Step-by-step guides for the PDF tools, grouped by task. Follow along right in your browser, with nothing to install or upload.
View & extract
Organize pages
- How to merge PDF files into oneCombine several PDF files into one in the order you want. Reordering files and pages, leaving out pages, and merging password-protected PDFs.
- How to print multiple PDF pages on one sheet (N-up)Put 2, 4, 6 or 9 pages of slides or handouts on each sheet and save it as a PDF. Paper orientation for each layout, text size, and how it differs from the printer setting.
- How to extract pages from a PDFSave just the pages you need as a new PDF, or split one PDF into several files. Choosing between split by range, every page and selected pages, writing page ranges, and getting several files at once.
- How to clean up a scanned PDFRemove the blank backs of a double-sided scan, fix pages in the wrong order and turn upside-down pages upright. Plus what to do next to make the scan smaller and searchable.
- Crop PDF margins to read on a phone or tabletTrim the wide margins of papers and e-book PDFs so they are easier to read on a phone or tablet. All pages versus this page, why the cropped-out parts stay in the file, and what to watch out for when printing.
Edit
- How to sign a PDF (no printer needed)Add a handwritten signature to a contract or consent form PDF. Drawing with a mouse or finger, using a photo of a paper signature, signing every page, and how this differs from a digital signature.
- How to add a watermark to a PDF (Confidential, Copy)Put a text watermark such as "CONFIDENTIAL" or "COPY" on every page of a PDF. Choosing a font, centered versus repeated layouts, and how to make a watermark harder to remove.
- How to add a header and footer to a PDF (with page numbers and date)Put a company name, document title, page numbers like "3 / 10" and the date at the top and bottom of every PDF page. How placeholders work and how to skip the cover.
- How to add and correct text in a PDF (white out and highlight)Write text onto a PDF, cover a mistake with white and write over it, and highlight what matters, all without installing software. Also explains the limits of white out.
- How to fill in a PDF form and save itFill the fields of a PDF application or contract without installing anything. Why some characters disappear, how to fix it, and how to flatten the form so others cannot change it.
Convert
- How to convert PDF to JPG imagesTurn PDF pages into JPG or PNG images. Converting every page or only some, choosing between JPG and PNG, and the difference between 150 and 300 DPI.
- How to make a scanned PDF searchable (OCR)You cannot search or copy text in a scanned or photographed PDF. How to turn it into a searchable, copyable PDF with OCR, and tips for better accuracy.
- How to turn phone photos of documents into one PDFNo scanner? Photograph forms, receipts or homework with your phone and turn them into one PDF ready to submit. Tips for clear photos, choosing page size and margins, page order, and what to do when the file is too big.
Optimize
Security
- How to redact a PDF, and why black boxes are not enoughDrawing a black rectangle over names, ID numbers or phone numbers in a PDF leaves the text underneath in the file. How to remove covered text for good, and how to check it.
- How to change a PDF's author and title and remove hidden infoPDF files often carry the author name, company, apps used and creation date. How to check, change or remove this document information.
- How to password-protect a PDF before emailing itAdd an open password to a PDF that contains personal details before you email it. How to share the password, how to pick a strong one, how the recipient opens the file, and what happens if you forget it.
- How to remove a password from a PDF you open oftenPay slips, bank and insurance statements often ask for a password every time you open them. How to save a copy without the password, remove print and copy restrictions, when it cannot be done, and how to store the result safely.