Private PDF inspection
Local PDF Safety Scanner
Scan raw PDF bytes for JavaScript, Launch actions, OpenAction hooks, Additional Actions and suspicious external links before you edit or share a document.
Heuristic local scanner. It improves safety review, but it is not a formal antivirus guarantee.
User guide
How to use Local PDF Safety Scanner
Inspect raw PDF bytes for script actions, launch commands, automatic actions and suspicious external links without uploading the document.
- 1
Choose the PDF before opening it in a desktop reader.
- 2
Run the local signature scan.
- 3
Review every detected action and external URI.
- 4
Treat flagged files as untrusted and verify them with endpoint security tools.
Best for
- Triage of unknown PDF attachments
- Checking documents before editing or sharing
Important limitation
This is a heuristic static scanner, not a complete malware sandbox or antivirus engine. Compressed, encrypted or obfuscated content can hide behavior.
Frequently asked questions
Does a clean result prove the PDF is safe?
No. It only means the listed signatures were not detected.
Does the PDF leave my device?
No. The raw-byte scan runs in the browser.
PDFPerch processes files locally unless this guide explicitly identifies a cloud-dependent feature. Always keep an original copy and verify critical output before submission, printing, signing, or accounting use.