Frequently Asked Questions

Is File Forge really free?

Yes. Every tool is free with no daily limits, no watermarks, and no account. The project is open source (MIT / Apache-2.0), and the public site is supported by unobtrusive ads so it can stay free.

What happens to my files after I upload them?

Three things, all automatic: the upload is removed as soon as processing finishes; the result is deleted from the server the moment you download it; and a background sweeper purges anything older than one hour. No human ever looks at your files. Unlike closed-source tools, you don't have to take our word for it — the code that does this is public.

Is there a file size limit?

Uploads are capped (50 MB by default on the public site) to keep the free service fast for everyone. If you self-host, you can raise the limit with a single environment variable.

Can I run File Forge myself?

Yes — that's the point of being open source. Clone the repository, install the Python requirements, and run python main.py, or use the included Dockerfile. Your files then never leave your machine.

Can File Forge crack a PDF password I don't know?

No. Unlock PDF removes encryption only when you provide the correct password. It does not guess, brute-force, or bypass anything.

Why did my conversion fail?

The most common causes: the file is over the size cap, the PDF password was wrong, or the file is corrupted. Try again, and if it keeps failing, tell us — ideally with the error message you saw.

Which tools are available?

Unlock PDF, PDF to Word, Compress PDF, Extract PDF Pages, PDF to Text, HEIC to JPG, and Resize / Crop Image — plus a Workflow Builder that chains steps together.