We built PaperThePDF with privacy at the core. Here is exactly what we collect, process, and delete.
PaperThePDF ("we", "us", or "our") operates the website at www.paperthepdf.com. We provide a free, browser-based tool that converts digital PDF files and images into realistic-looking scanned documents.
This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use PaperThePDF. We have designed the service to minimise data collection to the absolute minimum required to provide the conversion service.
We collect the least possible information needed to run the service:
We do not collect:
Your uploaded file is used exclusively to produce the scanned PDF or ZIP output that you download. The processing pipeline applies scan simulation effects (paper tone, grayscale, rotation, blur, noise, JPEG compression, aging effects, watermarks, and annotations) and assembles the output file. No human at PaperThePDF reads, inspects, or analyses your document content.
Your files are never used to:
Converted output files are automatically and permanently deleted within 3 minutes of conversion completing — whether or not you download them. Uploaded source files used for live preview are deleted within 1 hour of upload. A background cleanup process runs every minute to enforce these limits. You never need to manually delete your files.
Your signature or stamp images (if you use the annotation feature) are stored in server memory — not on disk — and are evicted from memory when your session expires or the server restarts. They are never written to long-term storage.
PaperThePDF does not set advertising or tracking cookies. The application may use your browser's localStorage to save your preferred scan settings and named profiles so they persist between visits. This data is stored entirely on your device and is never sent to our server. You can clear it at any time through your browser's developer tools or storage settings.
PaperThePDF does not embed third-party advertising networks, social media trackers, analytics SDKs, or marketing pixels. The only external network requests made by the application are to our own server at paperthepdf.com.
All communication between your browser and the PaperThePDF server is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS. Uploaded files are stored in a server-side temporary directory with access restricted to the application process. We follow security best practices including input validation, file-type checking, file-size limits, and automatic session expiry.
PaperThePDF is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect any personal information from children. If you believe a child has submitted personal information through our service, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.
Because we do not collect personally identifiable information, most data-subject rights under GDPR and similar regulations (access, rectification, deletion, portability) are satisfied by design — there is no personal data profile linked to you. Your uploaded source files are deleted within 1 hour, and converted output files within 3 minutes of completion. If you have any specific concern, contact us and we will respond within 30 days.
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top. Continued use of PaperThePDF after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or the data practices of PaperThePDF, you can reach us through the contact information listed on www.paperthepdf.com.