Freelancers do a specific PDF dance: invoice, contract, signed contract, project hand-off PDF, archive. The right tool covers that whole arc cheaply.
Here is the honest list.
Flint
Flat annual plan, no envelope caps, day pass for one-offs. Edit-pdf for invoice tweaks, sign-pdf for contracts, merge-pdf for project hand-offs, compress-pdf for emailing. Best all-rounder for solo work.
PDF Expert
If you live on a Mac and want a beautiful native app, PDF Expert is the splurge. One-off purchase rather than subscription.
Smallpdf
Polished, with strong mobile app. Good if you work on the go.
DocuSign
Overkill for most freelancers but worth it if a key client demands it.
Best for…
Flint for budget-conscious all-round PDF work. PDF Expert for Mac-loving native-app fans. DocuSign only when client demands it.
FAQ
Can I expense Flint?
Yes — it is a software cost. Save the receipt from billing.
Do I need a separate signing tool?
Usually no — Flint's sign-pdf handles freelance contract flow fine.
What about invoicing software?
Generate invoices in your invoicing tool, then PDF tools handle edits, signatures and merges.
Most freelancers can stop at Flint. Add DocuSign only if a client specifically requires it.