Offline-friendly PDF tools
Local processing means your document workflow does not depend on uploading to a SaaS API.
GroundPDF is an installable PWA with a minimal service worker: after the first visit it caches the app shell, core Wasm engine, and top tools (merge PDF, compress PDF, compress image). PDF bytes are processed locally and are never uploaded.
Heavy optional engines (OCR, ffmpeg video) are not precached (~tens of MB); they download from our origin on first use and can stay cached afterward. You still get the privacy win of no document upload either way.
Best offline-friendly workflows
- Merge + compress before sending email
- Sign and watermark without a signing cloud
- OCR a scan when you do not want the scan stored remotely
FAQs
Does offline mean no internet ever?
You need internet to load the site and engines the first time. Document processing does not upload your PDF for core tools.
PWA install?
Yes. Install GroundPDF from your browser (Add to Home Screen / Install app). A service worker caches the shell and core Wasm so top tools work offline after the first visit.
Which tools are heaviest?
OCR and video pull larger engines; PDF merge/split/rotate are lighter.
Is it free?
Yes for core tools.