Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about ConvertZen's file conversion services, security, pricing, and more.
General Questions
What is ConvertZen?
ConvertZen is a free online file conversion platform that supports over 24 different file converters. We help you convert PDFs, images, videos, audio files, and documents quickly and securely without requiring any software installation.
How many files can I convert for free?
Free users can convert up to 3 files per hour (5 files per day total). This limit resets every hour, allowing you to convert files throughout the day. Pro users get unlimited conversions with no restrictions.
What file types do you support?
We support 24 different converters including PDF conversions (PDF to Word, PDF to JPG, Word to PDF), image conversions (JPG to PNG, PNG to JPG, HEIC to JPG), video conversions (MP4 to MP3, MP4 to MOV, video compression), audio conversions (MP3 to WAV, WAV to MP3), and document tools (PDF to Excel, PDF to Text, TXT to PDF). Check our homepage for the complete list.
Do I need to create an account to use ConvertZen?
No account is required for basic conversions. However, creating a free account gives you access to conversion history, higher daily limits, and the ability to upgrade to Pro for unlimited conversions.
Is ConvertZen really free?
Yes! Our free tier is genuinely free with no hidden costs. Free users get 3 conversions per hour with ads. We also offer a Pro subscription for unlimited conversions, ad-free experience, and priority processing.
File Security & Privacy
Are my files secure?
Absolutely! All files are encrypted during upload using industry-standard TLS/SSL encryption. Files are processed on secure servers and automatically deleted from our systems within 1 hour after conversion. We never store your files permanently or share them with third parties.
What happens to my files after conversion?
Your uploaded files and converted files are automatically and permanently deleted from our servers 1 hour after conversion completes. This ensures your privacy and data security.
Do you store or share my converted files?
No, we never store your files long-term or share them with anyone. Files are temporarily stored only during the conversion process and for 1 hour afterward to allow you to download them. After that, they're permanently deleted.
Can other people access my files?
No. Each conversion generates a unique, secure download link that only you have access to. Other users cannot see or access your files.
What about password-protected PDFs?
We cannot process password-protected or encrypted PDFs to respect file security. You'll need to remove the password protection before converting using the owner password.
Conversion Process
How long does conversion take?
Most conversions complete in 2-10 seconds depending on file size and type. Small PDFs and images convert almost instantly. Larger video files or complex documents may take 30-60 seconds. Pro users get priority processing for even faster conversions.
What's the maximum file size I can upload?
Free users can upload files up to 50MB. Pro users can upload files up to 200MB. For larger files, consider compressing them first or splitting them into smaller files.
Can I convert multiple files at once?
Currently, you can convert one file at a time. However, conversions are very fast (usually under 10 seconds), so you can quickly process multiple files sequentially. Batch conversion is a feature we're considering for Pro users.
Why did my conversion fail?
Conversions may fail if: (1) your file is corrupted, (2) the file exceeds size limits, (3) the file is password-protected, or (4) the file isn't actually in the format you selected. Try opening your file in its native application first to verify it's not corrupted.
Does conversion reduce quality?
We strive to maintain maximum quality. For most conversions (like PDF to Word), quality is preserved perfectly. For image conversions, quality depends on the source - we never compress more than necessary. Video and audio conversions may involve some compression, but we use high-quality settings.
File Format Questions
What's the difference between JPG and PNG?
JPG (JPEG) uses lossy compression, creating smaller files but with slight quality loss - ideal for photos. PNG uses lossless compression, preserving perfect quality and supporting transparency - ideal for graphics, logos, and screenshots. Choose JPG for photos and PNG for graphics with text or transparency.
Why convert Word to PDF instead of just saving as PDF?
Our converter ensures maximum compatibility and quality. Some versions of Word create PDFs with compatibility issues or incorrectly embedded fonts. Our converter produces universally compatible PDFs with proper font embedding.
Will my PDF formatting be preserved when converting to Word?
We preserve formatting as accurately as possible, including fonts, colors, images, tables, and layout. Complex layouts (multi-column designs, text boxes) may require minor manual adjustments. Simple documents typically convert perfectly.
Can I convert scanned PDFs to Word?
Yes! Our converter includes OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology to extract text from scanned PDFs. The accuracy depends on scan quality - clear, high-resolution scans (300 DPI+) produce the best results.
What's an HEIC file and why should I convert it?
HEIC is Apple's image format used on iPhones. While efficient, it's not compatible with many Windows programs and websites. Converting HEIC to JPG ensures your photos work everywhere.
Pricing & Subscriptions
What's included in the Pro subscription?
Pro users get: (1) unlimited conversions with no hourly or daily limits, (2) ad-free experience, (3) priority processing for faster conversions, (4) larger file size limits (200MB vs 50MB), and (5) conversion history access. Pro costs $4.99/month.
Can I cancel my subscription?
Yes, you can cancel anytime from your account dashboard. No questions asked. When you cancel, you'll retain Pro benefits until the end of your current billing period.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and PayPal through our secure payment processor. We use Stripe and PayPal for secure payment processing.
Do you offer refunds?
Yes, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied with Pro for any reason, contact us within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
Is there a family or business plan?
Currently, we offer individual Pro subscriptions. Business plans with team features and API access are coming soon. Contact us if you're interested in business solutions.
Technical Support
What browsers are supported?
ConvertZen works on all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. We recommend using the latest version of your browser for the best experience.
Can I use ConvertZen on mobile devices?
Yes! ConvertZen is fully mobile-responsive and works on smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android). The conversion process works exactly the same on mobile as on desktop.
My download link expired. Can I get my file back?
If your download link expired (after 1 hour), you can generate a new download link by clicking the 'Generate New Link' button on the conversion page. Files are kept on our servers for 1 hour after conversion.
I'm getting an error message. What should I do?
First, try refreshing the page and attempting the conversion again. If the issue persists, check that: (1) your file isn't corrupted, (2) your file is under the size limit, (3) your internet connection is stable. If problems continue, contact our support team with details about the error.
How do I contact support?
You can reach our support team through the contact form on our Contact page. We typically respond within 24 hours on business days. Pro users get priority support with faster response times.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our support team is here to help!
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