FAQ
Everything you need to know about local-first media processing, product differences, licensing, privacy, and how Formatif compares to cloud-based alternatives.
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contact@formatif.netLocal-first means all media processing happens on your own computer — your files are never uploaded to a remote server. Formatif runs entirely on your hardware, so there is no cloud queue to wait in, no bandwidth limit on file size, and no third party accessing your source media. It is the same "your files stay where they are" principle that makes offline processing faster, more private, and more predictable than cloud-dependent tools.
Formatif is a local-first desktop media processing suite with two products: Formatif Pro (59 classic media tools for conversion, compression, batch processing, color correction, audio fixes, and watermarks) and Formatif AI (10 local neural models for upscaling, background removal, face restoration, and denoising). Together they form an offline alternative to subscription-based cloud media processors.
Cloud processors require uploading files to a remote server, waiting in a queue, and downloading results — which introduces privacy risks, bandwidth bottlenecks, and variable per-job costs. Formatif runs completely offline: you load local files, process them instantly, and never worry about upload limits, queue delays, or recurring subscription fees. It is a one-time purchase for ownership-style budgeting.
AI features work best with a DirectX 12 compatible GPU. Formatif Pro is the better choice if you mainly need classic conversion, compression, and editing tools.
Media processing is local. License validation may require a brief internet connection periodically, but your files are not uploaded for processing.
Yes. Deactivate the current device from inside the app, then activate the license on the new machine.
No. Formatif processes everything locally on your workstation. Your source files, intermediates, and exports never leave your machine. There is no cloud upload step, no remote processing queue, and no file storage on third-party servers. This makes Formatif a strong fit for client work under NDA, pre-release media, and any workflow where file privacy matters.
Formatif Pro covers classic media processing: format conversion, compression, batch jobs, color correction, audio tools, and watermarks (59 tools total). Formatif AI adds local neural models for upscaling (2x and 4x), background removal, face restoration, and denoising — powered by your GPU. The bundle includes both products at a reduced combined price.
Formatif runs on Windows 10 and later. Formatif Pro requires a CPU with SSE 4.2 support and 4 GB of RAM. Formatif AI additionally requires a DirectX 12 compatible GPU (NVIDIA GTX 900 series or newer, AMD RX 400 series or newer). Both products are distributed as offline installers.
Formatif uses one-time pricing — no subscriptions. Formatif Pro is $24.95, Formatif AI is $29.95, and the bundle (both products) is $43.95. All licenses include lifetime updates and a 30-day refund policy.
Formatif supports a wide range of image, video, and audio formats for conversion and processing. This includes common formats like JPEG, PNG, WebP, AVIF, TIFF, BMP, MP4, MOV, WebM, AVI, MKV, MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG, and many more. The exact availability of specific codec combinations depends on the selected tool.
Yes. Both Formatif Pro and Formatif AI support unlimited batch jobs. You can queue folders of files, apply consistent processing steps, and export with predictable output. The Workflow Builder lets you save and replay processing recipes across batches.
Formatif offers a trial version so you can evaluate the software on your own hardware before purchasing. The trial runs the full toolset so you can verify compatibility with your media types and workflow requirements.
Privacy is a core design principle. Because Formatif processes everything offline, there is no data transfer, no cloud storage of your files, and no third-party processing. This is fundamentally different from web-based tools where your media must be uploaded to a service provider's infrastructure, often subject to their privacy policy, data retention, and processing terms.
Formatif is designed for focused media processing — conversion, compression, batch editing, AI enhancement — rather than as a full creative suite replacement. If your workflow centers on preparing, converting, cleaning up, and enhancing media files rather than creating original designs, Formatif is a practical one-time-cost alternative for those specific tasks.
Formatif licenses do not expire. You receive a license key by email after purchase that activates the product. If you need to reinstall or move to a new device, deactivate the old installation first, then use the same key on the new machine.
Formatif Pro is currently available for Windows and Linux. Formatif AI is only available on Windows. macOS is not offered at this time.
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