File Conversion Guides & Privacy Tips
62 practical, in-depth articles on converting images, PDFs, documents, and data — plus how to keep your files private online.
Welcome to the PrivConvert blog. We write clear, hands-on guides for anyone who works with files — whether you're compressing photos, converting a Word document to PDF, cleaning metadata before sharing, or wrangling CSV and JSON data. Every article is written by the team behind PrivConvert, the privacy-first converter that processes your files in memory and never stores them.
Alongside step-by-step tutorials you'll find honest format comparisons, tool round-ups, and deep dives into online privacy and file-handling security. Browse by topic below, or start with our most recent guide.
Publisher Retires October 2026: Get Your .pub Files Out
Publisher leaves Microsoft 365 on 1 October 2026, and .pub is a proprietary format almost nothing else reads. Microsoft’s bulk migration tool only makes PDF and Save As Word is one file at a time — which leaves a gap exactly where the archives are.
Read articleSTL vs GLB vs OBJ: Pick by What You Are Doing
Choosing a 3D format is not about which is best, it is about whether the model is going to a printer or to a browser. Measured file sizes across six formats, and why STL turns out to be the largest of them.
Read articleYour HAR File Contains Your Session Token
Support asks you to send a HAR file. What you actually attach is every cookie, every Authorization header and every response body from that session. What is inside one, and how to strip it without making the capture useless.
Read articleTurn a CSV or Spreadsheet Into a SQLite Database You Can Query
A spreadsheet stops being useful somewhere around the third nested VLOOKUP. Converting it to SQLite gives you real joins and real GROUP BY - and column type inference decides whether your postcodes survive the trip.
Read articleTTF vs OTF vs WOFF vs WOFF2: Which Font Format Do You Need?
Two of these four describe how the file is wrapped and two describe how the letters are drawn. That single distinction tells you which font conversions are perfectly lossless and which quietly redraw every glyph.
Read articleHow to Convert Fonts for the Web and Cut Their Size by Two Thirds
Fonts load on the critical path, and until one arrives the browser may hide your text entirely. Converting to WOFF2, writing @font-face properly, and the licence question that catches people out.
Read articleMP3 vs FLAC vs WAV: Which Audio Format Should You Actually Use?
Lossy, lossless, and the mistake that quietly ruins audio: converting one lossy format to another stacks a second round of damage on the first. What each format is for, and how to pick correctly the first time.
Read articleHow to Convert WMA to MP3 and Rescue a Windows Media Player Library
Windows Media Player defaulted to WMA and never asked. Now almost nothing plays those files. How to move a library to MP3 or FLAC, which files DRM will block, and how to avoid degrading the audio on the way out.
Read articleWhy Your Audio Tags Disappear When You Convert (And When That Is a Feature)
A single MP3 can carry a device name, an email address and GPS coordinates in fields no player ever shows you. Why we strip every one of them, what that costs a music library, and how to put the tags back.
Read articleHow to Add File Conversion to Your App Without Storing User Files
Most conversion APIs hand you a job ID and keep the file in a bucket. Here is how to wire up conversion end to end - auth, endpoints, large files, errors and limits - with an API that never writes an upload to disk.
Read articleHow to Inspect a DEB, RPM or TAR.ZST Package Without Installing It
A Linux package is just an archive with metadata bolted on. Here is what really lives inside .deb, .rpm and modern tarballs, what is genuinely risky about opening one, and how to turn any of them into a browsable ZIP with its scripts made inert.
Read articleHow to Rescue an eBook Library Trapped in a Dead Reader Format
LIT, LRF, PML, PDB and TCR came from e-readers that no longer exist. How to get your books out into EPUB, PDF or Kindle, what survives the trip, and the honest truth about DRM from stores that shut down years ago.
Read articleHow to Convert DICOM to JPG or PNG (With Patient Data Removed)
DICOM scans only open in specialist viewers and carry patient data in every file. Here is how to convert .dcm to JPG or PNG with all PHI metadata stripped by default.
Read articleHow to Convert Emails (EML & MSG) to PDF
Need to archive or share an email as a document? Here is how to convert EML and MSG files to PDF - keeping headers and formatting - with no Outlook required.
Read articleHow to Convert GPS & Map Files (GPX, KML, GeoJSON)
Exported a route as GPX but Google Earth wants KML? Here is how to convert between GPX, KML and GeoJSON in seconds - free, private, and with no software.
Read articleGPX vs KML vs GeoJSON: Which Map & GPS Format Should You Use?
Three formats, three different worlds - GPS devices, Google Earth and web maps. A clear comparison of GPX, KML and GeoJSON and how to convert between them.
Read articleHow to Convert 3D Models Online (STL, OBJ, GLB & More)
A slicer wants STL, a web viewer wants GLB, an editor wants OBJ. Here is how to convert 3D models between formats in seconds - free, private, no software.
Read article3D File Formats Explained: STL vs OBJ vs PLY vs GLB vs 3MF
STL, OBJ, PLY, GLB, 3MF - they all describe a 3D shape but do very different jobs. A plain-language guide to what each stores and how to convert between them.
Read articleHow to Convert Comic Books (CBR & CBZ) to PDF or EPUB
CBR and CBZ files only open in comic readers. Here is how to convert them to PDF or EPUB - keeping page order and quality - with no WinRAR, Calibre or sign-up.
Read articleThe Parser Attack Surface: Why File Converters Must Stay Patched
Every file converter is built on parsing libraries that regularly receive security fixes. Here is why a parser CVE lands squarely on conversion tools - and how patching plus containment keeps conversions safe.
Read articlePrivConvert vs CloudConvert vs Zamzar - Which is Best in 2026?
A detailed comparison of the three most popular file converters, focusing on privacy, pricing, features, and what actually happens to your files.
Read articleConvert Files Without Uploading to a Server - Is It Possible?
Compare client-side browser conversion vs zero-retention server processing. Which approach offers better privacy, format support, and speed?
Read article10 Best Free Online File Converters in 2026 (Tested & Ranked)
We tested dozens of file converters for speed, privacy, and actual free usage limits. Here is our definitive ranking of the best options available right now.
Read article5 Best CloudConvert Alternatives in 2026 (Free & Private)
Hit CloudConvert's 25/day limit? Here are 5 alternatives with better privacy, no caps, and no file storage. We compare them head-to-head.
Read articleBest Zamzar Alternative 2026 - Free, No Email Required
Zamzar wants your email, limits you to 50MB, and charges $18/month. Here is a better option with zero restrictions and zero file storage.
Read articleHow to Convert JPG to PDF Online Free (No Signup, No Limits)
Convert JPG images to PDF instantly - single images or a whole batch. No signup, no email, no file storage, and no daily limits.
Read articleHow to Sign a PDF Online for Free
Add your signature to any PDF without printing, scanning or installing software. Draw, type or upload your signature in seconds.
Read articleHow to Remove a Password from a PDF
Have a password-protected PDF and want an unrestricted copy? Here is how to remove open and permission passwords when you know the password.
Read articleHow to Convert Excel to PDF Online Free (Keep Formatting)
Convert Excel spreadsheets to PDF without losing formatting. Free, no signup, no file storage. Supports .xlsx and .xls up to 250 MB.
Read articleHow to Convert Excel to CSV - The Complete Guide
Turn Excel spreadsheets (.xlsx, .xls) into clean CSV for data imports, database uploads and cross-platform compatibility. Free and private.
Read articleHow to Convert WebP to JPG - Quick and Easy
Downloaded a WebP image that will not open in your editor? Convert WebP to JPG in seconds - no software, works on any device.
Read articlePNG vs JPG: Which Image Format Should You Use?
PNG or JPG? Learn when to use each format - from web images and photography to logos and screenshots - and how to convert between them.
Read articleIntroducing .priv: An Encrypted File Format Built for Privacy
Meet the .priv format - an open encrypted container that protects your files, filenames, and metadata with AES-256-GCM. Everything happens in your browser, zero server contact.
Read articleHow to Convert SVG to PNG Online (And Why Developers Need It)
SVG files don't work everywhere. Here's how to convert SVG to PNG in seconds — free, private, and without installing any software.
Read articleRAR vs ZIP vs 7Z: Which Archive Format Should You Use?
A practical comparison of the most popular archive formats. Learn the differences in compression, compatibility, and speed to pick the right one for every situation.
Read articleHow to Convert RAR Files to ZIP Online (No Software Needed)
Downloaded a .rar file and can't open it? Here's how to convert it to ZIP in seconds without installing WinRAR or any other software.
Read articleTAR.GZ vs TAR.BZ2 vs ZIP: Linux Archive Formats Explained
Why does Linux use .tar.gz instead of .zip? A developer's guide to choosing the right archive format for deployments, backups, and file sharing.
Read articleHow to Compress Images Without Losing Quality
Your website is slow and your emails keep bouncing because of large image files. Here is a practical guide to shrinking file sizes while keeping images sharp.
Read articleHow to Password Protect a PDF for Free
Sending sensitive documents over email? Adding a password to your PDF takes 30 seconds and keeps prying eyes out. No software needed.
Read articleWhy You Should Remove EXIF Data Before Sharing Photos
Every photo you take stores your GPS location, camera model, and the exact time it was taken. Here is why that matters and how to strip it out.
Read articleJSON vs CSV: When to Use Which Format
Both formats are popular, but they solve different problems. A clear comparison with real-world examples to help you pick the right one.
Read articleHow to Convert HEIC Photos to JPG on Any Device
iPhone photos not opening on your PC or Android? Here is why Apple uses HEIC and how to quickly convert your photos to universal JPG format.
Read articleWhat Is WebP and Why Should You Use It?
WebP images are smaller, faster, and now supported everywhere. Learn what makes this format better than JPEG and PNG for the web.
Read articleWhy You Shouldn't Use ChatGPT to Convert Your Files
AI chatbots can convert files, but they store everything you upload and may use it for training. Here is why a privacy-first tool is the smarter choice.
Read articleWhat Happens to Files You Upload to AI Tools?
Your documents travel to AI servers, get read by models, stored for weeks, and possibly reviewed by humans. A step-by-step breakdown.
Read articleThe 7 Best Free PDF Tools You Need in 2026
From splitting and merging to compressing and protecting - these are the best free tools for working with PDFs without uploading to shady websites.
Read articleSVG vs PNG: Which Format Should You Use?
One scales to any size, the other supports every pixel. A practical comparison to help designers and developers choose the right image format.
Read articleThe Privacy Checklist for Online File Conversion
Before you upload a file to any online converter, run through this checklist. Five simple questions that protect your data from being leaked or stored.
Read articleHow to Reduce PDF File Size Without Losing Quality
Your PDF is too large to email or upload. Here are three proven methods to compress it - from quick online tools to advanced techniques.
Read articleHow to Batch Convert Hundreds of Images at Once
Need to convert 200 PNGs to JPG? Or resize a whole folder of photos? Here is how to do it in seconds without installing any software.
Read articleHow to Convert Word to PDF Without Losing Formatting
Tables breaking, fonts changing, margins shifting - here is how to convert DOCX to PDF and keep everything exactly where it should be.
Read article5 Steps to Protect Your Files Before Sharing Online
Before you send that file, make sure it is not leaking your location, identity, or private data. A simple five-step checklist.
Read articleCSV vs JSON vs XML: Data Formats Explained Simply
Three popular data formats, three different use cases. A plain-language guide to picking the right one and converting between them.
Read articleWhy Every Website Should Use WebP Images in 2026
WebP cuts image size by 30% with zero visible quality loss. Here is why it matters for your Core Web Vitals and SEO rankings.
Read articleHow to Merge Multiple PDF Files Into One
Combine invoices, reports, or scanned pages into a single PDF in seconds. No software needed, no files stored.
Read articleYAML for Beginners: A Quick Start Guide
YAML powers Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines. Learn the basics in 5 minutes and never struggle with indentation again.
Read articleThe Hidden Privacy Risks of Online File Converters
Most free converters keep your files for days, scan them for data, or sell access to third parties. Here is what really happens behind the scenes.
Read articleImage Formats Compared: JPEG, PNG, WebP, AVIF, and More
A complete side-by-side comparison of every major image format. File size, quality, transparency, browser support - all in one place.
Read articleHow to Protect Your Images with Watermarks
Why watermarking matters, where to place watermarks, and how to add them to your photos for free. A complete guide for photographers and creators.
Read articleHow to Extract Tables from PDF to Excel
Stop copy-pasting from PDFs. Learn how to pull data out of PDF files into editable Excel spreadsheets in seconds - free and private.
Read articleMarkdown to PDF: A Developer's Guide
Turn README files, documentation, and tech specs into professional PDFs. A practical guide for developers who live in Markdown.
Read articleThe Complete Guide to Converting Word Documents
Word to PDF, HTML, TXT, and JPG - when to use each format, how to convert, and tips for keeping your formatting intact.
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