Some browser PDF tools do everything locally in your browser. Others upload to a server and do the work there. The difference matters for privacy, speed and capability.
Here is what each means in practice.
Local editing
Files never leave your machine. Maximum privacy by default. Limited by your device's CPU and RAM — large files struggle. Some operations (heavy OCR, conversion) are hard to do locally.
Server-side editing
Files upload to a cloud service. Heavy operations are fast because the server has the muscle. Trade-off is trust — pick a service with encrypted upload and short retention.
Where Flint sits
Flint uses a hybrid approach — light operations happen client-side, heavy ones use encrypted server processing with short retention. Best of both for everyday work.
Best for…
Local-only when your firm forbids uploads. Server-side for speed on heavy operations. Hybrid like Flint for everyday use with sensible privacy.
FAQ
Are server-side PDF tools risky?
Reputable ones use encrypted upload and short retention. Operational risk is low for everyday documents.
Is local always private?
From the tool, yes. From local malware or backups, not necessarily.
What's Flint's retention?
Files are deleted within a short window after processing. See privacy page for details.
For everyday work, Flint's hybrid approach is the right balance.