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Smallpdf VS OnlineGridMaker

Compare Smallpdf VS OnlineGridMaker and see what are their differences

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Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

Smallpdf logo Smallpdf

PDF document management and conversion suite

OnlineGridMaker logo OnlineGridMaker

Add a precise grid overlay to any image for drawing and sketching. Customize rows, columns, line color and thickness. 100% free, no signup, no upload.
  • Smallpdf Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-21
  • OnlineGridMaker
    Image date //
    2026-05-17

OnlineGridMaker is a free browser-based tool that adds customizable grid overlays to any image โ€” designed specifically for artists, illustrators, art students, and anyone who practices drawing from reference photos.

Why OnlineGridMaker?

Most grid tools are either too basic (fixed grid size, no customization) or require downloading desktop software. OnlineGridMaker runs entirely in your browser โ€” no install, no signup, no image uploads. Your photos stay on your device.

Key Features

Grid Overlay โ€” Add precise grids to any image with full control over rows, columns, line color, line thickness, and opacity.

Perspective Guides โ€” Built-in 1-point and 2-point perspective tools for accurate architectural and object drawing.

Cell Labels โ€” Optional row/column numbering for easy reference when transferring your sketch to paper or canvas.

Instant Download โ€” Export your gridded image as PNG or JPG and start drawing right away.

100% Local Processing โ€” All rendering happens in your browser using HTML5 Canvas. Your images are never uploaded to any server.

Perfect For

  • Art students learning proportion and scale
  • Illustrators working from photo references
  • Comic artists and storyboarders
  • Hobbyists practicing portrait or still life drawing
  • Art teachers demonstrating grid method techniques

Pricing

Completely free. No premium version. No signup required. Unlimited use.

Smallpdf

Website
smallpdf.com
Pricing URL
Official Smallpdf Pricing
$ Details
-
Platforms
-
Release Date
-
Edit details

OnlineGridMaker

Website
onlinegridmaker.com
Pricing URL
-
$ Details
free
Platforms
Web
Release Date
2026 May
Startup details
Country
China
Founder(s)
kaixiang liang
Employees
1 - 9
Edit details

Smallpdf features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Smallpdf provides a clean, intuitive, and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users of all technical levels.
  • Wide Range of Tools
    Offers a variety of tools for PDF editing, including compressing, merging, splitting, and converting PDFs to other formats.
  • Cloud Integration
    Seamlessly integrates with cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox, allowing users to work directly with their files stored online.
  • Security
    Utilizes strong encryption and deletes files from their servers after one hour, ensuring user data is kept secure and private.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Accessible from various devices including desktops, tablets, and smartphones with responsive web design.
  • Free Tier
    Provides a free tier with limited features, which is suitable for occasional or basic users.

Possible disadvantages of Smallpdf

  • Limited Free Features
    The free version only allows for two tasks per day and places restrictions on larger files and advanced features, leading to potential inconvenience for frequent users.
  • Subscription Cost
    The premium subscription can be considered expensive for some users, particularly those who only need occasional PDF edits.
  • File Size Limit
    Even with a premium subscription, there are restrictions on the maximum file size that can be uploaded and processed.
  • Internet Dependence
    Requires an active internet connection to use most of its features, which can be a limitation for users with unreliable or slow connectivity.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Despite strong encryption, some users may still have reservations about uploading sensitive documents to an online service.
  • Limited Customization
    The range of customization options for certain tools may be limited compared to more specialized PDF software.

OnlineGridMaker features and specs

  • Grid Overlay
    Add customizable grid on any image with adjustable rows and columns
  • Perspective Guide
    1-point and 2-point perspective grid for drawing practice
  • Customizable Lines
    Adjust line color, thickness, and opacity to your preference
  • Cell Labels
    Optional A1, B2 style labels for precise reference
  • No Signup Required
    Open and use immediately, no account needed
  • 100% Local Processing
    All processing happens in your browser, no uploads to any server
  • Download Options
    Export as PNG or print directly
  • 100% Free
    Completely Free โ€” no signup, no premium version, unlimited use

Analysis of Smallpdf

Overall verdict

  • Smallpdf is a reliable and efficient tool for managing PDF documents, suitable for both casual users and professionals. Its combination of versatility, ease of use, and security features makes it a strong contender in the realm of online PDF services.

Why this product is good

  • Smallpdf is considered good because it offers a wide range of PDF tools that are easy to use and accessible online. It provides functionalities such as PDF conversion, compression, editing, and signing, all within a user-friendly interface. This makes it an ideal choice for both individuals and businesses looking for efficient document management solutions. Additionally, it emphasizes security by ensuring encrypted file transfers, which is crucial for handling sensitive information.

Recommended for

  • Individuals who frequently work with PDFs and need a straightforward tool for conversions, compressions, or edits.
  • Students who need to annotate and organize their study materials in a PDF format.
  • Professionals who require a reliable tool for signing documents and collaborating with team members remotely.
  • Businesses looking for secure document management solutions with the flexibility of online access.

Analysis of OnlineGridMaker

Overall verdict

  • OnlineGridMaker is a solid, no-frills tool for quickly creating grid layouts, graph paper, and grid-based designs directly in the browser without needing to install design software.

Why this product is good

  • Free and easy to access online without registration
  • Simple interface that lets users generate custom grids quickly
  • Useful for printable graph paper, layout planning, and design mockups
  • No steep learning curve compared to full design software
  • Lightweight and fast-loading tool

Recommended for

  • Students needing graph paper for math or art projects
  • Designers sketching quick layout grids
  • Teachers preparing printable grid worksheets
  • Hobbyists working on cross-stitch, pixel art, or similar grid-based crafts
  • Anyone needing a fast, free grid-generation tool without installing software

Smallpdf videos

+ Add

smallpdf tutorial video

More videos:

  • Review - Smallpdf Review
  • Tutorial - Smallpdf | How to do Unlimited Free Conversions ? | Hack for Smallpdf | Bypass limit of 2 conversion

OnlineGridMaker videos

+ Add

OnlineGridMaker โ€” Free Grid Overlay Tool for Artists

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Smallpdf and OnlineGridMaker)

Smallpdf

OnlineGridMaker

PDF Tools
100 100%
PDF Tools
0% 0
Image Editing
0 0%
Image Editing
100% 100
PDF Editor
100 100%
PDF Editor
0% 0
Design Tools
0 0%
Design Tools
100% 100

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing Smallpdf and OnlineGridMaker.

What makes your product unique?

OnlineGridMaker's answer:

-Unlike most grid tools that only offer basic square grids, OnlineGridMaker combines customizable grid overlays (adjustable rows, columns, color, opacity) with perspective guides for 1-point and 2-point drawing. It also offers optional cell labels (A1, B2 style). Everything runs 100% locally in the browser โ€” no image uploads, no signup, no data ever leaves your device.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

OnlineGridMaker's answer:

-Most alternatives either require installing software, force you to create an account, or upload your images to a server. OnlineGridMaker is completely browser-based, free forever with no premium tier, and processes everything on your device. Just open the page, upload a reference image, and start gridding in seconds. It's faster, more private, and zero friction compared to desktop apps or account-gated web tools.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

OnlineGridMaker's answer:

-Artists, illustrators, art students, and hobbyists who practice drawing from reference photos โ€” especially those learning proportion, composition, and perspective. Also useful for architects, designers, and educators who need quick grid overlays for teaching or planning purposes.

What's the story behind your product?

OnlineGridMaker's answer:

-Built by an independent developer who noticed that most free grid tools were either too basic (fixed grids only) or required downloading software. The goal was simple: a professional-grade, free grid overlay tool that respects user privacy by processing everything locally in the browser. No tracking, no uploads, no strings attached.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

OnlineGridMaker's answer:

-Pure HTML, CSS, and JavaScript โ€” no frameworks, no backend, no dependencies. Hosted as a static site on Cloudflare Pages for global CDN delivery. The tool uses the HTML5 Canvas API for rendering grids and generating downloadable PNG images client-side.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

OnlineGridMaker's answer:

ยทArt students using it for figure drawing and still life proportion practice

ยทFreelance illustrators who need quick grid references before starting digital paintings

ยทArt teachers incorporating it into classroom demonstrations

ยทComic artists using perspective guides for background layouts

User comments

Share your experience with using Smallpdf and OnlineGridMaker. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Smallpdf and OnlineGridMaker

Smallpdf Reviews

Best Free Alternatives to Adobe Acrobat in 2026
Smallpdf is a well-known online PDF platform with a clean interface. It works entirely in the browser and integrates with Google Drive and Dropbox, making it convenient if you store files in the cloud. The free tier limits you to two tasks per hour and adds a watermark on some output files. Files are uploaded to Smallpdf's servers for processing.
Source: universalfiletools.com
Best Online Image Converters in 2026: Docpose.cloud Leads the Pack
Users highlight Docpose.cloudโ€™s reliabilityโ€”no failed conversions even on rare formats. CloudConvert gets praise for quality tweaks but frustrates with daily resets. iLoveIMG is loved for extras like AI, but free limits irk. Smallpdf suits PDF-image hybrids, less pure images. Convertio is straightforward but caps freebies quick.
Source: fileproinfo.com
Ever wondered why bank statements are always in PDF?
Platforms like iLovePDF and Smallpdf are among the most popular choices. They do a decent job for simple PDFs, but I quickly realized a few issues:
Source: medium.com
Top 10 PDF Converters for converting to or from PDF effortlessly
Smallpdf is one of the most well-known PDF converter tools online. Offering a simple, user-friendly interface, it allows users to convert files to and from PDF without any hassle. Smallpdf supports over 18 file types and integrates with Google Drive and Dropbox for easy cloud storage access.
Source: pdf-converter.ai
The 13 Best Free PDF Editors (February 2024)
One of the quickest ways to add images, text, shapes, or your signature to a PDF is with Smallpdf. I find it extremely easy to use for those things, but I opt for one of the editors that top this list if I need to edit the text because this one won't do it for free.
Source: www.lifewire.com

OnlineGridMaker Reviews

We have no reviews of OnlineGridMaker yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Smallpdf seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 38 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Smallpdf mentions (38)

  • OpenDataLoader: Safe, Open, High-Performance โ€” PDF for AI
    According to statistics from smallpdf.com, by 2025, there will be a massive 2.5 trillion PDF documents stored worldwide, and 290 billion new PDF documents will be created every year. - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • Stirling-PDF: local web application to perform various operations on PDFs
    Smallpdf [1] probably deserves a mention here. Not OSS and not self-hosted, but Iโ€˜ve used it occasionally and it has always worked really well. When I was running an agency, we inherited their first office โ€“ very cool folks. [1] https://smallpdf.com/. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Looking fore college ruled template to print
    And use this one to merge two single-page pdf to make a double side page. Source: over 2 years ago
  • PDF to Excel without O365/Adobe Acrobat?
    I don't have Office 365 for the "Get Data" option, nor do I have Adobe Acrobat. I've tried the smallpdf website but it came out a mess, possibly because my original spreadsheet had highlighted rows and lots of text in some of the cells. Source: over 3 years ago
  • 5 tips to improve your SaaS user onboarding
    Examples of companies doing this well: - SmallPDF users can convert or compress a limited number of files without an account โ€” turning users into advocates and customers once paid use cases comes along; - Freshline uses interactive product demos to help users self-educate and understand the value of their features, without a paywall or registration;. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

OnlineGridMaker mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of OnlineGridMaker yet. Tracking of OnlineGridMaker recommendations started around May 2026.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Smallpdf and OnlineGridMaker, you can also consider the following products

iLovePDF - Premium online PDF tool set

GridMaker.org - Split any image into Instagram posts. Create stunning grid effects for your feed. Fast, free, and easy to use online tool.

Adobe Acrobat DC - Make your job easier with Adobe Acrobat DC, the trusted PDF creator. Use Acrobat to convert, edit and sign PDF files at your desk or on the go.

IG Grid Maker - With our free online tool, you can easily create beautiful Instagram grids and puzzles in seconds. IG Grid Maker is perfectly adapted to 2025 Instagram updates, no registration or software download required.

Sejda - Split, merge and other powerful PDF tools.

Canva - Canva is a graphic-design platform with a drag-and-drop interface to create print or visual content while providing templates, images, and fonts. Canva makes graphic design more straightforward and accessible regardless of skill level.

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