FormatOwl guidesLocal processing and privacy
Understand local files, device permissions and account data.
Where processing happens
FormatOwl public tools read and process selected files or pasted text inside your browser. Source content is not uploaded to a processing server. Some tools download engines, fonts, recognition models or language data.
Saving results
Inputs and results stay in the current page's memory. Be prepared to select your files again after leaving or refreshing. Files you download are stored by your browser and operating system; closing FormatOwl does not delete them.
Device permissions
Clipboard import and camera scanning ask for browser permission when you choose to use them. You can decline and use file selection or manual paste instead. Manage permissions in your browser's site settings.
Accounts and forms are separate
Registration, sign-in, payments, email subscriptions, profile image uploads and feedback send the information needed for those operations. They are separate from local file processing. Do not include passwords or sensitive file contents in contact forms.
Read the privacy policy, cookie policy and terms for details.
Membership checks
Advanced-tool authorization sends only tool IDs, random task IDs, input types, byte sizes and page counts, never filenames, source contents or results. Welcome balances, start months and monthly usage records are retained with the account and deleted with it. Task authorizations expire after 24 hours and are cleaned up on subsequent use. Legacy daily counters older than 31 days are cleaned up on later use. Free tools need no account authorization. Authentication, Pro membership checks and advanced exports require a network connection.