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    Safety & Privacy
    Beginner
    2 min read 4 stepsMarch 30, 2026Verified March 2026

    Free File Converter Websites Track You With Hundreds of Cookies

    Sites like iLovePDF can set over 600 tracking cookies from hundreds of domains the moment you upload a file. Here's what to use instead.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Safety & Privacy
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    4
    Topics covered
    privacy
    tracking
    cookies

    In this guide (4 steps):

    1. 1.Use Google Docs to convert files for free
    2. 2.Use Microsoft Word if you already have it
    3. 3.Use LibreOffice for offline converting
    4. 4.If you must use a web converter, go incognito first
    1

    Use Google Docs to convert files for free

    ~25s
    Go to docs.google.com and sign in with a Google account (free). Click the folder icon to open a file from your computer. Google Docs opens it automatically. To save in a different format, click FileDownload and choose your format (PDF, Word .docx, etc.). Your file never goes to a third-party site.

    Quick Tip

    Google Docs can open Word documents (.docx), PowerPoint files (.pptx), and many other formats directly. No separate converter needed.

    2

    Use Microsoft Word if you already have it

    ~15s
    Open your file in Microsoft Word. Click FileSave As (or Export). Choose the format you want — PDF is the most common. Word converts it instantly on your computer with no uploading.
    3

    Use LibreOffice for offline converting

    ~15s
    LibreOffice is a free, offline office program that converts files without uploading them anywhere. Download it at libreoffice.org. Open your file in LibreOfficeFileExport As PDF (or Save As for other formats). Your file never leaves your computer.
    4

    If you must use a web converter, go incognito first

    ~24s
    Open a private or incognito window in your browser (Ctrl+Shift+N in Chrome, Ctrl+Shift+P in Firefox or Edge). Use the converter in this window. Close the incognito window when done — this automatically deletes the tracking cookies set during your visit.

    Warning

    Never upload files containing your Social Security number, bank details, medical records, or passwords to a free online converter. These services may store your files on their servers.

    You Did It!

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    Free file converter websites can set hundreds of tracking cookies from dozens of ad networks the moment you upload one document. Your files may also end up stored on their servers. Safer options: use Microsoft Word or Google Docs to convert files (File > Save As or Download As), or use LibreOffice, a free offline app that converts documents without uploading anything. If you must use a web converter, use a private or incognito window and clear cookies afterward.

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    privacy
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    cookies

    Official Resources

    FTC Consumer ProtectionCISA — Cybersecurity TipsAARP Fraud Watch Network

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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