The PDF Tools That Betrayed You
A factual timeline of trust breaks in major PDF platforms, with sources and practical verification takeaways.
8 min read
Privacy & Security
When you work with documents online, understanding where your files go and who can access them matters. This category covers the technical realities of file uploads, browser security models, and data protection. The articles explain how different tools handle your files, what risks exist with server-based processing, and how to verify privacy claims yourself.
6 Articles
View all articlesWhy We Open-Sourced Our Privacy Claims
Why policy-only privacy promises fail and how verifiable architecture changes trust.
7 min read
The Legal Professional's Guide to PDF Privacy
A practical confidentiality-focused PDF workflow for lawyers and paralegals.
8 min read
Offline vs Online Tools: A Privacy Perspective
An analytical comparison of privacy trade-offs between offline and online tools, and when each model is appropriate.
8 min read
What Happens When You Upload a PDF?
A technical look at the upload process: where files go, how long they stay, and what risks exist.
7 min read
Are PDFs Really Secure? A Practical Explanation
A balanced examination of PDF security features, their limitations, and what they actually protect against.
8 min read
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about privacy & security.
What happens to my files when I upload them to an online tool?
When you upload a file to an online tool, it travels over the internet to a remote server. The server processes your file and sends results back. During this process, a copy of your file exists on the server, potentially in logs, caches, or backups. Retention policies vary by service.
How can I tell if a tool is uploading my files?
Open your browser's developer tools (F12) and watch the Network tab while using the tool. If you see large POST requests or file data being sent to remote servers, your files are being uploaded. Truly local tools show minimal network activity during file operations.
Are all online PDF tools a privacy risk?
Not necessarily. The risk depends on what data you're processing and how much you trust the service. For non-sensitive documents, reputable online tools with clear privacy policies may be acceptable. For confidential documents, local processing eliminates transmission risks entirely.
What is the difference between encryption and local processing?
Encryption protects data during transmission and storage but the server still receives your file. Local processing means the file never leaves your device at all. These are complementary but different protections.
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