Frequently asked questions
These answers explain how NowConverter handles files, browser compatibility, output quality and common limitations. For legal details, see the Privacy Policy and Terms.
Is NowConverter free to use?
Yes. The tools are available without an account or subscription. Some tools may load free third-party JavaScript libraries when you use them.
Do my files get uploaded to NowConverter?
For the tools labelled as local processing, selected files are handled in your browser. NowConverter does not provide a file-upload endpoint or cloud file storage for those tools.
Why do some tools download extra code?
PDF, ZIP, QR, OCR, AI upscaling and certain media features need specialised browser libraries or model files. Those resources may be fetched from public content-delivery networks only when the feature needs them. Your selected file is still processed locally for tools labelled as local processing.
Which browser should I use?
A current version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari is recommended. Exact image, audio and video format support varies between browsers and devices.
Can I use NowConverter on a phone?
Yes, most tools are designed to work on modern phones and tablets. Large PDFs, high-resolution images and video conversions may be slower or may exceed a mobile device's available memory.
Why can a large file fail even though processing is local?
Browser tools use your device's memory and CPU. A very large file, many PDF pages or long video can require more memory than the browser is allowed to use.
Does NowConverter keep my converted files?
No cloud library is created by NowConverter. When a tool finishes, the result is offered directly to your browser for download. Keep your own copy if you need the file later.
Can I process confidential files?
Local processing reduces the need to send file contents to a conversion server, but you should still consider your device, browser, extensions and network environment before handling sensitive material.
Will password-protected or encrypted PDFs work?
Support is limited. Some encrypted or password-protected PDFs cannot be opened by the browser libraries used by NowConverter. Remove protection only when you are authorised to do so.
Why can the converted file look or sound different?
Conversion may change compression, colour handling, metadata, frame rate, dimensions, audio encoding or other technical details. Always review important output before replacing the original.
Does NowConverter guarantee passport, visa or official-document acceptance?
No. Tools can help resize, crop or convert files, but official requirements differ by authority and can change. Verify the current rules from the organisation receiving the document.
Does the video converter support every codec?
No. Browser-native WebM conversion works on supported browsers, while some other video and audio outputs depend on experimental browser processing. Compatibility can vary by device.
Why is an output option missing or disabled?
NowConverter only enables certain formats when the current browser can safely create them. Switching to a current desktop browser may expose more options.
Does the AI Image Upscaler upload my image?
No. AI mode downloads ONNX Runtime Web and the Real-ESRGAN model to your browser, then processes the image locally. The model comes to the image; the image is not sent to an AI server.
Do I need to sign in?
No account is required for the current tools. There is no user dashboard, upload history or cloud file library.
How is NowConverter funded?
NowConverter is independently developed. Visitors can optionally support the project through the support link. Advertising may also be introduced in the future and, if so, the privacy information will be updated accordingly.
Does the AI Transcriber upload my audio or video?
No. Transformers.js and the selected Whisper model are downloaded to your browser and transcription runs locally. If a video needs audio extraction, NowConverter may also load its local FFmpeg WebAssembly engine; the selected media is not sent to a transcription API.
Is covering text with a white box the same as redacting it?
No. A visual cover can leave the underlying PDF content in the file. For confidential information, use a dedicated secure-redaction workflow that removes the underlying content and verify the exported PDF.
What is the difference between a scanned PDF and a text PDF?
A text PDF contains selectable text objects. A scanned PDF may contain only page images until OCR adds a searchable text layer. See the scanned PDF and OCR guide for details.
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Base64 is a reversible encoding that makes binary or text data easier to carry through text-oriented systems. Anyone with the Base64 data can decode it.
Does a matching SHA-256 checksum prove a file is safe?
No. It proves that the bytes match the reference checksum. File safety and publisher trust require separate checks. Read the hash and checksum guide.