Private PDF vs LocalPDF — same privacy, different trade-offs
LocalPDF and Private PDF both keep files on your device. LocalPDF excels at a unified canvas workspace with OCR and in-page editing. Private PDF offers a wider free toolkit — page numbers, watermarks, reorder, dual compress modes — with no Pro paywall and verifiable zero-upload processing.
How Private PDF compares
| Private PDF | LocalPDF | |
|---|---|---|
| Files uploaded | Never | Never |
| Unified canvas workspace | Separate focused tools | Yes — drag pages between docs |
| OCR for scanned PDFs | Not yet (Phase 2) | Yes |
| Page numbers & watermarks | Yes — free | Limited on free tier |
| Daily / file limits | None — fully free | Pro plan for heavy use |
| Verify zero uploads | DevTools Network tab guide | Marketing claim only |
| Works offline | Yes (PWA installable) | Yes |
If you need a visual workspace to drag pages between two open PDFs or run OCR on scans today, LocalPDF is the better fit. If you need everyday organize/convert/polish tasks — merge, split, compress, rotate, delete/reorder pages, add page numbers or watermarks — without hitting a Pro paywall, Private PDF is the stronger choice.
We don't overpromise features we haven't shipped. Our comparison pages and tool FAQs document exactly what each tool does and doesn't do — so you're never surprised mid-task.
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Questions, answered
Is Private PDF really as private as LocalPDF?
Yes — both process files in your browser. The difference is trust quality: Private PDF publishes a step-by-step guide to verify zero uploads in DevTools, uses self-hosted fonts, and avoids fake urgency or unverifiable compliance badges.
Does Private PDF have a canvas workspace like LocalPDF?
Not yet. Private PDF uses focused tool pages with cross-tool file continuity and a lightweight multi-PDF project session in merge. A full canvas workspace is a Phase 3 option if demand warrants the engineering cost.
Is it free? Do I need an account or to install anything?
It's completely free with no sign-up, no email and nothing to install. There are no daily limits and no watermarks on your output.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Every operation runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript, so your files never leave your device. Open your browser's Network tab and watch — nothing is sent or stored.