Spammy Online Tools to Convert PDFs – Why Should you Avoid Using Them?

If you search convert PDF to Word or "PDF conversion services" online, you will find a list of several online PDF converters. There are multiple sites that instruct you to upload PDF files to be changed into a Word document in 5 minutes without running any software. But do you believe that these services that change PDFs are safe? Before you use an online service, think about the bugs your files your file might get infected by. But are all those sites unsafe, or can you find some that offer robust security and functionality? Let us see. 

Top 6 Potential Risks of Online PDF File Converters

Online PDF converter tools are handy and flexible, but they also come with some risks and threats that you should be aware of. 

Let us take a quick look at what they are and keep note of these when looking for PDF tools online:
 

1. Compromised Safety

Security is paramount when uploading confidential documents for conversion, editing, compressing, etc. When you use an online file converter, you must send your file to their server and then download the changed file quickly. This puts you at risk of getting viruses and trojans on your computer or business system. Also, be very careful if the website asks for your contact information to send you unwanted notifications. 
 

2. Deteriorated Quality

Choosing among fast, free, and quality tools, you can only select 2 out of three parameters. But which one should you compromise on? If you focus on free and fast tools, then quality will be hampered. Let’s take the example of online image converters. Typically, converters from raster to vector must trace the picture and turn it into vector shapes. On the other hand, some online tools encode the image in a more straightforward format or convert it poorly.

This problem is even more apparent when converting from raster to vector, which is tricky. Good software to convert PDFs can teach you when to use Arcs instead of Bezier curves, how to get the most out of the number of grab points, and more. Harmful software that changes files doesn't do that. This is an example of the lousy work that a web file converter would do, resulting in poor quality images. 
 

3. Breached Privacy

All online PDF converter processors claim to be safe and reliable. However, privacy issues become quite pressing when dealing with confidential and sensitive design information. It does not become an issue with generic content but confidential content must be protected at all times. At the very least, ensure the website doesn't keep files on its computer or back them up in its cloud for long periods. 

For example, Adobe Acrobat servers do not save the content on their cloud for long. Once you have uploaded a file for conversion or edits, their database automatically deletes it within some time, unless you sign in to download and share it. 
 

4. Large File Sizes

Most of these online PDF converters can't change file sizes. Files can usually be at most 50 to 100 MB. When you choose one of these websites to convert files, you must also follow their service-level agreements (SLAs). For example, the SLAs may say how many files you can convert or how many conversion minutes each user can use daily. The site owners have to implement these rules to keep the site up and running because most of these services are free.
 

5. Limited Functionality

Easy-to-use online PDF converters, usually lack advanced features like OCR support or endless chat facility. These features are usually only available in dedicated on-premise software. In such cases, it is always wise to look over your files for any signs of complicated formatting before you use a web-based PDF to Word conversion or a similar service.
 

6. Internet Dependency

When you use a PDF converter, everything works great until it doesn't. If you're in a place where the connection is wrong or if the service provider's servers go down, it could mess up your work. Most free PDF converter tools have an offline mode that lets you work without being connected to the internet. This ensures your work keeps moving.

Also, the conversion process can lower or compress the quality of images and graphics. This can happen because it was poorly coded, to begin with, or was done on purpose to make you pay more for better choices.
 

Avoid Mediocracy - Choose Trusted PDF Converters

Online free PDF converters have many advantages, such as being easy to use, compatible with different file formats, and are inexpensive. But it's important to know what they can't do. They heavily depend on the internet, which could pose privacy and security risks and have limited features. Ultimately, the best free online PDF converter should address your needs and concerns. By thinking about the pros and cons we discussed, you should be able to make an informed decision that will help your workflow and keep your data safe.