Privacy Policy

1. Overview

PDFForge ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that information.

PDFForge is designed with privacy as a core principle. Most PDF processing happens entirely in your browser — your files never leave your device for browser-side tools. Server-side tools process files temporarily and do not retain them.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Files You Process

For browser-side tools (Merge, Split, Rotate, Watermark, Sign, Annotate, Page Numbers, Reorder, Decorate): your files never leave your device. Processing happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. We receive no data about the files you process.

For server-side tools (Compress, Protect, Unlock, Remove Watermark, Rasterize): your file is transmitted over HTTPS to our secure backend API, processed, and the result is returned to you. We do not log file contents, filenames, or document metadata. Files are deleted from server memory immediately after processing. We do not retain any copies.

2.2 Usage Analytics

We collect anonymised analytics data to understand how tools are used, which tools are most popular, and how to improve performance. This data includes page views, tool usage events, and general performance metrics. It does not include any file content or personally identifiable information.

2.3 Server Logs

Our hosting infrastructure automatically logs HTTP request metadata including IP addresses, timestamps, request paths, and response codes. These logs are used for security monitoring and are retained for 30 days. IP addresses are anonymised in analytics.

3. Cookies and Tracking

We use minimal cookies necessary for site functionality. We do not use advertising cookies, cross-site tracking cookies, or sell user data to third parties.

If we use a third-party analytics service (such as Plausible Analytics, a privacy-focused alternative to Google Analytics), it is configured to not use cookies and to anonymise IP addresses.

4. Third-Party Services

PDFForge is hosted on Vercel (frontend) and Railway (backend API). These services may collect server-level logs as part of their infrastructure operation. You can review their privacy policies at vercel.com/legal/privacy-policy and railway.app/legal/privacy.

5. Children's Privacy

PDFForge does not knowingly collect any personal information from children under 13. If you are under 13, please do not use our service or provide any information about yourself.

6. Your Rights (GDPR / CCPA)

Since we collect minimal personal data, most rights requests will be straightforward. You have the right to:

• Know what personal data we hold about you
• Request deletion of any personal data
• Opt out of analytics (most are anonymous)
• Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at hello@pdfforge.app.

7. Security

All data transmission is encrypted via HTTPS/TLS. Server-side file processing occurs in isolated request contexts. We do not store processed files and have no long-term file storage infrastructure.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We'll update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of PDFForge after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact

For privacy-related questions, email us at: hello@pdfforge.app