Locked-down work laptop? Borrowed Chromebook? You don't have admin rights and you don't want to install something you'll uninstall in an hour. Browser PDF tools cover almost everything. Here's the lay of the land.
What works in a browser
Editing, signing, compressing, converting, merging, splitting, redacting, password-protecting — all available in Flint without installation. Drop your file in, do the work, download the result. Works on any operating system, any device with a modern browser. Particularly useful on work machines where IT blocks installs, on shared computers where you don't want to leave traces, and on Chromebooks where desktop PDF apps don't exist.
What's slightly different vs desktop
Performance is slightly slower for huge files (50+ MB). Bulk processing of dozens of files at once is harder. Some niche tasks (advanced prepress, complex form scripting) are still desktop-only. For 95% of personal and small-business use, browser tools are indistinguishable from desktop. Big advantage: no version mismatches, no updates, no install permissions.
Privacy considerations
Files uploaded to web tools live briefly on the server. Reputable services delete them quickly — check the privacy policy. For truly sensitive content (medical records, legal originals), prefer tools that process locally in the browser (no upload) or use the desktop version of a tool you trust. Flint documents its handling clearly on the privacy page; read it once and decide for yourself.
FAQ
Will my files be safe?
Reputable browser tools encrypt uploads in transit and delete them quickly after processing. Read the privacy policy of any tool you use. Avoid free tools that show you ads while processing your file.
Does it work offline?
Most browser tools need a connection. Some have offline modes (PWAs) that cache the editor. Check if it matters; for occasional offline use, downloading a free desktop alternative as backup makes sense.
Can I save my work?
Yes — finished files download to your machine like any other file. Some tools also offer cloud storage if you sign in. Local download is always available.
You don't need install rights to handle PDFs. Open Flint in your browser and get to it.