I stopped uploading my files to random websites

A few months ago, the writer needed to compress a video in order to email it. The task seemed simple, but they spent a significant amount of time searching for a suitable website. Each option had its own drawbacks, such as requiring account creation, imposing file size limits, adding watermarks, or appearing suspicious. This experience prompted the writer to create their own offline toolkit for handling various media-related tasks.

The toolkit, called KinoFlux Editor, is now capable of performing 66 different functions, including trimming, compressing, converting, and merging videos; extracting audio; resizing and converting images; merging, splitting, compressing, and password-protecting PDFs; converting Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files; and checking file metadata.

All of these operations run on the user's own computer, eliminating the need for uploads, accounts, watermarks, or subscriptions. Users simply select a file, choose a job, and the tool handles the rest.

The writer emphasizes that privacy is a more significant concern than convenience when using online converter sites. These platforms often host sensitive information such as job applications, medical forms, family videos, and unreleased work, all of which are stored on foreign servers under unclear terms. An offline tool eliminates these issues, as the file never leaves the user's machine and there is nothing to trust or leak.

In terms of performance, the offline approach also offers advantages. With online tools, users must wait for uploads, contend with queues, and patiently await emails notifying them that their files are ready. In contrast, the offline toolkit allows users to watch the progress bar while their files are being processed, for example, a 2GB video compresses while the user watches the progress bar in real-time.

While the KinoFlux Editor is not a timeline editor, it is well-suited for single-purpose tasks. For example, users can compress a video for email without the need for advanced editing features. The writer notes that most of their media-related tasks fall into this category and that a simple button is sufficient for most needs.

KinoFlux Editor is a free application available for both Windows and macOS (Apple Silicon). It is a native app without any Electron components, which contributes to its fast startup time. If users encounter a media chore they frequently perform that the toolkit does not yet cover, they are encouraged to share their request. The toolkit evolves based on user feedback. Download links are provided for Windows and macOS, as well as on the Microsoft Store.