Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about privacy, subscriptions, billing and usage limits.
Privacy, Security & WASM Execution
Do tools marked 'Local Processing' really never upload files to your servers?
Never. We compile modern PDF manipulation engines directly into WebAssembly (WASM) and browser native APIs. All parsing, rendering, and modifications occur in your machine's local RAM. You can verify this in Chrome DevTools Network panel, or completely disconnect your Wi-Fi — the tools will continue working flawlessly offline.
How are files handled for cloud tasks (e.g. OCR and large jobs)?
Cloud tasks you explicitly run stream over TLS 1.3 into isolated storage. Retention is by plan: anonymous results are not stored; Free and Week Pass keep cloud files 7 days; Pro and AI Pro keep them 30 days. Originals are deleted right after processing, task records stay up to 7 days, and you can delete anything instantly anytime. Files are never used for ads or model training.
Is PDFLean compliant with GDPR and California CCPA regulations?
We follow GDPR-ready practices with minimal data collection and no third-party behavioral tracking cookies; local tools don't upload your files. DPA/SCC signing is available on request (see Security and DPA pages). We make no HIPAA, COPPA, FERPA, or SOC 2 certification claims.
Subscriptions, Invoicing & Refunds
What benefits does a Pro subscription include?
Pro includes: unlimited cloud tasks under fair use (normal human usage — never a monthly credit allowance), 100 OCR pages/mo, 500 AI credits/mo, larger per-file and batch limits (see pricing matrix), 3 concurrent tasks on a priority lane, and 30-day cloud file retention (7 days on Free). Originals are deleted right after processing and task records stay up to 7 days — deletable instantly anytime.
How do I request the 14-day money-back refund?
If you are not 100% satisfied with your first subscription within 14 days of purchase, refund it yourself from the billing page — no reason needed and no support contact required. We issue full refunds back to your original payment method. Renewals are refundable within 72 hours of charge; unused credit packs within 7 days.
Do any plans include eSign envelopes?
No subscription tier for individuals includes envelopes: Free, Pro and AI Pro all use the eSign add-on ($15/month for 20 envelopes, billed when an envelope is sent — drafts are free). Business includes 20 envelopes per seat per month, shared across the team, and can also buy add-on packs.
Can I receive a business invoice with my company's VAT or GST ID?
Yes. Our checkout is powered by Stripe Tax. During payment, enter your company legal name and VAT/GST/Tax registration ID. A compliant VAT invoice in PDF format will be generated automatically and accessible anytime in your portal.
Can I cancel my recurring subscription at any time?
Yes, immediately and self-serve. Go to 'Account → Subscriptions & Billing' and click 'Manage Subscription'. Your Pro benefits remain fully active until the end of your prepaid billing period without premature cutoff.
Accounts & Usage Quotas
Do I need to create an account to use PDFLean?
No account is needed for browser-local PDF tools — they are free and unlimited without signing up, and files never leave your device. Cloud tasks (OCR, Office conversion, large jobs) need an account: anonymous visitors get 1 cloud task per 24 hours, free accounts 3 per 24 hours, and paid plans are unlimited under fair use.
What is the Cloud Credit Pack?
The Cloud Credit Pack is an a la carte credit bundle for occasional cloud users. Credits are valid for 12 months from purchase and require no recurring subscription or active membership. Packs purchased before October 2026 keep their original no-expiry promise.