PDF Candy
Multi-capability online workspace by Icecream Apps Ltd. (PDF Candy) (4 benchmarked capabilities: PDF merge & split, PDF compression, PDF to Word, Scanned PDF OCR)
Product node overview & trust baseline
Operator provenance, privacy baseline and site-wide pricing belong directly to the product node and are inherited across linked task edgesPDF Candy, operated by Icecream Apps Ltd. (PDF Candy) (Cyprus (European software team)) under a "Subscription + credits" model, has 4 published task assessments on RealTest (PDF merge & split 94/100, PDF compression 92/100, PDF to Word 90/100, Scanned PDF OCR 87/100). In pdf merge & split, supports login-free page expansion, single-page reordering, and optional page numbering, exporting a 318.9 KB 3-page watermark-free PDF in 2.61s with 100% page order and vector text retention, subject to a 1-task/hour free guest limit. In pdf compression, clean, ad-free login-free compression reduced the 1.66 MB 2-page PDF by 93.12% to 114.1 KB with 100% selectable vector text retained, though the 1-task/hour free limit is not disclosed on the landing page.
Cyprus (European software team) · 2016–Present (10-year PDF utility suite)
Provenance baseline: 18.5/20 · Operated since 2016 by Cyprus-based Icecream Apps Ltd., a well-known developer of desktop and web PDF utilities.
Confirmed USD 6 monthly, USD 48 yearly (card displays promotional USD 4/month equivalent; verified at USD 48.00/year in the Paddle checkout modal after login on 2026-10-21), and USD 99 one-time. Lifetime covers the licensed version and minor updates, not future major upgrades.
Pricing transparency baseline: 28/35 · Cancellation: The page mentions 30-day refunds but also conditions them on recurring unresolved errors; eligibility follows the refund policy. Cancellation retains access through the paid period.
Uploaded files are automatically purged from servers after 2 hours or immediately via the delete button
No third-party services listed in this record; this is not proof that none exist.
Product-level pricing & rules baseline
Verified plans, billing periods and cancellation terms owned by this product node; task-specific credit costs and free export limits are detailed per capability edge belowPDF Candy USD web and desktop + web bundles · 2026-10-21
Billed annually via Paddle at US$48.00/year (applicable taxes calculated at checkout)
4 plan / billing-period records, all listed; — means that period is not recorded.
Confirmed USD 6 monthly, USD 48 yearly (card displays promotional USD 4/month equivalent; verified at USD 48.00/year in the Paddle checkout modal after login on 2026-10-21), and USD 99 one-time. Lifetime covers the licensed version and minor updates, not future major upgrades.
Cancellation, sources & verification record
The page mentions 30-day refunds but also conditions them on recurring unresolved errors; eligibility follows the refund policy. Cancellation retains access through the paid period.
Official feature and pricing page ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Official feature and pricing page ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Logged-in pricing page and Paddle checkout annual bill verification ↗ · 2026-10-21 Capture 1 ↗
Archived official pricing sources: Official feature and pricing page (2026-10-20) [text snapshot ↗] · Official feature and pricing page (2026-10-20) [text snapshot ↗] · Logged-in pricing page and Paddle checkout annual bill verification (2026-10-21) [text snapshot ↗]
Capability map & linked task edges
Whenever a capability passes fixed-fixture testing, an edge is automatically linked between this product node and the task topic for horizontal comparison.
| Linked task edge | Score | Assessment · historical test | Test scope & delivery | Inspect capability / follow edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scanned PDF OCR | 87/100 | Offers 1 free OCR task per hour without login, recovering 100% of all 4 headings, 12 confusable invoice table cells, and the Page 2 verification token in 8.99s, but exports only a plain-text `.txt` file (1.6 KB) rather than a layout-preserving searchable `.pdf`. | TXT · Output attached Historical test · 2026-10-25 Guest flow · 2-page raster scanned PDF (0 embedded text, 644.4 KB) · Output attached | |
| PDF merge & split | 94/100 | Supports login-free page expansion, single-page reordering, and optional page numbering, exporting a 318.9 KB 3-page watermark-free PDF in 2.61s with 100% page order and vector text retention, subject to a 1-task/hour free guest limit. | PDF · Output attached Historical test · 2026-10-25 Guest flow · 2 multi-page PDF fixtures merged (3 pages total, 316.8 KB) · Output attached | |
| PDF compression | 92/100 | Clean, ad-free login-free compression reduced the 1.66 MB 2-page PDF by 93.12% to 114.1 KB with 100% selectable vector text retained, though the 1-task/hour free limit is not disclosed on the landing page. | PDF · Output attached Historical test · 2026-10-23 Guest flow · 2-page text & image PDF (1.66 MB) · Output attached | |
| PDF to Word | 90/100 | Login-free conversion retains text and tables without blocking popups; the one-task-per-hour free limit is not disclosed on the landing screen. | DOCX · Output attached Historical test · 2026-10-18 Guest flow · 2-page text PDF; not a scan · Output attached |
Tested task edges (with scores and native artifacts) are strictly separated from discovered untested capabilities (unscored).
Peer product comparison across shared task edges
Matched by overlapping tested task edges; compare site-wide billing models alongside per-task benchmark scoresThe official pricing page offers a Free tier (2 actions per 6 hours, 128 MB file limit) and an annual AvePDF Premium tier billed once at USD 55/year, with no standalone monthly plan.
- Scanned PDF OCR：PDF Candy 87/100 vs avepdf.com 94/100
- PDF merge & split：PDF Candy 94/100 vs avepdf.com 94/100
- PDF compression：PDF Candy 92/100 vs avepdf.com 95/100
- PDF to Word：PDF Candy 90/100 vs avepdf.com 76/100
The official tool page advertises free online conversion while /pricing returns 404 and header buttons promote desktop PDFelement; downloading the converted DOCX requires signing in to a free Wondershare account, and numeric daily or file-size limits are not published on the page.
- Scanned PDF OCR：PDF Candy 87/100 vs hipdf.com 77/100
- PDF merge & split：PDF Candy 94/100 vs hipdf.com 89/100
- PDF compression：PDF Candy 92/100 vs hipdf.com 86/100
- PDF to Word：PDF Candy 90/100 vs hipdf.com 70/100
Monthly and annual controls confirm USD 9/month and USD 60/year. Free processing is limited without exact figures; education and seat discounts require eligibility checks.
- Scanned PDF OCR：PDF Candy 87/100 vs iLovePDF 95/100
- PDF merge & split：PDF Candy 94/100 vs iLovePDF 97/100
- PDF compression：PDF Candy 92/100 vs iLovePDF 97/100
- PDF to Word：PDF Candy 90/100 vs iLovePDF 93/100
Individual pricing lists Free, Monthly USD 19.99, Annual USD 49.99 (with 3-day trial or $5 skip-trial discount), and Perpetual USD 109.99; per-feature AI credit deductions require hover tooltips and enterprise plans require custom quotes.
- Scanned PDF OCR：PDF Candy 87/100 vs lightpdf.com 82/100
- PDF merge & split：PDF Candy 94/100 vs lightpdf.com 90/100
- PDF compression：PDF Candy 92/100 vs lightpdf.com 88/100
- PDF to Word：PDF Candy 90/100 vs lightpdf.com 78/100
Linked capability test: Scanned PDF OCR
2026-10-25 · Native output attached. Findings cover the recorded fixture and conditions; paid specifications may be untested.
Task quality
OCR text recall 100% · Table cell accuracy 100% · Page 2 preserved Yes
Detailed facts & historical record
- Measured fixture results
OCR text recall: 100% · Table cell accuracy: 100% · Page 2 preserved: Yes
- Fixture findings
Exported a 1.6 KB UTF-8 plain-text `.txt` file (not a searchable PDF) with 100% recall across all 4 headings, 12 invoice table cells, and the Page 2 verification token.
- Original historical observation
Exported a 1.6 KB UTF-8 plain-text `.txt` file (not a searchable PDF) with 100% recall across all 4 headings, 12 invoice table cells, and the Page 2 verification token.
- Suitable uses · historical assessment
Users needing to extract scanned PDFs into editable .txt text with 100% financial table number accuracy
- Result & output evidence
Delivery capabilities
TXT · Output attached · No watermark in test
Detailed facts & historical record
- Recorded export specifications
TXT · Output attached · No watermark in test
- Historical specification note · not an official maximum
Full 2-page UTF-8 plain text .txt (1.6 KB · not searchable PDF)
- Watermark observation
Watermark-free
- Batch & API
Single-file OCR on free tier; batch processing per plan quota
- Recorded free-tier dimensions
Not verified
- Attached file dimensions
Not verified
Speed & reliability
About 13.13s end to end in this run; reliability not retested
Detailed facts & historical record
- Timing observation
Network-observed server wait: 8.99s · End-to-end reference: 13.13s
- Date & fixture
2026-10-25 · anchor_pdfocr_v1 · US-West (California, AS2914)
- Repeated tests & reliability
No standardized repetition count, success rate or variability range is recorded.
Interaction experience
No login in this run
Detailed facts & historical record
- Account requirements
No login in this test
- Sign-in methods
No Login Required
- Manual adjustment
Not verified
- Interaction observations
Clean ad-free interface with multi-language OCR selection and a direct "Download file" button upon completion.
Background & reputation
Icecream Apps Ltd. (PDF Candy) · Long-term reputation not independently verified
Detailed facts & historical record
- Service lifecycle notice
Not verified
- Operator
Icecream Apps Ltd. (PDF Candy)
- Recorded origin
Cyprus (European software team)
- Domain history record
2016–Present (10-year PDF utility suite)
- Background & reputation assessment
Developed and operated by Icecream Apps Ltd (Cyprus) since 2016 alongside its desktop and web document utility suite.
- External reputation record
Not verified
Engineering & privacy
Uploaded for cloud processing；Claims deletion within 2 hours; deletion not independently verified
Detailed facts & historical record
- Processing location
Uploaded for cloud processing
- Third-party tracking record
No third-party services listed in this record; this is not proof that none exist.
- Engineering & privacy assessment
End-to-end HTTPS transport with 2-hour automatic file purge and a manual delete button on the result screen.
- Retention statement
Claims deletion within 2 hours; deletion not independently verified
Task free allowance & pricing disclosure
1 Free Task/Hour + Pro Subscription ($6/mo)
Options disclosed upfront with no post-OCR paywall trap
Site-wide plans belong to the product node (see Product-level pricing baseline ↑).
Expand site-wide plans aligned for Scanned PDF OCR (4 records)
PDF Candy USD web and desktop + web bundles · 2026-10-21
Billed annually via Paddle at US$48.00/year (applicable taxes calculated at checkout)
4 plan / billing-period records, all listed; — means that period is not recorded.
Confirmed USD 6 monthly, USD 48 yearly (card displays promotional USD 4/month equivalent; verified at USD 48.00/year in the Paddle checkout modal after login on 2026-10-21), and USD 99 one-time. Lifetime covers the licensed version and minor updates, not future major upgrades.
Cancellation, sources & verification record
The page mentions 30-day refunds but also conditions them on recurring unresolved errors; eligibility follows the refund policy. Cancellation retains access through the paid period.
Official feature and pricing page ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Official feature and pricing page ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Logged-in pricing page and Paddle checkout annual bill verification ↗ · 2026-10-21 Capture 1 ↗
Evaluation basis & full scores · Overall 86.9/100
Overall = honesty & reputation × 30% + capability × 70%. Component maxima follow this report’s rubric. List scores are rounded for display; original precision is retained here.
Scoring version 2.3.1 · Test fixture anchor_pdfocr_v1
Honesty & reputation · 82/100 · 30%
| Criterion | Score | Rationale | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing transparency | 26 / 35 | Offers free PDF OCR without login (1 free task per hour), completing server OCR on our 644.4 KB 2-page raster scan in 8.99s with direct download (01_landing.png, 02_workspace.png, 03_download.png); note that it exports a plain-text `.txt` file (1.6 KB) rather than an overlaid searchable `.pdf`. | Evidence A → |
| Interaction restraint | 26 / 30 | Clean ad-free interface with multi-language OCR selection and a direct "Download file" button upon completion. | Evidence A → |
| Background & reputation | 17 / 20 | Developed and operated by Icecream Apps Ltd (Cyprus) since 2016 alongside its desktop and web document utility suite. | Evidence A → |
| Engineering & privacy | 13 / 15 | End-to-end HTTPS transport with 2-hour automatic file purge and a manual delete button on the result screen. | Evidence A → |
Capability · 89/100 · 70%
| Criterion | Score | Rationale | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task quality | 62.5 / 65 | Deterministic OCR text & table inspection: exports a 1.6 KB .txt file (rather than an overlaid searchable PDF), recovering 4/4 headings and 12/12 confusable invoice table cells (100% table accuracy, 100% overall text recall) with the Page 2 verification token intact (62.5/65) | Evidence A → |
| Deliverable specifications | 15 / 20 | Exports a 2-page watermark-free .txt file (1.6 KB) without login rather than a layout-preserving searchable PDF (15/20) | Evidence A → |
| Processing speed | 11.5 / 15 | Upload took 4.14s and cloud OCR server processing completed in 8.99s (13.13s end-to-end) (11.5/15) | Evidence A → |
Legacy scores may include advertised maximum capabilities. Read tested output separately from paid capabilities. Records without matching tiers and scope are not ranked together.
Linked capability test: PDF merge & split
2026-10-25 · Native output attached. Findings cover the recorded fixture and conditions; paid specifications may be untested.
Task quality
Merged page count 3 / 3 · Page order preserved Yes · Selectable text retained 100%
Detailed facts & historical record
- Measured fixture results
Merged page count: 3 / 3 · Page order preserved: Yes · Selectable text retained: 100%
- Fixture findings
Merged 2 multi-page anchor PDFs (3 pages total, 316.8 KB) into a 318.9 KB watermark-free standard PDF with 3/3 pages in exact cross-document sequence (DOC1-P1 -> DOC1-P2 -> DOC2-P3) and 100% retention of all 37 native vector text operator blocks, 5/5 headings, and 12/12 financial table cells.
- Original historical observation
PDF Candy merges the 2-page main report and 1-page appendix into a 318.9 KB 3-page PDF in 2.61s while preserving all 37 native vector text streams and embedded figures (result.png, download.png).
- Suitable uses · historical assessment
Supports login-free page expansion, single-page reordering, and optional page numbering, exporting a 318.9 KB 3-page watermark-free PDF in 2.61s with 100% page order and vector text retention, subject to a 1-task/hour free guest limit.
- Result & output evidence
Delivery capabilities
PDF · Output attached · No watermark in test
Detailed facts & historical record
- Recorded export specifications
PDF · Output attached · No watermark in test
- Historical specification note · not an official maximum
Full 3-page native vector merged PDF (318.9 KB · watermark-free · page expansion & page numbering)
- Watermark observation
Watermark-free
- Batch & API
Supports multi-PDF merging, single-page expansion/reordering, and one-click page numbering
- Recorded free-tier dimensions
Not verified
- Attached file dimensions
Not verified
Speed & reliability
About 5.56s end to end in this run; reliability not retested
Detailed facts & historical record
- Timing observation
Network-observed server wait: 2.61s · End-to-end reference: 5.56s
- Date & fixture
2026-10-25 · anchor_pdfmerge_v1 · US-West (California, AS2914)
- Repeated tests & reliability
No standardized repetition count, success rate or variability range is recorded.
Interaction experience
No login in this run
Detailed facts & historical record
- Account requirements
No login in this test
- Sign-in methods
Login-free direct merge and download
- Manual adjustment
Not verified
- Interaction observations
Workspace supports both whole-file drag-and-drop and expanding multi-page PDFs to reorder, rotate, or delete individual pages, plus a convenient "Add page numbers" toggle.
Background & reputation
Icecream Apps Ltd. (PDF Candy) · Long-term reputation not independently verified
Detailed facts & historical record
- Service lifecycle notice
Not verified
- Operator
Icecream Apps Ltd. (PDF Candy)
- Recorded origin
Cyprus (European software team)
- Domain history record
2016–Present (10-year PDF utility suite)
- Background & reputation assessment
Developed and operated by Icecream Apps Ltd., a well-known desktop and web utility software vendor.
- External reputation record
Not verified
Engineering & privacy
Uploaded for cloud processing；Claims deletion within 2 hours; deletion not independently verified
Detailed facts & historical record
- Processing location
Uploaded for cloud processing
- Third-party tracking record
No third-party services listed in this record; this is not proof that none exist.
- Engineering & privacy assessment
HTTPS-encrypted transfers with a manual delete button on the download screen and automatic purge within 2 hours.
- Retention statement
Claims deletion within 2 hours; deletion not independently verified
Task free allowance & pricing disclosure
1 free task per hour for guests; additional tasks require waiting or upgrading (monthly, annual, or lifetime plans)
Hourly rate limit is not shown on the landing page and appears only after triggering the cooldown
Site-wide plans belong to the product node (see Product-level pricing baseline ↑).
Expand site-wide plans aligned for PDF merge & split (4 records)
PDF Candy USD web and desktop + web bundles · 2026-10-21
Billed annually via Paddle at US$48.00/year (applicable taxes calculated at checkout)
4 plan / billing-period records, all listed; — means that period is not recorded.
Confirmed USD 6 monthly, USD 48 yearly (card displays promotional USD 4/month equivalent; verified at USD 48.00/year in the Paddle checkout modal after login on 2026-10-21), and USD 99 one-time. Lifetime covers the licensed version and minor updates, not future major upgrades.
Cancellation, sources & verification record
The page mentions 30-day refunds but also conditions them on recurring unresolved errors; eligibility follows the refund policy. Cancellation retains access through the paid period.
Official feature and pricing page ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Official feature and pricing page ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Logged-in pricing page and Paddle checkout annual bill verification ↗ · 2026-10-21 Capture 1 ↗
Evaluation basis & full scores · Overall 94.1/100
Overall = honesty & reputation × 30% + capability × 70%. Component maxima follow this report’s rubric. List scores are rounded for display; original precision is retained here.
Scoring version 2.3.1 · Test fixture anchor_pdfmerge_v1
Honesty & reputation · 86/100 · 30%
| Criterion | Score | Rationale | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing transparency | 28 / 35 | Allows guest users to merge PDFs and download a watermark-free file for 1 free task per hour, though the 1-task/hour cooldown is not disclosed on the landing page until a second task is attempted (landing.png, result.png, download.png). | Evidence A → |
| Interaction restraint | 26 / 30 | Workspace supports both whole-file drag-and-drop and expanding multi-page PDFs to reorder, rotate, or delete individual pages, plus a convenient "Add page numbers" toggle. | Evidence A → |
| Background & reputation | 18.5 / 20 | Developed and operated by Icecream Apps Ltd., a well-known desktop and web utility software vendor. | Evidence A → |
| Engineering & privacy | 13.5 / 15 | HTTPS-encrypted transfers with a manual delete button on the download screen and automatic purge within 2 hours. | Evidence A → |
Capability · 97.5/100 · 70%
| Criterion | Score | Rationale | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task quality | 65 / 65 | Deterministic multi-PDF stream inspection: merges our 2 anchor PDFs (3 pages total, 316.8 KB) into a 318.9 KB standard PDF with exact 3/3 page count, 100% sequential page-order token verification (DOC1-P1 -> DOC1-P2 -> DOC2-P3), and 100.0% retention of all 37 native vector text operator blocks (BT/TJ), 5/5 headings, and 12/12 cross-document financial table cells (65.0/65) | Evidence A → |
| Deliverable specifications | 18.5 / 20 | Exports a complete 3-page watermark-free standard PDF (318.9 KB) without login, with page expansion and optional page numbering, subject to a 1-task/hour free limit (18.5/20) | Evidence A → |
| Processing speed | 14 / 15 | Cloud merge worker completes in 2.61s server wait (5.56s end-to-end) (14.0/15) | Evidence A → |
Legacy scores may include advertised maximum capabilities. Read tested output separately from paid capabilities. Records without matching tiers and scope are not ranked together.
Linked capability test: PDF compression
2026-10-23 · Native output attached. Findings cover the recorded fixture and conditions; paid specifications may be untested.
Task quality
File reduction 93.12% · Output size 114.1 KB · Selectable text retained 100% · Page 2 preserved Yes
Detailed facts & historical record
- Measured fixture results
File reduction: 93.12% · Output size: 114.1 KB · Selectable text retained: 100% · Page 2 preserved: Yes
- Fixture findings
Reduced the 1,659.0 KB fixture by 93.12% (114.1 KB output) with both pages and 100% selectable vector text preserved.
- Original historical observation
At its default Recommended setting, PDF Candy compresses our 1.66 MB anchor PDF to 114.1 KB (-93.12%) in 5.2s with 100% of native vector text operator blocks preserved; note the 1-task-per-hour free cooldown (02_result.png, 03_download.png).
- Suitable uses · historical assessment
Users compressing one PDF at a time who want an ad-free interface, 100% vector text preservation, or a $99 Lifetime license option
- Result & output evidence
Delivery capabilities
PDF · Output attached · No watermark in test
Detailed facts & historical record
- Recorded export specifications
PDF · Output attached · No watermark in test
- Historical specification note · not an official maximum
Full 2-page native vector PDF (114.1 KB · -93.12% · watermark-free · 1 task/hr free limit)
- Watermark observation
Watermark-free
- Batch & API
Supports Google Drive / Dropbox integration and Windows desktop software
- Recorded free-tier dimensions
Not verified
- Attached file dimensions
Not verified
Speed & reliability
About 6s end to end in this run; reliability not retested
Detailed facts & historical record
- Timing observation
Network-observed server wait: 5.2s · End-to-end reference: 6s
- Date & fixture
2026-10-23 · anchor_pdfcompress_v1 · US-West (California, AS2914)
- Repeated tests & reliability
No standardized repetition count, success rate or variability range is recorded.
Interaction experience
No login in this run
Detailed facts & historical record
- Account requirements
No login in this test
- Sign-in methods
No login required for direct compression and download; PRO login supported
- Manual adjustment
Not verified
- Interaction observations
Clean workspace and download flow with zero third-party ad popups, registration walls, or email gates.
Background & reputation
Icecream Apps Ltd. (PDF Candy) · Long-term reputation not independently verified
Detailed facts & historical record
- Service lifecycle notice
Not verified
- Operator
Icecream Apps Ltd. (PDF Candy)
- Recorded origin
Cyprus
- Domain history record
2016–Present (10-year PDF utility suite)
- Background & reputation assessment
Operated by Icecream Apps Ltd. (Cyprus) since 2016 as a well-known web and Windows PDF utility suite.
- External reputation record
Not verified
Engineering & privacy
Uploaded for cloud processing；Claims deletion within 2 hours; deletion not independently verified
Detailed facts & historical record
- Processing location
Uploaded for cloud processing
- Third-party tracking record
No third-party services listed in this record; this is not proof that none exist.
- Engineering & privacy assessment
Full SSL/TLS encryption with automatic server file deletion after 2 hours and manual deletion controls on the result screen.
- Retention statement
Claims deletion within 2 hours; deletion not independently verified
Task free allowance & pricing disclosure
Free users can run 1 task per hour before hitting the hourly cooldown or upgrading to PRO
Exposes Recommended and Maximum compression options upfront, though the 1-task/hour limit is not stated on the landing page
Site-wide plans belong to the product node (see Product-level pricing baseline ↑).
Expand site-wide plans aligned for PDF compression (4 records)
PDF Candy USD web and desktop + web bundles · 2026-10-21
Billed annually via Paddle at US$48.00/year (applicable taxes calculated at checkout)
4 plan / billing-period records, all listed; — means that period is not recorded.
Confirmed USD 6 monthly, USD 48 yearly (card displays promotional USD 4/month equivalent; verified at USD 48.00/year in the Paddle checkout modal after login on 2026-10-21), and USD 99 one-time. Lifetime covers the licensed version and minor updates, not future major upgrades.
Cancellation, sources & verification record
The page mentions 30-day refunds but also conditions them on recurring unresolved errors; eligibility follows the refund policy. Cancellation retains access through the paid period.
Official feature and pricing page ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Official feature and pricing page ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Logged-in pricing page and Paddle checkout annual bill verification ↗ · 2026-10-21 Capture 1 ↗
Evaluation basis & full scores · Overall 92/100
Overall = honesty & reputation × 30% + capability × 70%. Component maxima follow this report’s rubric. List scores are rounded for display; original precision is retained here.
Scoring version 2.3.1 · Test fixture anchor_pdfcompress_v1
Honesty & reputation · 86/100 · 30%
| Criterion | Score | Rationale | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing transparency | 28 / 35 | Offers both Recommended compression and Maximum compression without login, producing a direct "Download file" button (114.14 KB) in ~5.2s; however, the 1-task-per-hour free rate limit is not disclosed upfront on the landing screen (01_landing.png, 01b_workspace.png, 02_result.png). | Evidence A → |
| Interaction restraint | 26 / 30 | Clean workspace and download flow with zero third-party ad popups, registration walls, or email gates. | Evidence A → |
| Background & reputation | 18.5 / 20 | Operated by Icecream Apps Ltd. (Cyprus) since 2016 as a well-known web and Windows PDF utility suite. | Evidence A → |
| Engineering & privacy | 13.5 / 15 | Full SSL/TLS encryption with automatic server file deletion after 2 hours and manual deletion controls on the result screen. | Evidence A → |
Capability · 94.5/100 · 70%
| Criterion | Score | Rationale | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task quality | 65 / 65 | Deterministic PDF stream inspection: default Recommended preset shrinks the 1,659.0 KB fixture to 114.1 KB (-93.12%, 14.54× ratio) while preserving 100.0% of all 27 native vector text operator blocks (BT/TJ), 4/4 headings, 12/12 table cells, and the Page 2 token (65.0/65) | Evidence A → |
| Deliverable specifications | 17.5 / 20 | Free tier exports a complete 114.1 KB 2-page watermark-free vector PDF without login, subject to a 1-task-per-hour free rate limit (17.5/20) | Evidence A → |
| Processing speed | 12 / 15 | Cloud compression completes in ~5.2s after clicking COMPRESS (12.0/15) | Evidence A → |
Legacy scores may include advertised maximum capabilities. Read tested output separately from paid capabilities. Records without matching tiers and scope are not ranked together.
Linked capability test: PDF to Word
2026-10-18 · Native output attached. Findings cover the recorded fixture and conditions; paid specifications may be untested.
Task quality
Text retained 100% · Editable table cells 16 · Page 2 preserved Yes
Detailed facts & historical record
- Measured fixture results
Text retained: 100% · Editable table cells: 16 · Page 2 preserved: Yes
- Fixture findings
Text and editable tables were retained; the historical free tier allowed one task per hour.
- Original historical observation
PDF Candy's OpenXML conversion engine delivers top-tier structural accuracy: its 9.8 KB .docx export (completed in 4.78s) preserves 100% of text across both pages and reconstructs the 4×4 financial table as a 16-cell native Word table—just note the 1-task-per-hour free limit (03_download.png).
- Suitable uses · historical assessment
Users converting a single PDF document who want 100% native Word table (`<w:tbl>`) editability and an ad-free workspace without logging in
- Result & output evidence
- Scans / OCR
The fixture is a text PDF; scans and OCR were not tested
Delivery capabilities
DOCX · Output attached · No watermark in test
Detailed facts & historical record
- Recorded export specifications
DOCX · Output attached · No watermark in test
- Historical specification note · not an official maximum
Full 2-page native .docx (44 paragraphs + 16-cell native table, watermark-free)
- Watermark observation
Watermark-free
- Batch & API
Supports Google Drive / Dropbox integration and offline Windows desktop software
- Recorded free-tier dimensions
Not verified
- Attached file dimensions
Not verified
- Published allowances & file limits · not tested
Free: No account; page, hourly and file-size limits; no batching. Numeric limits are not listed.
Speed & reliability
About 5.68s end to end in this run; reliability not retested
Detailed facts & historical record
- Timing observation
Network-observed server wait: 4.78s · End-to-end reference: 5.68s
- Date & fixture
2026-10-18 · anchor_pdf2word_v1 · US-West (California, AS2914)
- Repeated tests & reliability
No standardized repetition count, success rate or variability range is recorded.
Interaction experience
No login in this run
Detailed facts & historical record
- Account requirements
No login in this test
- Sign-in methods
No login required for free conversion; optional PRO account sign-in
- Manual adjustment
Not verified
- Interaction observations
Zero ad banners, zero email gates, and no registration prompts; displays a non-intrusive PRO upgrade card alongside the download button.
Background & reputation
Icecream Apps Ltd. (PDF Candy) · Long-term reputation not independently verified
Detailed facts & historical record
- Service lifecycle notice
Not verified
- Operator
Icecream Apps Ltd. (PDF Candy)
- Recorded origin
Cyprus (European software team)
- Domain history record
2016–Present (10-year PDF utility suite)
- Background & reputation assessment
Operated since 2016 by Cyprus-based Icecream Apps Ltd., a well-known developer of desktop and web PDF utilities.
- External reputation record
Not verified
Engineering & privacy
Uploaded for cloud processing；Claims deletion within 2 hours; deletion not independently verified
Detailed facts & historical record
- Processing location
Uploaded for cloud processing
- Third-party tracking record
Not verified
- Engineering & privacy assessment
SSL/TLS encrypted transfers with automatic server deletion after 2 hours and an immediate delete icon on the download screen.
- Retention statement
Claims deletion within 2 hours; deletion not independently verified
Task free allowance & pricing disclosure
Unauthenticated free users can execute 1 free task per hour (subsequent tasks require waiting 1 hour or upgrading to PRO)
Hourly rate limit is not stated on the landing dropzone, appearing as 'No hourly limits' on the PRO comparison card after conversion
Site-wide plans belong to the product node (see Product-level pricing baseline ↑).
Expand site-wide plans aligned for PDF to Word (4 records)
PDF Candy USD web and desktop + web bundles · 2026-10-21
Billed annually via Paddle at US$48.00/year (applicable taxes calculated at checkout)
4 plan / billing-period records, all listed; — means that period is not recorded.
Confirmed USD 6 monthly, USD 48 yearly (card displays promotional USD 4/month equivalent; verified at USD 48.00/year in the Paddle checkout modal after login on 2026-10-21), and USD 99 one-time. Lifetime covers the licensed version and minor updates, not future major upgrades.
Cancellation, sources & verification record
The page mentions 30-day refunds but also conditions them on recurring unresolved errors; eligibility follows the refund policy. Cancellation retains access through the paid period.
Official feature and pricing page ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Official feature and pricing page ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Logged-in pricing page and Paddle checkout annual bill verification ↗ · 2026-10-21 Capture 1 ↗
Evaluation basis & full scores · Overall 89.5/100
Overall = honesty & reputation × 30% + capability × 70%. Component maxima follow this report’s rubric. List scores are rounded for display; original precision is retained here.
Scoring version 2.3.1 · Test fixture anchor_pdf2word_v1
Honesty & reputation · 86/100 · 30%
| Criterion | Score | Rationale | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing transparency | 28 / 35 | Headlines 'Convert PDF to Word Online Fast and for Free' (01_landing.png) and converts our 2-page anchor PDF in ~4.78s to a green 'Download file' button without login (02_workspace.png, 03_download.png); however, the free tier is rate-limited to 1 free task per hour (disclosed via the 'PDF Candy PRO: No hourly limits' card on the result screen rather than upfront on the hero dropzone). | Evidence A → |
| Interaction restraint | 26 / 30 | Zero ad banners, zero email gates, and no registration prompts; displays a non-intrusive PRO upgrade card alongside the download button. | Evidence A → |
| Background & reputation | 18.5 / 20 | Operated since 2016 by Cyprus-based Icecream Apps Ltd., a well-known developer of desktop and web PDF utilities. | Evidence A → |
| Engineering & privacy | 13.5 / 15 | SSL/TLS encrypted transfers with automatic server deletion after 2 hours and an immediate delete icon on the download screen. | Evidence A → |
Capability · 91/100 · 70%
| Criterion | Score | Rationale | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task quality | 61.5 / 65 | OpenXML `word/document.xml` inspection confirms 100.0% text retention (4/4 headings, 3/3 special-symbol phrases, 44 editable paragraphs) and a complete 16-cell native Word `<w:tbl>` table (12/12 financial values preserved) with Page 2 token intact (61.5/65) | Evidence A → |
| Deliverable specifications | 17.5 / 20 | Exports a complete 2-page watermark-free native `.docx` file (9.8 KB) without login, subject to the 1-task-per-hour free rate limit (17.5/20) | Evidence A → |
| Processing speed | 12 / 15 | Completes cloud PDF-to-DOCX reconstruction in ~4.78s after clicking CONVERT (12.0/15) | Evidence A → |
Legacy scores may include advertised maximum capabilities. Read tested output separately from paid capabilities. Records without matching tiers and scope are not ranked together.
Developer & citation kit · Claim updates, request benchmarks & embed verified badges
Product developers and writers can embed these SVG badges in official websites, GitHub READMEs or documentation, or use the channels below to sync product-wide plans and capabilities.
[](https://realtest.org/tools/pdfcandy.com/) <a href="https://realtest.org/tools/pdfcandy.com/"><img src="https://realtest.org/badges/pdfcandy.com.svg" alt="PDF Candy — RealTest" height="24" /></a> 
[](https://realtest.org/tools/pdfcandy.com/#feature-pdf-ocr) 
[](https://realtest.org/tools/pdfcandy.com/#feature-pdf-merge-split) 
[](https://realtest.org/tools/pdfcandy.com/#feature-pdf-compress) 
[](https://realtest.org/tools/pdfcandy.com/#feature-pdf-to-word)