PDF Readers and PDF editors.

Verdict

KDAN PDF is a strong fit for readers who want free annotation, signatures, and form filling, then need a clear upgrade path to OCR and editing across devices. Choose Document 365 for those core paid tools, or the lifetime license for offline work on one desktop. Look elsewhere if free editing is essential or if the AI+ subscription is more than your workflow needs.

	KDAN PDF	Komodo PDF
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	$5/mo	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, iOS, macOS, Windows	Linux, macOS, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Annotation tools	Yes	—
Platform support	—	cross-platform

KDAN PDF vs Komodo PDF

KDAN PDF

Komodo PDF