Why Most PDF Tools Are Not Private
The majority of online PDF editors and converters rely on server-side processing. This means your documents travel across the internet to be handled by third-party infrastructure.
- Cloud-based tools upload your documents to remote servers for processing
- Even "secure" tools require trusting their infrastructure with your data
- Privacy policies often allow temporary storage and metadata collection
- Sensitive documents like contracts, tax forms, and medical records are exposed
- You have no way to verify when files are actually deleted from their systems
Truly Private PDF Processing
LocalForge uses client-side JavaScript and WebAssembly to process PDF files entirely within your browser. No server ever receives your documents.
- All processing runs locally — your files never leave your device
- No accounts, logins, or personal information required
- Works offline after the initial page load
- Audit the privacy yourself via browser DevTools
- Ideal for legal, financial, medical, and confidential documents
Private vs Cloud PDF Tools
| Feature | Cloud PDF Tools | LocalForge |
|---|---|---|
| File Handling | Uploaded to remote servers | Processed locally in browser |
| Account Required | Usually required for full features | No account needed |
| Data Collection | Usage data and file metadata tracked | Zero data collection |
| Offline Support | Requires internet connection | Full offline support after load |
| Auditability | Trust their claims | Verify in DevTools yourself |
| Compliance | Depends on their policies | GDPR/HIPAA compliant by design |
How Private PDF Processing Works
Open a Tool
Choose from compress, merge, or split. The tool loads entirely in your browser with no server dependencies.
Add Your Files
Drag and drop your PDFs. Files are read into local browser memory — nothing is transmitted over the network.
Process and Download
Your browser handles the processing using pdf-lib.js. Download the result directly — your originals remain unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a PDF tool truly private?
A truly private PDF tool processes files entirely on your device without any network transfer. You can verify this by monitoring the Network tab in your browser DevTools during processing.
Can offline PDF tools match cloud-based ones in quality?
Yes. Modern browser APIs and WebAssembly provide the same processing capabilities as server-side tools for common operations like compression, merging, and splitting.
Are private PDF tools safe for legal and medical documents?
Absolutely. Since no data leaves your device, there is zero risk of exposure. This makes local tools ideal for HIPAA-protected health records, legal contracts, and financial statements.
Do I need to install any software?
No. LocalForge runs entirely in your web browser. There is nothing to install, no plugins required, and no desktop application needed.
How do private PDF tools handle large files?
Processing is limited by your browser memory rather than upload bandwidth. Most modern devices handle PDFs up to 100MB without issue. Free users can process files up to 10MB.