Online vs offline PDF tools

There are three ways to work with PDFs: install an app, upload to a website, or use a tool that runs inside your browser. Each has trade-offs.

Installed apps

Powerful and offline, but heavy, often paid, and tied to one computer.

Upload websites

Convenient and cross-device, but they transmit your file to a server — a privacy cost.

Browser-based, client-side

The middle path: no install, cross-device, and your file stays local. Ideal for most people most of the time.