Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about using Total PDF Tools safely.
General
Are my files uploaded to your servers?
No. Every tool on Total PDF Tools runs inside your web browser using JavaScript and WebAssembly. Your documents are read from your device, processed in your browser's memory and saved back to your device. We have no upload endpoint and never receive your files.
Is Total PDF Tools free?
Yes. All tools on this website are free to use, without sign-up or watermarks. The site may show ads to cover its costs; ads never touch your documents.
Do I need to install anything?
No. Any modern browser works — Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari on desktop and mobile. There is also a companion mobile app for Android and iOS if you prefer.
Is there a file size limit?
There is no server limit because nothing is uploaded. The practical limit is your device's memory: files of several hundred megabytes usually work on a computer; phones handle smaller files.
Do the tools work offline?
Once a tool page has loaded, processing doesn't need the internet. Some tools (OCR, password protection) download their engine the first time you use them.
Do you keep a copy of my document?
No. Nothing is stored — not on a server and not in your browser's storage. When you close or reload the tab, everything is gone. The only thing we remember is a list of tools you used recently, kept in your own browser.
Can you open a PDF if I forgot the password?
No. The Unlock PDF tool removes a password you already know. We don't crack, guess or bypass passwords.
Which browsers are supported?
The latest versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari and Samsung Internet. Very old browsers without WebAssembly or Web Worker support can't run the tools.
About specific tools
Compress PDF: How much smaller will my PDF get?
It depends on the content. Image-heavy PDFs (scans, photos) often shrink 50–90%. Text-only PDFs are usually already compact.
Compress PDF: What does 'maximum compression' do?
It renders every page as an image and rebuilds the PDF. Files get much smaller, but text is no longer selectable and links, forms and bookmarks are lost.
Protect PDF: What if I forget the password?
We can't recover it — we never see your password or file. Keep a copy of the unprotected original somewhere safe.
Protect PDF: Will it open in Adobe Reader and others?
Yes. AES-256 is supported by all modern PDF readers (PDF 1.7 extension level 3 / PDF 2.0).
Unlock PDF: Can you unlock a PDF if I don't know the password?
No. This tool removes a password you already know. We don't crack or bypass passwords.
Unlock PDF: My PDF opens without a password but can't be printed. Can I fix it?
Yes — such files only have an owner password. Leave the password box empty and click Unlock.
OCR PDF: Which languages are supported?
English is supported out of the box. Recognition works best on clear scans at 200–300 DPI.
OCR PDF: Why is OCR slow?
Text recognition is CPU-intensive and runs on your device. Expect a few seconds per page.
Sign PDF: Is this a legally binding digital signature?
This adds a visual (electronic) signature image, which is accepted for many everyday agreements. It is not a certificate-based digital signature; for regulated documents check your local requirements.
Sign PDF: Is my signature saved?
No. Your signature exists only in this browser tab and is discarded when you close it.