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Privacy5 min read

Where Do Uploaded Photos Go? What Happens to Your Images Online

When you upload a photo to an online tool, where does it actually go? The answer depends on the tool.

Client-side tools: Photos stay on your device

Tools like PhotoResizer.in process images entirely in your browser. The photos are loaded into your browser's memory, processed using JavaScript, and the result is saved directly to your device. Nothing is ever sent to a server.

Server-based tools: Your photo takes a journey

  1. Photo is uploaded to the tool's server (usually via HTTPS).
  2. Server processes the image (resize, convert, etc.).
  3. Processed result is sent back to you.
  4. What happens next depends on the tool's policies — the original may be kept, deleted after hours, or used for AI training.

How to check what a tool does with your photos

  • Read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
  • Look for mentions of "data retention", "server storage", and "third-party sharing".
  • Check if the tool is GDPR compliant (GDPR guide).
  • Prefer tools that explicitly state client-side processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can websites keep my uploaded photos?

Yes, unless they explicitly state otherwise. Many TOS agreements grant the service rights to store, modify, or use uploaded content. Always read the fine print.

How do I know if a tool processes images locally?

Check the network tab in your browser's developer tools. If no image data is sent to a server during processing, it's client-side. PhotoResizer.in is client-side.

Ready to resize your photo?

Use our Image Resizer to hit exact KB and pixel targets, or try the Background Color Changer for a perfect white backdrop.