Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask us about privacy, pricing, and how the tools work.
Do you upload my files?
No — never. Formatly is a static website with no backend, so there is no server to upload to. Your images are processed entirely in your browser tab by JavaScript running on your device.
Is it really free?
Yes. All tools are free with no sign-up, no watermarks, no file-count tiers, and no "pro" upsell. A static site is cheap to host, so we can keep it that way.
Which browsers work?
Any modern browser: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. For the best experience (HEIC decoding, AVIF encoding) use the latest version of your browser — Safari 16+ is recommended on Apple devices.
Is there a file size limit?
Files up to 100 MB are accepted per file. In practice the limit is your device's memory — converting very large images or huge batches on an older phone may be slow.
How do you convert HEIC photos without a server?
We use libheif-js, an open-source HEIC decoder compiled to WebAssembly, which runs inside your browser. Your iPhone photos are decoded locally and re-encoded as JPG or PNG.
Does converting reduce image quality?
Converting between lossless formats (e.g. PNG to PNG) loses nothing. Converting to JPG or WebP uses quality settings you control — the compress tool has a live quality slider so you can find the balance you want.
Can you see my photos?
No. Because processing happens on your device, your photos never travel over the network to us. We have no way to see, store, or access them.
Do you use cookies or tracking?
No cookies, no analytics, no tracking pixels, no third-party scripts. See our privacy page for the full (short) story.
What happens to my files after I close the tab?
Nothing is left behind on our side — there never was anything on our side. Your browser may keep downloaded result files in your downloads folder, which only you control.
Can I use Formatly offline?
After the first visit, most tool pages keep working if your browser has cached them, since all processing is local. A full offline mode (service worker) is on our roadmap.
Why do some tools need a modern browser?
Features like AVIF encoding and HEIC decoding depend on capabilities your browser provides (built-in encoders, WebAssembly). Older browsers simply lack the APIs — updating usually fixes it.
How can I request a feature or report a bug?
Email hello@formatly.com or use the contact form. Tell us which tool, which browser, and what happened — screenshots help.
Still curious? Contact us or read about Formatly.