What is Atlas PDF?
Atlas PDF is a Windows desktop app for reading, searching, annotating, OCR, merging, splitting, signatures, export and optional AI features.
FAQ
Answers to common questions about Atlas PDF, licensing, privacy, AI, installation and business pilots.
General
Which platforms are supported?
The current release focuses on Windows. Linux, macOS, Android and iOS are planned as future release channels.
Can I use Atlas PDF for free?
Yes. The Free plan is intended for reading, search, form filling and basic annotations. Advanced tools are available through Pro, AI, Early Access or business agreements.
Licensing and devices
Do I need an account?
Yes. Atlas PDF uses accounts for licensing, device activation, billing and entitlement syncing.
How does device activation work?
The desktop app shows a code that links the device to your account through the website. Plan entitlements are then synced automatically.
How many devices can I use?
That depends on your plan. The dashboard shows how many devices are active and how many devices your license allows.
Can I remove a device?
Yes. Devices can be revoked through the dashboard or by an administrator, freeing the license for another device.
Privacy and AI
Are my PDFs sent to Atlas servers?
By default, PDFs are opened and processed locally in the desktop app. Online services are used for accounts, licensing, updates, optional AI features and signature requests.
When is AI used?
AI is used only when a user intentionally starts an AI action, such as summarizing, asking questions or using document help, and when the account has the required entitlement.
Can we avoid AI during a pilot?
Yes. You can limit the pilot to Pro features and enable AI only for a smaller approved test group.
Is document text stored for AI?
Atlas PDF is designed around local document processing. Document analysis is not stored by default; sensitive content should only be used with AI when your organization allows it.
PDF features
How does OCR work?
OCR turns scanned or image-based PDF pages into searchable text. Quality depends on scan quality, language, resolution and document layout.
What is the difference between save and export?
Use Export Final PDF when visible changes must be permanently embedded into the PDF file. This prevents confusion between work state and a finished PDF.
How does password protection work?
Password protection is applied when exporting a final PDF. The recipient needs the password to open the file.
Can Atlas PDF open protected PDFs?
Yes, protected PDFs can be opened when the correct password is entered. Some PDF restrictions can depend on the viewer used to open the file.
What does Document Compare do?
Document Compare compares extracted PDF text. It is not a full visual layout comparison.
How do signature requests work?
A sender creates a signature request. The signer opens a secure link, places or confirms the signature and the sender can find the signed document in the dashboard.
Installation and updates
How do I install Atlas PDF?
Download the Windows installer from the download page and follow the installation steps. The installer and desktop app are signed.
Why can Windows SmartScreen show a warning?
New or low-download apps can temporarily be marked as unknown, even when signed. Reputation builds as more users install the app.
How do automatic updates work?
The desktop app checks the Atlas update API for new versions, release information and update files.
Business use and pilots
Is Atlas PDF suitable for a company pilot?
Yes. For pilots, we recommend a phased rollout: first 5-10 power users, then a broader group and finally all pilot users.
Can we limit AI during a pilot?
Yes. You can start with Pro licenses for most users and enable AI only for a small approved group.
Can we collect feedback centrally?
Yes. The pilot page includes a feedback form. Submissions appear in the admin feedback overview.
Can we arrange invoices or business terms?
For business pilots, volume licensing, billing and support arrangements, contact us through the contact page.
Billing and subscriptions
How can I manage my subscription?
Paid subscriptions are managed through the dashboard. Payments are processed by Stripe.
Can I cancel?
Yes. Subscriptions can be managed or cancelled through the dashboard. Access normally remains available until the end of the paid period.
Can I get an invoice?
Invoices and payment details are provided through Stripe. For business billing, contact us.