ClonyPDF Help Center
How the tools work, what the file limits are, how your data is handled, and how to fix the errors that come up most often.
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ClonyPDF is a set of browser-based file tools. There is no account, no email and no install, and output files carry no watermark. Pick a tool, upload your file, and download the result. PDF and image tools accept files up to 20 MB; the Passport Photo Maker accepts photos up to 15 MB.
If you already know what you need, jump straight to all ClonyPDF tools or the Passport Photo Maker. If something went wrong, go to troubleshooting.
The two tool families
ClonyPDF covers two separate jobs. Choosing the right family first saves the most time.
PDF & image tools
Compress, merge, split, rotate, protect, unlock and convert documents. Built for email attachments, upload forms and government portals with strict size limits.
Passport & visa photo maker
Crop and size a photo to an official document specification, with the correct head height, background and pixel dimensions for the country you are applying to.
How the tools work
Every tool follows the same four steps.
- Choose the tool — start from all tools, or open the specific tool you need directly.
- Upload your file — drag and drop, or tap to browse. Nothing is submitted until you pick a file.
- Process — keep the tab open. Navigating away or closing the browser cancels the job.
- Download — save the result. Generate it again if you need a second copy; temporary files do not persist.
File limits and supported formats
These are the limits enforced by the tools. Destination portals often apply their own, stricter limits — check the form you are filling in.
| Setting | PDF & image tools | Passport Photo Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum upload size | 20 MB per file | 15 MB per photo |
| Accepted input | PDF; JPG, JPEG and PNG for image-to-PDF | JPG, JPEG, PNG, WebP |
| Maximum image dimension | Not applicable | 6000 px on the longest edge |
| Output | PDF, JPG, PNG or WebP depending on the tool | JPEG, plus a printable multi-photo sheet |
| Account required | No | No |
| Watermark | None | None |
File too large? Compress it before you upload. Compress PDF handles documents, and for tight portal targets there are dedicated pages for 100 KB and under 200 KB.
For photos, see reduce photo file size or compress to 240 KB. If your phone saves HEIC files, convert first with the HEIC to JPEG guide.
Privacy and data retention
Uploads travel over an encrypted HTTPS connection. Files are not attached to an account, are not added to any permanent library, and are not shared with third parties.
- No account, so no file history is kept against your identity
- Temporary working files are removed automatically and cleared from temporary storage within one hour of upload
- Download links are single-purpose and expire with the temporary file
- Output files are never watermarked or altered beyond the operation you requested
Full detail is in the privacy policy, and the conditions of use are in the terms of service.
Troubleshooting common problems
The issues reported most often, and what fixes each one.
Upload is rejected as too large
The file exceeds 20 MB (or 15 MB for photos). Run it through Compress PDF first, then retry the original tool.
"Unsupported file type"
Check the format column in the table above. iPhone HEIC photos and Office documents are not accepted directly — convert to JPEG or PDF first.
A password-protected PDF will not process
Encrypted PDFs cannot be edited until the restriction is removed. Use Unlock PDF, then return to the tool you needed.
Processing stops partway through
Almost always a dropped connection or a closed tab. Reconnect, keep the tab in the foreground, and upload again. Very large scanned documents take longest.
The download link no longer works
Temporary files expire within an hour. Re-run the tool to generate a fresh file.
A portal rejected my passport photo
Check the exact specification on your country page, then confirm the individual rule: background colour, head size, shadows or all rejection reasons.
The printed photo came out the wrong size
Print at 300 DPI on photo paper with page scaling turned off. See printing at home and the 4×6 sheet guide.
An exam or recruitment portal rejected my photo or signature
Those forms enforce very small file sizes. The Exam Resizer targets them directly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account to use ClonyPDF?
No. Every tool on ClonyPDF works without an account, an email address or a password. Open the tool, upload your file, and download the result.
Is ClonyPDF free to use?
Yes. All PDF tools, image tools and the passport photo maker are free to use with no watermark added to your output.
What is the maximum file size I can upload?
PDF and image conversion tools accept files up to 20 MB. The Passport Photo Maker accepts photos up to 15 MB, with a maximum of 6000 pixels on the longest edge.
Which file formats are supported?
PDF tools accept PDF files. Image-to-PDF tools accept JPG, JPEG and PNG. The Passport Photo Maker accepts JPG, JPEG, PNG and WebP. If your phone saves photos as HEIC, convert them to JPEG first.
What happens to my files after processing?
Files are transferred over an encrypted HTTPS connection and are not added to any permanent library or account. Temporary working files are removed automatically and are cleared from temporary storage within one hour of upload.
Why did my upload fail?
The three most common causes are a file above the size limit, an unsupported format, and a password-protected PDF. Remove the password with the Unlock PDF tool first, then retry. If the file is too large, compress it before uploading.
Why was my passport photo rejected by the application portal?
The usual reasons are the wrong physical dimensions for that country, a background that is not the required shade, a head height outside the accepted range, shadow behind the head, or a file above the portal size limit. Each country page lists the exact specification, and the rules library explains every individual requirement.
Does ClonyPDF work on mobile?
Yes. Every tool runs in a mobile browser on Android and iOS with no app to install. Keep the tab open until processing finishes, because navigating away cancels the job.
Can I use the output for an official government application?
The tools produce files that match the published dimension, resolution and file size specifications. Requirements change and individual offices may apply extra local rules, so always confirm the current specification with the authority handling your application before you submit.
How do I report a bug or ask a question?
Email support@clonypdf.com with the tool name, your browser and device, and a description of what happened. Do not attach sensitive documents; a screenshot of the error is enough.
Popular tools and guides
The pages people reach for most after visiting the help centre.
PDF and image tools
Passport and visa photos
Still stuck?
Email us with the tool name, your browser and device, and what happened. A screenshot of the error helps. Please do not attach sensitive documents.
Email support@clonypdf.com Prefer a form? Use the contact page. More about the project on about ClonyPDF.