Do my files get uploaded?

Usually no. Preview, trim, most MP4/WebM jobs, images and PDF stay in the tab. Convert destinations that crop or write DVD/GIF, stabilize, hard studio imports (AVI/WMV/FLV) and a failed local encode POST the file to /api/encode. The result is returned and the upload is discarded. The badge says "Browser-first · upload only when a format needs it".

Then why do I need an internet connection?

To load the page and the tool's code. Local jobs then run in the tab. Jobs that need FFmpeg still need the encoder. A full offline mode (installable app) is on the roadmap.

Where does the exported file go?

It is saved by your browser like any download. Nothing is kept on our side.

How many files can I process for free?

8 exports per day, up to 500 MB each. The counter resets at midnight UTC. Opening, previewing and adjusting a file does not count — only exporting does.

Why is there a daily limit?

Local exports still use your device; server jobs use the 4 GB host. The cap keeps the free tier sustainable and tells us how much demand there is for Plus. The limit is enforced softly; it is not a security boundary.

Very long files fail with a memory message. Why?

Effects that require decoding turn a compressed file into raw samples, which takes several gigabytes for hours of audio. Use the no-re-encoding cut for long files, or split them first.

Which formats can I export?

MP3 and WAV everywhere. M4A/AAC, FLAC and Opus depend on your browser's built-in encoders; the export menu shows only what your browser can produce.

Why can't I make an .m4r ringtone in Firefox?

Firefox has no AAC encoder. Use Chrome, Edge or Safari for .m4r, or export an MP3 ringtone.

Which browsers are supported?

Current Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari on desktop and mobile. Safari 17 or newer is needed for keeping files between tools.

Is there a paid plan?

Not yet. Plus is described on the pricing page; leave your email there and we will tell you when it launches. No account is needed for the free tools.

Sign in with Google or with an email and password. Tools still work without an account. Plus is not on sale yet — the waitlist on Pricing is only a launch note.

What happens if a charge goes wrong?

Nothing is charged today. The refund policy at /legal/refund explains the 14-day rule that will apply when Paddle is live.

AVI / WMV / FLV failed in the browser. Now what?

Those containers are sent to the server FFmpeg encoder (whitelist arguments only). If that job fails too, the file uses a codec we cannot decode — convert it to MP4 locally first.

The encoder said it was busy.

The 4 GB host runs one FFmpeg job at a time. Wait a few seconds and retry. Long 4K files may time out; trim first.

Camera or microphone was denied.

Use the padlock in the address bar and allow the permission, then reload. Recording never leaves this device.

Can I import from a URL?

Yes — paste a direct public http(s) link on the tool page. We block private/loopback addresses. Google Drive opens with the same Google client used for sign-in, asking for read-only Drive access when you click it. Dropbox needs a Dropbox app key on the host.

Found a translation error?

Use Contact and mention the language and the page. The language menu has 16 locales, each with its own copy. We want it to read as if a local wrote it — tell us if a phrase sounds off.

Help

Short answers about privacy, limits, formats and browsers.

Privacy and processing

Do my files get uploaded?: Usually no. Preview, trim, most MP4/WebM jobs, images and PDF stay in the tab. Convert destinations that crop or write DVD/GIF, stabilize, hard studio imports (AVI/WMV/FLV) and a failed local encode POST the file to /api/encode. The result is returned and the upload is discarded. The badge says "Browser-first · upload only when a format needs it".
Then why do I need an internet connection?: To load the page and the tool's code. Local jobs then run in the tab. Jobs that need FFmpeg still need the encoder. A full offline mode (installable app) is on the roadmap.
Where does the exported file go?: It is saved by your browser like any download. Nothing is kept on our side.

Limits

How many files can I process for free?: 8 exports per day, up to 500 MB each. The counter resets at midnight UTC. Opening, previewing and adjusting a file does not count — only exporting does.
Why is there a daily limit?: Local exports still use your device; server jobs use the 4 GB host. The cap keeps the free tier sustainable and tells us how much demand there is for Plus. The limit is enforced softly; it is not a security boundary.
Very long files fail with a memory message. Why?: Effects that require decoding turn a compressed file into raw samples, which takes several gigabytes for hours of audio. Use the no-re-encoding cut for long files, or split them first.

Formats and browsers

Which formats can I export?: MP3 and WAV everywhere. M4A/AAC, FLAC and Opus depend on your browser's built-in encoders; the export menu shows only what your browser can produce.
Why can't I make an .m4r ringtone in Firefox?: Firefox has no AAC encoder. Use Chrome, Edge or Safari for .m4r, or export an MP3 ringtone.
Which browsers are supported?: Current Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari on desktop and mobile. Safari 17 or newer is needed for keeping files between tools.

Plans and account

Is there a paid plan?: Not yet. Plus is described on the pricing page; leave your email there and we will tell you when it launches. No account is needed for the free tools.
How do I sign in?: Sign in with Google or with an email and password. Tools still work without an account. Plus is not on sale yet — the waitlist on Pricing is only a launch note.
What happens if a charge goes wrong?: Nothing is charged today. The refund policy at /legal/refund explains the 14-day rule that will apply when Paddle is live.

Encoding and permissions

AVI / WMV / FLV failed in the browser. Now what?: Those containers are sent to the server FFmpeg encoder (whitelist arguments only). If that job fails too, the file uses a codec we cannot decode — convert it to MP4 locally first.
The encoder said it was busy.: The 4 GB host runs one FFmpeg job at a time. Wait a few seconds and retry. Long 4K files may time out; trim first.
Camera or microphone was denied.: Use the padlock in the address bar and allow the permission, then reload. Recording never leaves this device.
Can I import from a URL?: Yes — paste a direct public http(s) link on the tool page. We block private/loopback addresses. Google Drive opens with the same Google client used for sign-in, asking for read-only Drive access when you click it. Dropbox needs a Dropbox app key on the host.

Translations

Found a translation error?: Use Contact and mention the language and the page. The language menu has 16 locales, each with its own copy. We want it to read as if a local wrote it — tell us if a phrase sounds off.

Something else? Write to hello@batonbox.com. Contact