Cookie Policy

Last updated: March 3, 2026

ShellPDFs uses cookies, local storage, and similar technologies to ensure our website functions properly, to analyze our traffic, and to personalize your experience. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and your choices regarding their use.

1. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to the owners of the site. We also use "local storage" (such as browsers' localStorage), which functions similarly to cookies but allows for more data to be stored directly on your device.

2. How we use cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

Strictly Necessary (Essential) Cookies

These cookies are essential for our site to function properly and securely. We use them to manage temporary processing limits, prevent abuse of our free tools, and maintain security. Because these are required for the service to operate, they cannot be disabled in our systems.

  • shellpdfs-session: Used securely to identify active sessions and prevent automated abuse.
  • sp_vid: A unique visitor ID used strictly to enforce usage quotas and rate limits across our free tools.
  • sp_cookie_consent: Stores your preference regarding non-essential cookies.

Analytics Cookies

We use analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to collect aggregated information about how users interact with our website. This helps us understand what pages are popular and how we can improve our service. These cookies collect information such as your IP address, browser type, and navigation paths.

Advertising Cookies

We may partner with third-party advertising networks (like Google AdSense) to display advertising on our site. These partners may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our site or other websites, helping provide content that is more relevant to your interests.

3. Your Choices and Controls

When you first visit ShellPDFs, we will present a "Cookie Banner" giving you the option to opt-in or opt-out of non-essential cookies. You can update your consent at any time:

  • Update Preferences: You can choose to "Accept All" or "Decline Optional" cookies via the banner. If you wish to change your previous choice, you can clear your browser's local storage and refresh the page to see the banner again.
  • Browser Controls: Most web browsers allow some control of most cookies through the browser settings. To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them, visit internet cookies guides or the help section of your browser.

Note: Blocking strictly necessary cookies may prevent access to some features of our website or affect limit tracking.

4. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us through our contact page.