FAQ & Glossary
Frequently asked questions
Is AdTechToolkit free?
Yes. Core tools are free to use with no signup required. Some account features may be added later, but the primary utilities are designed to stay free.
Do I need technical expertise?
No. The tools are designed to be plain-language and self-explanatory. If you can paste text or a URL, you can use the tools effectively.
Do you store the data I paste?
Most tools run entirely in your browser. For tools that need to fetch remote URLs (VAST Inspector, Redirect Resolver), the request is made only when you initiate it, and we do not store the fetched content beyond the response.
Why does formatting fail sometimes?
Formatting tools require valid JSON or XML. A missing comma, quote, or tag can cause an error. The error message points to what needs to be fixed.
Are the tools safe for sensitive data?
Most tools run fully in your browser and do not upload inputs. For URL-based tools, requests are made only when you ask, and we do not store results.
Why is my VAST tag failing?
Common issues include malformed XML, inaccessible URLs, or blocked third-party endpoints. The VAST Inspector will surface parsing or wrapper errors to help isolate the problem.
Why does strict schema validation fail?
Strict schema checks enforce the official XSD rules exactly. Many real-world tags include macros or non-standard placements that can fail strict validation while still working in ad serving.
Why is Preview disabled?
Preview requires a successful analysis so the player can load a valid VAST response. Fix any errors first, then preview the tag.
How does the Directory Tree tool handle indentation?
The tool auto-normalizes mixed tabs and spaces. Any indentation level is treated as a folder depth, so you can paste lists without manual cleanup.
Can I share results with my team?
Yes. Most tools provide copy and download options so you can share formatted output, diffs, or results quickly.
Does MP4 to HLS upload my video?
No. MP4 to HLS runs fully in your browser using FFmpeg.wasm, so the video stays on your device.
Does Find and Replace support regex?
Yes. You can enable Regex mode and use presets or your own patterns, with a live preview of matches and output.
How does JSON Diff show differences?
JSON Diff highlights differences inline in the side-by-side editors and summarizes added, removed, and different items.
Can I export redirect reports?
Yes. The Redirect Resolver includes a report export for sharing hop chains and summaries.
Can I request a new tool?
Yes. Use the Contact page to suggest new tools or improvements. We prioritize real workflow needs and recurring pain points.
Glossary
VAST
VAST — an XML spec used to describe video tags, creatives, and tracking.
Wrapper
A VAST tag that points to another VAST tag, allowing multiple hops before the final media is served.
VASTAdTagURI
The URL inside a VAST Wrapper that points to the next VAST tag in the chain.
Schema validation
A strict check against official XSD rules to confirm an XML document matches the spec.
JSON
JavaScript Object Notation — a structured, lightweight data format used by APIs.
XML
Extensible Markup Language — a structured format using tags and attributes.
Pretty print
Formatting content with spacing and indentation to improve readability.
Minify
Removing unnecessary whitespace to make output compact for sharing or storage.
Redirect chain
A sequence of HTTP redirects that a URL follows before reaching its final destination.
User agent
A string sent by a browser or SDK that describes the device, OS, and app environment.
HLS
HTTP Live Streaming — a video format that uses an .m3u8 playlist and .ts segments.
M3U8
A playlist file that lists HLS video segments and playback order.
Regex
Regular expression — a pattern language for matching and transforming text.