How PDF NOVA handles your files

Tools that run in your browser

The local tools — including Merge PDF, OCR, password protection and the in-browser PDF to Word converter — process your file on your own device.

Files are not uploaded for local processing. The active PDF and its last saved revision are stored locally in IndexedDB for refresh recovery. Recovery expires after 24 hours and is removed when PDF NOVA next opens, or immediately when you choose Close Document. Unsaved edits are not restored after refresh. Copies you download remain on your device.

Tools that need a server

Office document conversion and some other format conversions require a configured server or provider. PDF to Word also offers an optional cloud engine when that provider is configured. The workspace explains when a file will be uploaded.

PDF NOVA does not keep uploads in a document database or log file names and contents. The local LibreOffice converter removes its temporary directory after each request. External providers have their own retention terms; immediate deletion by those providers is not guaranteed by this application.

AI features

When configured, Ask PDF, Ask Across PDFs, summaries and study guides send extracted text, document file names and your questions through PDF NOVA to Anthropic. The original PDF is not sent to the AI provider. Translation is not available yet.

PDF NOVA does not save AI request content to a database or application logs. Anthropic handles submitted data under its own retention and data-use terms.

Accounts

The free local tools work without an account. Accounts, subscriptions and cloud storage are not available yet. The recent-files list lives in this tab’s memory. The separate active-document recovery copy stays in this browser for up to 24 hours; Close Document removes it. Saved signatures are kept only when you opt in and can be deleted from the Signature Vault.