Stop sending files to sketchy servers and convert any file offline
Hey HN! I made How to Convert. Here's the problem I had and the solution I thought of: Problem When you search "How to convert PNG to ICO" on Google, you get a bunch of shady looking "free" results that send your data to unknown servers. The same is true for almost any conversion you are trying to do. So what do I want? I want something I can trust completely. AKA locally running, doesn't send my files or data anywhere and built by an independent developer building in public. Solution How to Convert Privacy-first: Files stay on your device and it works offline. Wide compatibility: Works with…
Stop sending files to sketchy servers and convert any file offline launched on February 6, 2025 with 17 votes, #875 of 5,999 launches that month and more than 90% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 1 year on.
In plain words
How to Convert is a file conversion tool that runs locally on your device without uploading files to external servers. It supports numerous file types and works offline across Mac, Windows, Linux, and web browsers. Designed for users concerned about privacy, the tool processes conversions entirely on the user's device and offers unlimited use with a one-time purchase. The application is built by an independent developer and accepts requests for additional file format support.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
Convert almost any file locally - nothing gets uploaded to the cloud. Do 5438 document, video, image, audio & email conversions with one app for Mac, Windows & Linux.
Drag and drop to convert videos , images , audio , emails , and documents locally. Convert HEIC to JPG, MP4 to MP3, Word to PDF, shrink your file size and more. Try the demo or scroll to see why you should get the app . All files are converted in the browser and do not leave your device. Use the app for offline conversions. Multi-stage conversions use intermediate formats for complex transformations. Same format conversions allow you to alter compression, quality, or other settings. Requires Mac App conversions use macOS-specific tools (e.g., iconutil for ICNS). Great app! Finally something local to convert from anything into anything else, instead of every time going to google "convert x…from howtoconvert.co
In the maker’s words, at launch
Hey HN! I made How to Convert. Here's the problem I had and the solution I thought of: Problem When you search "How to convert PNG to ICO" on Google, you get a bunch of shady looking "free" results that send your data to unknown servers. The same is true for almost any conversion you are trying to do. So what do I…
Does a similar job
all alternatives →- PTPNG to PDF Conversion in the Browser2022 · png.to-pdf.net · ▲77
Hi everyone, I build some "online" converters as a side project in the last weeks. The difference to existing conversion websites is, that my converters don't upload your files. Everything happens in your browser on your device (with the help of a lot of great Open Source Javascript libraries). I think privacy is an essential feature for a service like this, so my converters also don't use google analytics or any other form of tracking (in fact they use no external resources at all). I started this because I ended up with some .heic files from my iPhone and had to use ImageMagick every time…
Offline File ConverterJul 2026 · offlinefileconverter.com · ▲8Convert files in your browser, nothing is uploaded, ever.
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