Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: February 2025
Find answers to common questions about AdTechToolkit organized by topic. If you don't see your question here, reach out through our contact page and we'll be happy to help. For definitions of ad tech terms, visit the glossary.
General
What is AdTechToolkit?
AdTechToolkit is a free collection of browser-based utilities designed specifically for the advertising technology industry. It includes tools for VAST tag validation, URL decoding, JSON and XML formatting, redirect tracing, consent-string decoding, and more.
Is AdTechToolkit free to use?
Yes. All core tools are free to use with no signup, no paywall, and no usage limits. We believe that fundamental ad tech workflow utilities should be accessible to everyone in the industry, regardless of company size.
Do I need technical expertise to use the tools?
No. The tools are designed with clear inputs, plain-language labels, and helpful descriptions so that anyone — from QA analysts to product managers — can use them effectively. If you can paste text or a URL into a form, you can use AdTechToolkit.
Who builds and maintains AdTechToolkit?
AdTechToolkit is built and maintained by CosmicQuest Studios LLC, an independent US-based software studio registered in New York. The team has hands-on experience in ad serving, video delivery, and programmatic infrastructure.
How often are the tools updated?
We release updates on a regular basis driven by community feedback, new industry specifications, and bug reports. Major updates such as support for new VAST versions or consent framework changes are announced on our blog. Visit our blog at /blog for the latest.
Privacy & Data
Do you store the data I paste into the tools?
No. Most tools run entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your input never leaves your device. For tools that require a server-side request — such as the Redirect Resolver or VAST Inspector when fetching remote URLs — the data is processed in transit and never persisted on our servers.
Are the tools safe for production ad tags and sensitive data?
Yes. Because the majority of tools process data locally in your browser, your production tags, tracking URLs, and consent strings stay under your control. We do not log, analyze, or share any user input. Review our privacy policy at /privacy for full details.
Does AdTechToolkit use cookies or tracking scripts?
AdTechToolkit uses only essential cookies required for basic site functionality such as theme preference. We do not use third-party analytics trackers, advertising pixels, or any scripts that harvest user behavior or input data.
Can my employer or client safely allow AdTechToolkit on the approved tools list?
Yes. Because data processing happens client-side and we do not collect or store input, AdTechToolkit is well-suited for inclusion on corporate approved-tools lists. Our privacy policy and terms of service are available for review by security and compliance teams.
Tools & Features
What tools are available on AdTechToolkit?
The toolkit includes a VAST Inspector and validator, JSON and XML formatters, Base64 encoder and decoder, URL encoder and decoder, redirect resolver, consent-string decoder, regex find and replace, JSON diff, MP4-to-HLS converter, user-agent parser, directory tree generator, and more. Visit our tools page for the full list.
Does the JSON Diff tool support nested objects and arrays?
Yes. The JSON Diff tool performs a deep structural comparison of two JSON documents, highlighting added, removed, and changed values at every nesting level. Results are displayed in a side-by-side view with color-coded differences.
Does the Find and Replace tool support regular expressions?
Yes. You can toggle Regex mode to use full JavaScript regular expression syntax, including capture groups and flags. The tool provides a live preview of matches and replacements so you can verify results before copying the output.
Can I use AdTechToolkit tools offline?
Most client-side tools will continue to work after the page has fully loaded, even if your internet connection drops. However, tools that fetch remote resources — like the Redirect Resolver or VAST Inspector in URL mode — require an active connection to reach the target servers.
Can I share tool results with my team?
Yes. Most tools include copy-to-clipboard and download buttons so you can quickly share formatted output, diff reports, or validation results with colleagues. Some tools also generate shareable report summaries.
Video & VAST
Which VAST versions does the VAST Inspector support?
The VAST Inspector supports VAST 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 4.1, and 4.2. It validates tags against the official IAB XSD schemas for each version and reports both structural issues and spec-compliance warnings.
Why does my VAST tag fail strict schema validation but still work in ad servers?
Many real-world VAST tags include macros, custom extensions, or non-standard attribute placements that technically violate the XSD schema. Ad servers are often lenient about these deviations. Strict validation enforces the exact IAB specification, which helps you identify potential interoperability issues before they cause problems in stricter environments.
Does the MP4-to-HLS converter upload my video to a server?
No. The MP4-to-HLS tool runs entirely in your browser using FFmpeg compiled to WebAssembly. Your video file never leaves your device. The conversion produces an M3U8 playlist and TS segment files that you can download directly.
What is the difference between a VAST Wrapper and an InLine tag?
A Wrapper is a VAST tag that references another VAST tag via a VASTAdTagURI element, creating a chain of redirects before the final creative is reached. An InLine tag contains the actual media files and tracking URLs — it is the final destination in a wrapper chain. Learn more in our glossary at /glossary.
Troubleshooting
Why does the JSON or XML formatter show an error?
Formatting tools require valid input. A missing comma, unmatched bracket, unclosed tag, or invalid character will cause a parsing error. The error message typically includes a line number or character position to help you locate the issue in your input.
Why is the VAST Preview button disabled?
Preview requires a successful VAST analysis so the embedded player has a valid response to load. If the inspector reports errors — such as malformed XML or unreachable wrapper URLs — fix those issues first. Once the tag passes analysis, the Preview button will become active.
The Redirect Resolver is not showing all hops. What is happening?
Some redirect chains terminate at endpoints that block automated requests via CAPTCHAs, bot detection, or IP-based filtering. The resolver follows standard HTTP redirects (301, 302, 307) but cannot bypass JavaScript-based redirects or challenge pages. Try testing from a different network if you suspect IP filtering.
A tool is loading slowly or not responding. What should I do?
First, try refreshing the page and clearing your browser cache. Client-side tools depend on your browser's JavaScript engine, so very large inputs (multi-megabyte files) may take longer to process. If the issue persists, please report it through our contact page with details about your browser, operating system, and the input that triggered the problem.
Account & Support
Do I need an account to use AdTechToolkit?
No. All core tools are available without creating an account or signing in. We may introduce optional account features in the future — such as saved preferences or bookmarked results — but the primary utilities will remain free and accessible to everyone.
How can I request a new tool or feature?
We welcome suggestions from the community. Visit our contact page at /contact to submit a feature request. We prioritize requests based on how frequently the workflow arises in real-world ad tech operations and how many users would benefit.
How do I report a bug or inaccuracy?
Please use the contact page to describe the issue, including the tool name, your browser and operating system, and the input that triggered the unexpected behavior. Screenshots or copied error messages are especially helpful. We review every report and aim to address confirmed bugs promptly.
Related Resources
- Ad Tech Glossary — definitions for 50+ industry terms
- Guides — step-by-step tutorials for common workflows
- Blog — articles on tool updates and industry best practices
- Contact — reach out with questions or feedback
- About — learn about the team and mission behind AdTechToolkit
- Privacy Policy — how we protect your data