FAQ
Good to know before you start.
Answers about file privacy, picking a tool, and what to try when a PDF doesn’t behave as expected.
Privacy and limits
Do I upload my PDF to Art of PDF?
No. When you choose a PDF, Office document, or photo for a document tool, your browser reads and processes it on your device. See how file privacy works.
Is there a daily limit or do I need an account?
There is no account or daily usage quota. Large jobs still depend on your device and browser, and some tools have file size or page count limits so they can run reliably.
Will a tool change my original file?
Your original stays as it is. Download the result as a new copy and check it before replacing or sharing anything.
Do I need an internet connection?
You need a connection to open the site and load any libraries or language packs your tool needs. Once those are loaded, processing your document happens on your device. Converting a live website still needs a connection.
Choosing a tool
How do I make a PDF small enough to send?
Try Compress PDF first. If you need several PDFs under an attachment limit, choose File size in Split PDF. A single page that exceeds the limit needs to be compressed before it can fit.
How do I make a scanned PDF searchable?
Open OCR PDF, choose the language, and save a searchable copy. If you start with photos, use Scan to PDF to straighten and combine them first.
Should I crop or redact sensitive information?
Crop PDF changes what is visible on the page. Use Redact PDF when the sensitive content needs to be removed from the copy you share.
Can I remove a PDF password I don’t know?
Unlock PDF can remove printing or editing restrictions if a PDF already opens. If it requires a password to open, you need a valid password.
Should I fill a form or make it fillable?
Use Fill PDF Forms when the PDF already has interactive fields. Use Create Fillable Forms to add fields to a flat PDF so other people can fill them in.
When something doesn’t work
Why can a tool take longer the first time?
Your browser may need to download the converter, fonts, or a text-recognition language pack. Your document does not have to travel to a server. Larger or more complex files can take longer to process on your device.
Does Web to PDF work for every website?
Some websites prevent other pages from reading them. For those sites, open the original page and use your browser’s Save as PDF option. You can also open an HTML file or paste HTML directly.
Does Art of PDF work on phones and tablets?
The tools adapt to smaller screens. Camera access, available memory, and download behavior can vary by browser. For a large batch or a complex Office document, a desktop browser may handle the job better.
Why does my converted document look different?
PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel represent layouts differently. Missing fonts and complex tables can also change the result. Use an appearance-focused mode where available if matching the original matters more than editability.
Where did my download go?
Look in your browser’s Downloads list or your device’s Downloads folder. On a phone or tablet, the browser may offer to save the file in Files or open it in another app.