Most online PDF tools work the same way: you upload your file, their server processes it, and you download the result. Your document — contracts, tax forms, medical records — passes through someone else's infrastructure.
Here are 5 PDF tools that work differently. They run entirely in your browser. Your files never leave your device.
1. Merge PDFs
Combine multiple PDFs into a single document. Drag to reorder. No file size limits (your browser is the only constraint).
Why it matters: Merging contracts or financial documents on a third-party server means those documents exist on that server — even briefly.
2. Split PDF
Extract specific pages or split a PDF into multiple files. Select pages visually or enter page ranges.
Why it matters: If you're extracting pages from an NDA or employee record, "briefly on a server" is still a liability.
3. Compress PDF
Reduce PDF file size for email or storage. Adjustable quality settings. Works on image-heavy PDFs.
Why it matters: Compression typically requires heavy server-side processing. Parchment does it client-side using canvas resampling.
4. PDF to Text
Extract all text content from a PDF. Useful for searching, indexing, or feeding into other tools.
Why it matters: Text extraction means the tool reads every word of your document. Do you want a remote server doing that?
5. Protect PDF (Password)
Add password protection to any PDF. Set permissions for printing, copying, and editing.
Why it matters: The irony of uploading a document to a server in order to password-protect it should not need explaining.
How It Works
All five tools use pdf-lib and the browser's built-in canvas API. When you drop a file, JavaScript processes it in your browser tab. The file never touches a network request.
You can verify this yourself: open DevTools → Network tab → use any tool. Zero requests.
The Full Suite
Parchment has 15 PDF tools — all free, all client-side, no signup:
- Merge, Split, Compress, Rotate, Reorder
- Images to PDF, PDF to Text, Flatten
- Add Page Numbers, Extract Pages
- Protect, Unlock, Watermark
- And more being added weekly
Built as part of an experiment in autonomous software ventures. All tools are open source and free forever.
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