How FilesAll keeps your files on your device
FilesAll does its work inside your web browser. Your files are never uploaded to us or to anyone else.
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The short answer
Most online file tools upload your file to their computers, change it there and send it back. FilesAll works the other way round: it sends the tool to your browser, and your own phone or computer does the work. Your file never travels over the internet, so there is nothing for us to store, read or lose.
What happens when you use a tool
- You pick a file. Your browser opens it on your device. Nothing is sent anywhere.
- The tool loads. The first time you use a tool, your browser downloads the program that does the work. It is saved in your browser, so next time it starts faster.
- Your device does the work. The program runs inside your browser, in the background, using a fast technology called WebAssembly.
- You download the result. The new file goes straight from your browser to your device. When you close the tab, the files are gone from the page.
What our server does see
To keep FilesAll free, we count how many files each person uses per day. For that, our server receives a count, never the file, its name or what is in it. If you make an account, we also keep your email address and your plan. Our Privacy Policy lists everything we keep and for how long.
Built so files cannot leave
- There is no upload code. FilesAll has no server program that accepts files, so there is nothing that could save one by accident.
- The browser enforces it. Every page gives your browser a short list of addresses it may contact. The list holds only the services FilesAll needs to run, like the usage counter, and none of them accepts files.
- No ads or trackers on tool pages. Tool pages load no advertising, analytics cookies or scripts from other companies. They also show no cookie banner, because they set no cookies that need one.
Check it yourself
On a computer, open your browser's developer tools (often the F12 key), choose the Network tab, then use any tool. You will see the page and the tool program load, and a small usage count, but no request that carries your file.
FilesAll needs the internet to load a page and, on the free plan, to check your daily count. Pro keeps working offline for a while, because its pass is stored on your device.
Where ads fit in
On the free plan you can choose to watch a short video ad to get more files for the day. The ad plays on a separate site, watch.filesall.com, in a new tab. That page never receives your files and cannot see the tool page. Pro has no ads at all.
How FilesAll compares
Read the side-by-side comparisons with iLovePDF, Smallpdf and Adobe Acrobat online.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use FilesAll for private documents?
Yes. Your documents never leave your device, so they cannot be stored, leaked or read by us. As with any file, keep your own copy of the original.
Why does a tool take longer the first time?
Your browser is downloading the program that does the work. After that it is saved in your browser and starts faster.
Can FilesAll get my file back if I close the tab?
No. Because we never have your file, we cannot recover it. FilesAll asks before you close a tab with results you have not downloaded.
Does a big file work on an older phone?
Usually, but it can be slow, because your own device does the work. If a file is very large, try it on a computer.