A free Smallpdf alternative that never uploads your files
Smallpdf is a popular online PDF service. Like most such sites, it works by uploading your document to its servers. FilesProcess does the same everyday jobs – edit, convert, merge, split, compress, sign – entirely inside your browser, so your file never leaves your device.
Smallpdf vs FilesProcess at a glance
| Smallpdf | FilesProcess | |
|---|---|---|
| Where your file is processed | On Smallpdf’s servers (the file is uploaded) | On your own device, in the browser |
| What happens to the file | Uploaded to Smallpdf’s servers; their help pages say files are deleted after about one hour, while shared and e-signature files are kept for 14 days and files saved to an account stay until you delete them. | Never stored anywhere – it only exists in your browser tab until you close it |
| Works offline | No – the file has to be uploaded | Yes, after the tool has loaded once |
| Price | See their website | Free, no signup, no watermark |
Their help pages say connections use TLS encryption, they hold ISO/IEC 27001 certification and their servers are in Ireland. Sources: Smallpdf: Is Smallpdf safe?, Smallpdf: Turn off document storage.
Popular free tools
- Online PDF editor – change the existing text and images, not just add boxes on top.
- PDF to Word – keeps fonts and layout for most digital PDFs.
- Merge PDF, Split PDF and Compress PDF.
- Sign PDF, Protect PDF and OCR PDF.
How to switch
- Open the tool you need from the PDF tools list – there is nothing to install or sign up for.
- Choose your file. It is processed on your device in seconds.
- Download the result. Optionally install the app from your browser to use it offline.
Want proof that nothing is uploaded? See how it works and check it yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Is FilesProcess really a free Smallpdf alternative?
Yes. All working tools are free with no signup and no watermark. Because processing happens on your device, there is no server cost per file to recover.
Does Smallpdf upload my files?
Smallpdf processes files on its servers. Uploaded to Smallpdf’s servers; their help pages say files are deleted after about one hour, while shared and e-signature files are kept for 14 days and files saved to an account stay until you delete them.
How can I check that FilesProcess does not upload my file?
Open your browser’s developer tools (F12), go to the Network tab and run any tool: no request carries your file. You can also switch off the internet after loading a tool and it keeps working.
When is Smallpdf the better choice?
Server-based tools can handle conversions that are hard to do inside a browser, very large files and team or cloud features. FilesProcess focuses on doing the everyday PDF jobs privately on your device.
Free, no signup, and your files never leave your device.
Open the PDF tools