Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about processing, privacy, usage limits and licenses.
Are PDFs uploaded to a conversion server?
No. Compress, Split and Merge processing runs locally in the Chrome extension. If you use Paste link, the extension must first download the PDF from that source. License requests are handled by an external licensing service and do not include PDF contents or filenames.
Does the extension work without an internet connection?
Local processing of an already available PDF does not require uploading it to a processing server. Downloading PDFs from URLs and activating or verifying a Pro license require network access. Offline Pro availability is subject to a bounded license validation window.
Can I open a Google Drive PDF?
Supported Google Drive file links can be used through Paste link. Chrome may ask for optional Google Drive host permissions. The document must be accessible to the browser and the link must resolve to PDF content.
What are the Free daily limits?
Two completed PDF operations total across Compress, Split and Merge per local calendar day. The counters reset on the next local day. Failed or cancelled operations should not count.
What does Pro unlimited mean?
A valid Pro license removes daily operation quotas. Browser memory, supported file types and processing constraints still apply. Pro is a one-time purchase with no subscription or recurring fees. Live payments are pending merchant approval.
Why did my PDF not become smaller?
Compression depends on document structure, embedded images and previous optimization. An already optimized PDF may not shrink. Adjust Quality and consider image downsampling in Settings.
How do I split a PDF?
Split supports pages per output file, target output size and manually selected page ranges. See the step-by-step Split guide.
How many PDFs can I merge?
Private PDF Compressor supports up to 50 input PDFs and 200 MB combined input size. Reorder files before processing. See the Merge guide.
How long are PDF files stored in the browser?
Temporary input and output records use a 24-hour expiry in browser IndexedDB. Expired records are removed when cleanup runs, and individual operation data may be deleted earlier. See the Privacy Policy.
How do I activate or deactivate Pro?
Open Settings, enter your license key and activate it online. An active license can be deactivated from Settings. See Settings and license.
Does the extension support password protection?
Not currently. The Settings screen labels this feature as Coming soon.
Which languages are available?
Private PDF Compressor offers English, Español and Português. The English website documentation is being completed first; translated documentation will follow.