Does Smallpdf upload my PDF?

Smallpdf’s product is built around web workflows that send files to their service. Dinky processes PDFs locally on disk with no upload-for-compression step.

When is a web PDF tool the right choice?

When policy allows cloud processing, you want access from any browser, or you already subscribe to Smallpdf’s plans. For offline-first or strict on-device requirements, a Mac app like Dinky fits better.

What else does Dinky compress?

Still images (WebP, AVIF, HEIC, PNG) and MP4 video in the same app as PDFs, with batch and watch folders.

Dinky vs Smallpdf

Smallpdf lives in the tab and wants your upload first. Dinky keeps PDF, image, and video compression on your Mac, offline-friendly.

Choose Smallpdf if cloud PDF tools fit policy

When you want any-device access, integrations, or plans from Smallpdf and uploads are acceptable for those files.

Choose Dinky if files stay on the Mac

When NDAs, habit, or air-gapped workflows mean compression should not round-trip through a third-party server.

	Dinky	Smallpdf
Where it runs	Native macOS app	Web (primary); check Smallpdf for desktop offerings
Upload for compress	Not required	Typical web flow uses upload
Images / video	Yes, same app	PDF-centric product; see Smallpdf feature list
Batch / watch	Batch, watch folders, Quick Actions	Varies by product tier
Price	Free (MIT)	Freemium / subscription (see Smallpdf)
Open source	Yes (GitHub)	No

Dinky drop zone window compressing files

Local by default

Batch without another web login

Queue PDFs, stills, and video exports on disk—presets and Quick Actions replace dragging everything through a hosted uploader.

Download for macOS Learn more

33 MB · v2.7.12 · Requires macOS 15 Sequoia

More comparisons

Images

Video

PDF

All-in-one

Batch without another web login