iLovePDF vs. Markup Hero

by Markup Hero

If you are looking for a one-stop solution for working on PDF files, I Love PDF might be the perfect tool. But if you need super fast PDF annotation with files from 1 to 200 pages, then Markup Hero is by far your best choice.

What is Markup Hero

Markup Hero is the goto tool for annotating PDF’s. The lightning fast app also allows you to upload images and take screenshots, which can easily be embedded into your PDF’s. Easily add text, signatures, boxes, arrows, highlights and tons more annotation elements. Also insert images, create more pages, generate share links and more.

If annotating PDF's is what you need, especially if you have a big PDF, Markup Hero is going to be the best option for you. Plus, Markup Hero has a forever free pricing plan and you can test it out without even making an account.

What is I Love PDF?

Whether you want to convert files, edit them, merge PDF files, or split them, iLovePDF is the one-stop solution for you. And this isn’t even all.

iLovePDF is a comprehensive platform for any and every PDF-related need. Online or offline, free or paid, iLovePDF has a way to make it work.

What does iLovePDF Have to Offer?

iLovePDF supports 25 different languages, which means you can work in the language you are the most comfortable with.

The interface is very user-friendly, which is why new users rarely face any difficulties navigating through iLovePDF.

iLovePDF also tries to provide you with the smallest file size possible. This helps you save space on your desktop and cloud storage.

Moreover, iLovePDF lets you batch edit your files instead of painstakingly editing them one at a time. If you have a good internet connection, this can save you a good amount of time.

You also have the option to arrange your files however you like on iLovePDF. You can arrange them alphabetically or in reverse alphabetical order. You can add new files, remove existing ones, rotate the ones you need to, and more. iLovePDF gives you the freedom to have things arranged your way.

How Do I Use iLovePDF?

You can use iLovePDF online from your browser, offline using the Desktop app, or on the go with iLovePDF’s mobile app. The iLovePDF mobile app is available for both iOS and Android. In addition, there is also a web app that helps you edit images in bulk: iLoveIMG.


For iLovePDF, you can extract files from Google Drive or Dropbox for processing and save them on your cloud storage once you are done. You can also share files directly from the platform using a link or QR code.

Moreover, you can make further changes to your file before downloading the final version.

If you upgrade to the premium version, you can manage your team on iLovePDF. This brings on a new range of advantages. You can add your company’s logo and establish a certain format for displaying page numbers in your files. Also, you can increase the file size limit and batch number per process. The paid version of iLovePDF offers an ad-free space for you.

Is It Safe to Use iLovePDF?

Yes, absolutely. All the file uploads use HTTPS/SSL and are end-to-end encrypted for enhanced privacy. These security measures satisfy most corporate safety requirements and ensure safe data processing. iLovePDF also complies with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

To add to it, you do not have to worry about iLovePDF keeping any copies of your documents.  iLovePDF automatically deletes all your archives after a maximum of two hours to ensure there is no chance of file theft. You can also manually delete the file yourself after the conversion is done. iLovePDF assures you that it does not check, copy, or analyze your file in any manner whatsoever.

Some Exciting Tools from iLovePDF

iLovePDF Repair PDF: Simply upload your corrupt PDF file from your device, Google Drive, or Dropbox. iLovePDF will analyze the issue and try to recover lost content from the file. iLovePDF can repair your file completely or partially, depending on the extent of damage to the PDF file.

iLovePDF Sign PDF: Using iLovePDF, you can draw your signature, upload one, or sign it using text. Adding fields such as date and initials is also made possible using iLovePDF. You can then download it or save it to the cloud.

You can also make requests for e-signatures. To do this, you would need to provide some information, such as the names and email addresses of the people whose signatures you want. You will also need to set some security parameters.

iLovePDF gives you the option to make more adjustments, such as enabling reminders for the signers, customizing the email message for each signer, adding your company’s branding, setting the language, and more.

All the people whose names and email addresses you insert will receive an email that will allow them to access the document that requires signing. After the procedure is done, you will receive a copy of the signed document.

PDF Annotation Starts with Markup Hero - Try it Free!

iLovePDF also gives you the option to download the audit trail, which is basically a record of the changes made to the file. Audit trails can come in handy in legal proceedings.

iLovePDF Converter- PDF to PDF/A: You can upload and convert PDF files to PDF/A formats for archiving and preservation purposes. This file format allows information to be preserved for a long time and removes the threat of information loss. In addition, you can convert your PDF file to a particular PDF/A ISO conformance level.

Some More iLovePDF tools

  • iLovePDF Merge PDF: Merge two or more files, even password-protected ones, using iLovePDF Merge.
  • iLovePDF Compress PDF: Choose between three levels of compression. Note that increased compression level reduces file size but degrades quality.
  • iLovePDF Split PDF: Split PDF files (including password-protected ones) by ranges, or take out all the pages.
  • iLovePDF Unlock PDF: Use iLovePDF Unlock to remove passwords from protected PDF files. You can also protect your files using iLovePDF Protect PDF.
  • iLovePDF Rotate PDF: You can rotate multiple files at once using iLovePDF Rotate PDF.

iLovePDF offers the following conversions:

  1. JPG to PDF
  2. WORD to PDF
  3. POWERPOINT to PDF
  4. EXCEL to PDF
  5. HTML to PDF
  6. PDF to JPG
  7. PDF to WORD
  8. PDF to POWERPOINT
  9. PDF to EXCEL

iLovePDF also has tools for editing PDF files by adding text, images, annotations, and shapes. Moreover, you can add page numbers, watermarks, sort and delete pages, and do a lot more using iLovePDF tools.

Is iLovePDF free?

There is a free version available with certain limits on the iLovePDF tools. You can only work on iLovePDF Web and process a limited number of documents if you want to use iLovePDF for free.

However, to gain full access to all iLovePDF tools, you can pay $7 a month (or $60 yearly, in which case you will be saving 28 percent).

A customizable Business Plan is also available.

iLovePDF Reviews from Real Users

Capterra rating: 4.6/5
G2 rating: 4.5/5

Users have appreciated the variety of formats available for conversion and iLovePDF’s ease of use. The e-sign feature has also been of great help for users, even more so since the beginning of the pandemic.

iLovePDF’s users do not really have any major issues with the platform. But a user pointed out how they did not like iLovePDF’s system of naming every downloaded file the same way.

So, Markup Hero or I Love PDF?

What to choose? It depends on what you're trying to do. If you need to change the PDF itself (add pages, compress, split, combine, etc), then iLovePDF is a good fit.

But if you just need to add annotations and markup to your PDF and quickly share it with people, and forever edit those markups, then Markup Hero is for sure the winner.