No jargon, just honest answers.
Does my file actually stay on my device?
Yes. Open DevTools → Network while converting. You'll see zero outbound requests to any external server. Your browser is the processor.
How is this different from Smallpdf or Adobe?
They upload your file to process it on their servers. PrivaPDF runs entirely inside your browser tab. There's no server that could receive your file.
Can I use this for confidential documents?
That's exactly what it's built for. Contracts, medical records, financial reports — nothing leaves your device.
Is it safe to convert PDF to Word online?
Most online converters upload your file to a remote server, which creates a privacy risk. PrivaPDF is different — it converts entirely in your browser using WebAssembly, so your file never leaves your device.
How do I convert a PDF without uploading it?
Drop your PDF into PrivaPDF. It uses WebAssembly to process the file inside your browser tab. No upload occurs — you can verify this in your browser's Network tab.
Does PrivaPDF work without internet?
Yes. After your first visit, PrivaPDF is cached as a Progressive Web App. You can convert PDFs on a plane, in a hospital, or on an air-gapped machine — no connection needed.
What is the best private PDF converter?
PrivaPDF is the only PDF converter that processes files 100% client-side. Unlike cloud-based tools, your documents never touch a server, making it the most private option available.
Can I convert scanned PDFs to Word?
Yes. Pro and Business plans include AI-powered OCR that recognizes text in scanned PDFs and converts it to editable Word documents — all processed locally in your browser.
Do I need to create an account?
No. The free tier works instantly with no signup. You only need an account if you upgrade to Pro or Business for unlimited conversions and advanced features.
What file formats does PrivaPDF support?
PrivaPDF converts PDF to Word (.docx), PDF to Excel (.xlsx), PDF to PowerPoint (.pptx), PDF to text, and Word to PDF. It also merges, splits, compresses, locks, unlocks, signs, and redacts PDFs.
Is there a file size limit?
Since processing happens in your browser, the limit depends on your device's memory. Most devices handle files up to 100 MB comfortably. Larger files may work on desktops with more RAM.
How does PrivaPDF handle HIPAA or GDPR compliance?
Because files never leave your device, there is no data transfer to a third-party server. This eliminates the data-processing risks that typically require HIPAA BAAs or GDPR data-processing agreements.
Can I install PrivaPDF as a desktop app?
Yes. PrivaPDF is a Progressive Web App (PWA). In Chrome or Edge, click the install icon in the address bar. It will live in your dock and work offline — no App Store needed.
Is PrivaPDF open source?
The conversion engine uses open-source WebAssembly libraries. The product itself is a commercial application with free and paid tiers.
How do I verify that no data is uploaded?
Open your browser's DevTools (F12), go to the Network tab, and convert a file. You will see zero outbound requests carrying file data. We also have a detailed guide on how to verify this.
Can I merge multiple PDFs into one?
Yes. Drag and drop multiple PDFs into the Merge tool, reorder them as needed, and download a single combined PDF. Everything happens in your browser.