{
  "id": 5106970,
  "title": "I Built 35+ Browser-Side Tools Because I Was Tired of Uploading My Data to Random Servers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/i-built-35-browser-side-tools-because-i-was-tired-of-uploading-my",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-02T14:50:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/devenquan/i-built-35-browser-side-tools-because-i-was-tired-of-uploading-my-data-to-random-servers-4h9n"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Every time the reporter needed to format a JSON payload or compress an image, they often found themselves on a random tool site with several issues: their data was sent to the server, pasting passwords or API tokens into hash generators trusted those sites, ads were everywhere, and tools were buried under banners. Often, an account was required to download converted files. Frustrated, the reporter decided to build AI SubTools, a collection of 35+ free tools that run entirely in the browser. No uploads, accounts, or ads are required. Client-side processing offers instant results, offline functionality once the page is loaded, and prevents data from leaving the user's device. Tools like the Cron expression generator, PNG background remover, and barcode creator are some of the interesting features. The reporter acknowledges technical challenges in image compression and background removal without WebAssembly, emphasizing the importance of careful memory management. The project is evolving as a side venture, with new tools added regularly, and the reporter is focusing on more file-format converters and improving the mobile experience for image tools. The reporter invites suggestions for additional tools, promising to build the most useful ones. All tools are free forever, with no premium features.",
  "summary": "Every time I needed to format a JSON payload or compress an image, I found myself on some random tool site with three problems: My data went to their server. Paste a password or an API token into a \"hash generator\" and you're just trusting that site not to log it. Ads everywhere. The tool was buried under banners, and half the buttons were ad-click traps. Sign-up walls. Want to download your…",
  "key_points": [
    "Reporter built 35+ AI SubTools to avoid uploading data to random servers",
    "Tools run entirely in the browser with no uploads, accounts, or ads",
    "Features include Cron expression generator, PNG background remover, and barcode creator"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}