THE FILES.CO JOURNAL
Notes on PDFs, privacy, and standards.
How the tools work, why your files never leave the browser, and the technical detail that matters.
Guides
files.co vs PDFsam: do you need to install Java for that?
PDFsam Basic is a solid, private desktop app for splitting and merging PDFs, but it runs on Java and the advanced tools cost money. files.co is free in the browser.
Jun 17, 2026 · 6 min read Guidesfiles.co vs PDF Arranger: page tweaks vs the full toolbox
PDF Arranger is a great open-source desktop app for reordering pages on Linux. files.co runs 20 PDF tools in any browser, nothing to install. Here's the honest split.
Jun 16, 2026 · 6 min read Guidesfiles.co vs Stirling-PDF: hosted yourself, or just open a tab?
Stirling-PDF is excellent open-source PDF software you self-host. files.co runs in your browser with nothing to install. Here's how to pick.
Jun 15, 2026 · 7 min readNo spam. Just PDF craft.
Once in a while, a useful note on PDFs and privacy.