Using online tools can be a smart choice if your computer isn't powerful enough to run the latest software, if you own a Chromebook, or simply for convenience.
The best online services
Online services do not require downloading and installing software. A simple web browser and an internet connection are enough. Sometimes you'll need to create an account, but it's usually free, so you can get straight to a feature or tool more quickly.
Whether you need to edit images, edit a PDF, translate text, or even watch videos, there are plenty of online services that simply work regardless of your device. No need to download extensive programs or worry about their compatibility! All you need to do is visit a website and use the online tool of your choice.
After our top 10 essentials for Windows, here are our top 10 best online services that let you work and play anywhere without having to download them first.
Photopea: free and online Photoshop
Photopea is an online image editor that offers a similar experience to Adobe Photoshop. It is appreciated for its performance and ease of use and is suitable for both professionals and graphic design enthusiasts. Features include layer manipulation, filters, color adjustments and artistic filters, advanced text tools, masks and selections, and image editing, among others. The familiar Photoshop-like interface reduces learning time for experienced users.
Photopea supports various image formats including PSD, GIMP and Illustrator, making it easy to process files from various sources. The integrated text editor allows for extensive customization and color management with artistic filters ensures creative flexibility. When it comes to selections and masks, Photopea offers powerful tools for precise local retouching.
Adobe Acrobat Online: Add comments and edit a PDF file without Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Online offers several undeniable advantages, including compatibility with most browsers and flexibility for online collaboration. The basic version is free and offers PDF management and editing features. An online version of the Adobe Acrobat suite, you can convert, edit, merge, split, annotate, fill out forms and sign PDF documents.
The online service works on all browsers and operating systems and ensures maximum manipulation of PDFs. Features also include tools for editing images and text, organizing pages, page numbering, cropping, extracting, and exporting, which are accessible after signing in to a free Adobe account.
Advanced editing, including text annotations, notes, highlighting, form filling, and electronic signatures, is made easy with a comprehensive toolbar. Collaboration is made easier by sharing generated links, allowing for quick comments and changes. Although free is a plus, some advanced features require the paid version depending on the user's needs.
Google Drive: for storing and working without Microsoft Office
Google Drive, Google's cloud storage solution, offers comprehensive file management with a generous free allotment of 15GB of available storage space shared between Drive, Gmail and Google Photos. Accessible from any browser, operating system or internet-connected device, it makes collaboration easy by sharing via links or via Gmail.
Google Drive offers office tools such as Docs, Sheets, and Slides that are compatible with Microsoft Office and Open Document formats. Advanced search, notifications and offline availability maximize efficiency. Security is enhanced with protection against online threats and Drive is integrated with Google Workspace for business users. Google's artificial intelligence and search technology improve productivity, as do advanced features in paid subscriptions that include more storage per user, Meet meetings for up to 150 participants, and advanced security features.
Its biggest competitor, Microsoft OneDrive, is also available as an online service and also offers a solution accessible on all PCs to use the office tools Word, Excel, PowerPoint without having to install Microsoft Office. And of course, you get 5GB of free cloud storage, which can be expanded with a paid subscription.
If you are also looking for the best cloud storage space for your documents, photos and all kinds of data, read our complete article on the best cloud storage services.
DeepL: an efficient translation tool
DeepL is a revolutionary online translation service developed by DeepL GmbH, a German company, that uses artificial intelligence (AI) for high-quality translations. Launched in 2017, it quickly stood out for its precision and speed thanks to a neural network-based approach.
Unlike traditional services, DeepL provides contextual understanding of sentences for more natural translations. Its free online translator, limited to 1500 characters, also offers translation of three monthly documents and a limited personal glossary.
Like Google Translate, using DeepL is simple: enter the text you want to translate, the source language is automatically detected, and then select the target language. An immediate translation appears with the option of rewriting if you are dissatisfied. DeepL also offers full file translation, which is useful for longer or specific documents.
Deezer: Listen to music anywhere without downloading tracks
Deezer, the French music streaming platform that competes with the Swedish platform Spotify, offers a huge music catalog with millions of tracks across different genres. Deezer offers a free version with features like Flow, recommendations, and podcasts, while the Premium account eliminates ads, allows offline listening, and offers advanced features.
Deezer's user-friendly interface, available online or in the mobile app, offers familiar features. The homepage displays personalized recommendations, popular playlists, and the latest releases. Users can search for specific artists, albums or songs, and Deezer offers features such as creating playlists, managing favorites and browsing other users' playlists. The platform encourages sharing with collaborative playlists and offers blind testing to have fun with friends. In addition to music, Deezer also offers podcasts, web radio and links to platforms for buying concert tickets.
ChatGPT: to answer your questions anywhere
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence-based chat assistant developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT is designed to respond to a variety of topics in a relevant and conversational way. It offers a clean interface that allows users to ask questions, learn new information, or simply spend time in a fun way.
The ad-free application guarantees a smooth experience. It offers a subscription option, ChatGPT Plus, which provides access to the advanced GPT-4 model and provides priority access even during periods of high demand.
ChatGPT is versatile and can write, proofread, help with translation, make it easier to learn complex concepts, answer common questions, and even have realistic conversations. This tool has applications in writing, education, role-playing, and story generation.
YouTube: to watch videos anywhere
YouTube is the world's leading online video platform. It belongs to Google and is accessible through a browser or special applications. It was founded in 2005 and has helped many YouTubers (so-called YouTubers) achieve fame.
YouTube allows you to import and share videos and supports 8K resolution, 360° videos and 3D, as well as a wealth of music content. The ad-supported website offers the YouTube Premium plan to avoid ads. Rich in tutorials, clips and various content, YouTube does not require an account, but with a Google account it offers interesting features that allow likes, shares, subscriptions and channel creation.
The platform adapts to different screens and offers videos in multiple viewing formats. With YouTube Music and its free or premium versions, in addition to creating personalized channels, it is essential to discover various online content with standard videos and shorts.
WeTransfer: No USB stick or emailing required
Founded in 2009, WeTransfer is a large file sharing service that offers up to 2GB for free without registration, with a capacity of 200GB on subscription. The Service provides an online service and mobile application for storing, sorting and sharing images, videos, articles and documents.
The process is intuitive: users upload their files to the platform and receive a download link that they share with recipients. There is no daily limit on the number of files, but each submission must remain under 2GB, with availability limited to seven days. Free registration offers additional features such as transfer history and download link recovery. WeTransfer allows you to email directly to 20 people or send a copy of the transfer link, depending on your preference.
The Pro version, in turn, allows the transfer of larger files and allows the creation of a unique and customizable portal for each Pro account. The latter provides the data to be transmitted, offers the preview and enables the recipient to express their opinion.
Canva: How to create and find your designs anywhere
Designed to make graphic design accessible to everyone, Canva is an easy-to-use platform with no fewer than 250,000 customizable templates. Canva is accessible on various devices, including online, and requires an account to sync files. You can choose from existing templates or create your own custom design.
The library includes various categories, from social media to company logos to greeting cards, invitations and much more. You customize text, images, shapes, videos, etc. with detailed options. The service even includes image generation models using artificial intelligence.
Photo editing tools, filters and graphic suggestions make creating easier. Canva offers animations. However, keep in mind that these generate videos. The free version provides access to free watermarked resources, while the premium subscription offers advanced features and exclusive articles.
noTube: for downloading streaming videos
noTube is an online service that offers a converter from YouTube videos to MP3 or MP4 formats, ideal for ripping the soundtrack or downloading videos offline. The easy-to-use platform supports YouTube as well as other websites and social networks and guarantees user privacy as videos are not stored on their servers.
To download, simply copy the video URL or use relevant keywords for an internal search. The choice of MP3 or MP4 formats is offered without the need for prior registration. noTube is notable for its speed, lack of intrusive advertising, and free nature, although advertisements appear on the download page to keep the service free. Always make sure you have the right to upload a video before doing so.