FormatOwlWhat is FormatOwl?
FormatOwl is a browser-based toolkit for compressing, converting, editing and translating everyday video, audio, image and document files.
Frequently asked questions
Find clear answers about files, privacy, pricing and how FormatOwl works.
Which files can I use?
FormatOwl supports video, audio, images, PDFs and selected office documents. Each tool lists its supported formats and size limits. The homepage uploader opens a suitable tool for your file type.
How do I choose the right tool?
Start with the task you want to finish, then check the formats listed on the tool card. Uploading a file from the homepage can also open a suitable tool automatically.
Do I need an account?
No. You can try public samples and start supported file tasks without an account. An account helps you return to your workspace and manage saved results.
Do I need to pay first?
Viewing and downloading public samples is free and uses no credits. Processing your own file or reprocessing a sample follows the current credit rules, with a cost estimate before submission. See Credits & pricing for prices and availability.
Can I process multiple files?
Many tools accept multiple files of the same type. The tool page shows its file limit; upload files separately when a tool does not support a batch.
How long are my files stored?
Uploaded originals and results are private to their account or browser session. By default they expire 24 hours after upload and are removed by the cleanup process. You can delete them sooner in your workspace. Public samples contain no user uploads.
Are my uploaded files private?
Yes. Uploaded originals and results are private to your account or browser session. They expire after 24 hours by default and can be deleted sooner from your workspace.
Will every file get the same result?
Results depend on the content, original encoding and settings. Already compressed files may not become much smaller, and format conversion can increase size. Preview the result and download it to check the details.
Will every file become smaller after compression?
No. Already-compressed files or files with little removable data may change very little, and some results can be larger. Preview the result before replacing the original.
Why was my upload rejected?
The file may use an unsupported format, exceed the tool size limit, be damaged, or be mixed with another file type. Check the formats and limits shown on the selected tool.
Can I preview the result before downloading?
Yes. Supported workspaces show a preview and the estimated cost before you submit the task. Review the result, then download it when it looks right.
How can I get help?
Start with the Guides for task-specific steps, check the tool page for supported formats and limits, or contact support from the link in the footer.