Choose a PDF processing path before selecting a file
Tool Factory shows a Browser or Network status beside every listed PDF tool. This first-party label describes the configured processing path, while each tool page explains the task, expected output, and important limits.
| Path | Where the active task runs | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|
| Browser tool | Inside the current browser context on the device. | The task works locally and the device has enough memory. |
| Network tool | Through the disclosed remote request path. | The task needs current remote data or an approved server capability. |
| Desktop application | Inside installed local software under its own permissions. | The file is large, complex, automated, or needs advanced document controls. |
| Command-line workflow | Inside a local or managed execution environment. | A repeatable batch process and detailed logs matter more than a visual interface. |
How to complete this task
- Read the processing label. Confirm whether the selected tool says Browser or Network before adding a document.
- Keep the source PDF. Work from a copy when forms, signatures, attachments, metadata, or accessibility structure matter.
- Run one focused task. Merge, split, inspect, or convert with the smallest tool that satisfies the outcome.
- Inspect every important feature. Review text, fonts, page order, links, forms, annotations, images, and file size.
- Close shared sessions. Remove downloaded copies and close the page when sensitive work finishes on a shared device.
Common use cases
Private page extraction
Use a Browser tool when selected pages can be produced without an external request.
Document inspection
Inspect metadata or structure locally, then assess whether the result meets the investigation need.
Format conversion
Convert a copy and compare the output because document features may not survive every target format.
Evidence and standards
- W3C File API: The File API defines browser objects and interfaces for selected files, binary data, local reading, and blob URLs.
- WHATWG HTML file upload state: The HTML standard defines the file input control used to select local files for a web application.
- ISO 32000-2:2020: ISO 32000-2:2020 is the document-management standard for Portable Document Format 2.0.
- Adobe PDF Reference 1.7: Adobe's PDF reference documents the file structures and interactive features used by older PDF versions.
- OWASP File Upload Cheat Sheet: OWASP documents security controls for applications that accept and store uploaded files.
Important limits
- Browser processing still uses device memory and temporary browser-managed objects during the active session.
- A local processing path does not prove that a document is safe, authentic, or free from active content.
- Large or complex PDFs can exceed browser memory, worker, font, or format-support limits.