PDF guides
Step-by-step help for everyday PDF jobs — and the reasons behind each step. 92 guides in 14 topics.
Latest guides
RSS feed- ImmiAccount Attach Documents: How to Compress a PDF Under 5 MBImmiAccount accepts documents up to 5 MB each and up to 60 per person, and rejects encrypted PDFs. How to compress, merge and unlock files to fit.
- IRCC File Size Limit: How to Compress a PDF Under 4 MB for Your UploadIRCC accepts 4 MB per file in most online accounts and 5 MB in the IRCC Portal, one file per field. How to compress and combine PDFs to fit.
- Compress a PDF for a UK University Application: 2 MB, 4 MB and 5 MB Portal LimitsLSE and Edinburgh cap each upload at 2 MB, Oxford at 4 MB and UCL at 5 MB. How to compress transcripts, certificates and references to fit each portal.
- Compress a PDF for a UK Visa Application: UKVCAS, VFS Global and TLScontact Upload LimitsUKVCAS takes PDF, JPG and PNG files up to 7.25 MB each; VFS and TLScontact show their limit on the upload page. How to shrink visa documents to fit.
Organize & split
How to Split a PDF Into Two Parts: 3 Ways
Split a PDF into two files at a page number, cut double-page scans into left and right pages, or halve a big file for email. Pick the right method.
Read guideWhy Is My PDF Upside Down or Sideways? How to Fix It
Scanned pages upside down or sideways? Find out why it happens and fix the orientation permanently, for all pages or only the ones that are wrong.
Read guideHow to Combine Your CV and Cover Letter into One PDF
Many job portals accept only one file. Combine your CV, cover letter and certificates into a single, well-ordered PDF that looks professional.
Read guideHow to Merge PDF Files on Windows 10 and 11 for Free
Windows has no built-in way to combine PDFs. Merge them free in Edge or Chrome instead: no install, no upload, and pages in exactly the order you want.
Read guideHow to Merge PDF Files on a Mac: Preview or Browser
Three free ways to combine PDFs on a Mac: Preview's sidebar, Finder's Create PDF quick action, or a browser tool with drag-and-drop ordering.
Read guideHow to Merge PDF Files on Android (Free, No App)
Combine PDFs on any Android phone in Chrome — no app and no sign-up. Pick files from Downloads, Drive or WhatsApp, set the order and save one PDF.
Read guideHow to Merge PDF Files on iPhone or iPad (No App Needed)
Combine PDFs on an iPhone or iPad in Safari, with no app to install. Add files from the Files app or iCloud, set the order and save one merged PDF.
Read guideHow to Merge Odd and Even Scanned Pages into One PDF
Single-sided scanner? Scan fronts and backs separately, then interleave them into one double-sided PDF in the right order — even if the backs are reversed.
Read guidePDF Pages in the Wrong Order? How to Rearrange Each Case
Why PDF pages end up in the wrong order and how to rearrange or reorder each case: reversed scans, a misplaced page, sideways pages. Phone tips included.
Read guideHow to Delete Pages from a PDF (Blank Pages, Covers and More)
Remove blank pages, cover sheets and unwanted pages from a PDF in seconds. Click the pages to delete, check the preview, and download a clean copy.
Read guideExtracting Pages From a PDF: When to Pick, Split or Delete
When is extracting pages from a PDF the right move? How it differs from splitting and deleting, what stays intact, and how to avoid page-number mix-ups.
Read guideHow to Split Scanned Book Pages in Half (Two-Page Spreads)
Scanned a book two pages at a time? Cut every spread down the middle to get proper single pages, or split A3 sheets into A4. Step-by-step guide.
Read guideHow to Split a Batch of Scanned Invoices into Separate PDFs
Scanned a stack of invoices or statements into one PDF? Split it automatically wherever a phrase like "Invoice number" appears, with no page counting.
Read guideHow to Split a PDF into Chapters Using Bookmarks
Turn a long book, thesis or manual into one PDF per chapter automatically, using its bookmarks. Choose the level, and fix PDFs that have none.
Read guideHow to Rotate PDF Pages Permanently (and Why Viewers Forget)
Fix sideways and upside-down PDF pages for good. Learn why rotating in a PDF viewer doesn't stick, and how to rotate all pages or just some.
Read guideHow to Split a PDF: 5 Ways, and When to Use Each
Split a PDF by page ranges, into single pages, by bookmarks, by file size or wherever a phrase appears. Find the right method for your document.
Read guideHow to Merge PDF Files (and Get the Pages in the Right Order)
Combine several PDFs into one document, set the order, mix in single pages and interleave double-sided scans. A practical step-by-step guide.
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Sign & forms
How to Sign a PDF on Android Without an App
Sign PDF documents on your Android phone: draw with your finger, type your name or upload a photo of your signature, then save and share the file.
Read guideHow to Sign a PDF on iPhone (Draw, Type or Upload)
Sign a PDF on your iPhone with your finger, a typed name or a photo of your signature. Works in Safari with no app, and the file stays on your phone.
Read guideHow to Make a PDF Fillable: Add Text Fields, Checkboxes and Dropdowns
Turn any PDF into a form people can fill in on screen: add text fields, paragraph boxes, checkboxes and dropdowns — no Acrobat needed, free.
Read guideBates Numbering Explained: What It Is and How to Apply It
What Bates numbers are, how legal teams use them in discovery, which format to choose, and how to stamp them across multiple PDFs in the right order.
Read guideHow to Fill In a PDF Form (Even If It Isn't Fillable)
Fill fillable PDF forms online, type onto PDFs that have no fields, and turn any document into a fillable form. A complete guide to PDF forms.
Read guideHow to Sign a PDF Without Printing It
Sign a PDF on your computer or phone: draw, type or upload your signature and place it on the page. Plus what makes an electronic signature valid.
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Scan & OCR
How to Copy Text from a Scanned PDF
Can't select or copy text in a PDF? It's probably a scan. Use OCR to recognise the text, then copy it or save it all as an editable text file.
Read guideHow to Scan Documents to PDF with Your Phone
No scanner? Use your phone's camera to create clean, readable PDF scans. Tips on lighting, angle and settings for results that look professional.
Read guideHow to Make a Scanned PDF Searchable with OCR
Scanned PDFs are just pictures of text. Learn how OCR adds a searchable, copyable text layer, and how to get the most accurate results.
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Convert
How to Convert a PDF to Word Without Uploading It
Convert a PDF to an editable Word .docx in your browser. Keep headings, lists, fonts and images, fix tables afterwards, and handle scanned PDFs with OCR.
Read guideHow to Increase a JPG or Photo Size in KB
Form rejects your photo or signature for being too small? Increase a JPG to 20 KB, 50 KB or any minimum without changing a pixel of the picture.
Read guideHow to Reduce a Photo or Signature to 20, 50 or 100 KB
Shrink a photo or signature to 20 KB, 50 KB or 100 KB for online application forms, without blurring it more than needed. Free and in your browser.
Read guideHow to Convert a Photo to PDF on iPhone
Turn photos from your iPhone camera roll into a PDF, one page or many, with the right page size and margins. Works in Safari and needs no app.
Read guideHow to Extract All the Text from a PDF
Get the text out of a PDF as a plain .txt file — for editing, quoting, word counts or analysis — and what to do when a scanned PDF has no text.
Read guideHow to Convert a PDF to Markdown for Notes, Docs and AI Tools
Convert PDF to Markdown for notes, GitHub docs or AI tools. Save a .md file, preview headings and lists, and check text order before reusing it.
Read guideHow to Turn a Photo or Image Into a PDF (Phone or PC)
Turn a photo, picture or image into a PDF on your phone or computer: add it, set the order and page size, convert. Free, in your browser, no upload.
Read guideHow to Convert PDF Pages to JPG or PNG Images
Turn PDF pages into JPG or PNG images for slides, social posts and websites. Which format and resolution to choose, and how to convert only some pages.
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Edit & format
How to Add Page Numbers to a Project Report or Thesis
Number a project report or thesis properly: skip the cover, start at 1 on the first chapter and keep numbering correct after merging chapters.
Read guideWhy Can't I Edit My PDF? 6 Common Reasons and Fixes
PDF won't let you type, change text or fill in fields? Here are the six usual reasons, from scans to flattened forms and passwords, and how to fix each.
Read guideHow to Add Bookmarks to a PDF (Create a Clickable Outline)
Make long PDFs easy to navigate: add bookmarks that jump to each chapter, nest sections under them, and edit or delete existing bookmarks.
Read guideHow to Crop PDF Margins for Easier Reading on Phones
Wide white margins make PDFs tiny on phones and e-readers. Crop them away — or keep just part of a page — for bigger, easier-to-read text.
Read guideHow to Edit a PDF for Free: Add Text, Images and Shapes
Edit a PDF without Acrobat: add text, images, shapes, lines, highlights and whiteout anywhere on a page. Everything runs in your browser, free.
Read guideHow to Flip or Mirror a PDF (Horizontal or Vertical)
Fix mirrored scans and backwards text, or mirror artwork for iron-on transfers and printing on film. How to flip PDF pages horizontally or vertically.
Read guideHow to Add Headers and Footers to a PDF
Add a title, your name, the date and page numbers to the top or bottom of every PDF page. How the {n}, {total} and {date} placeholders work.
Read guideHow to Print Multiple PDF Pages on One Sheet
Save paper by printing 2, 4, 6, 8 or 9 PDF pages per sheet. Which layout suits slides, handouts and proofs, and why an N-up PDF beats printer settings.
Read guideHow to Add a Watermark to a PDF: Text or Logo
Stamp DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL or your logo on PDF pages. Choose opacity, rotation and a centred or tiled layout — and learn what a watermark can't do.
Read guideHow to Add Page Numbers to a PDF (and Skip the Cover Page)
Add page numbers to a PDF in the format and position you want, start from any number, and leave the cover page unnumbered. Step-by-step guide.
Read guidePDF Page Sizes Explained: A4 vs. US Letter and How to Convert
A4 and US Letter look similar but print differently. Learn the exact sizes, why mismatches cause cut-off margins, and how to resize a PDF correctly.
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Privacy & tips
Sejda Alternative: Free PDF Tools Without Per-Task Limits
Hit Sejda's free limits? Compare it with a free browser-based alternative: no sign-up, no watermark, no uploads. See what Sejda does better.
Read guidePDF Editor for Chromebook and Linux: No Install Needed
Most PDF programs are built for Windows and Mac. Edit, merge, sign and OCR PDFs on a Chromebook or Linux PC from the browser, with no install or upload.
Read guideHow to Repair a Corrupted PDF (and When It Can't Be Fixed)
A damaged or corrupted PDF can sometimes be repaired. Learn how to tell, what repair can and can't fix, and how to try it in your browser.
Read guideWhere Are Downloaded PDFs Saved on iPhone and Android?
Find a downloaded or received PDF on iPhone or Android: where browsers and chat apps put it, how to open and move it, and how to use it in PDFCraftly.
Read guideWhy Won't a PDF Open in WhatsApp? Causes and Fixes
PDF not opening in WhatsApp? See what differs when receiving versus sending, why a preview may not appear, and how to send a PDF that arrives intact.
Read guideWhy Won't My PDF Open? Causes and Fixes
A PDF that won't open usually has one of six causes: a password, a damaged or partial file, the wrong app, a huge size or a browser block. Find yours here.
Read guideHow to Protect a PDF from Editing and Copying
Stop people printing, copying or editing your PDF. Learn what each permission does, why permissions alone are weak, and when you need an open password too.
Read guideHow to Password Protect a PDF on Mac
Encrypt a PDF on your Mac from Safari or Chrome, with AES-256 and optional print, copy and edit limits. Nothing is uploaded; the file stays on your Mac.
Read guideHow to Password Protect a PDF on Android
Lock a PDF on your Android phone from Chrome, with no app to install. Choose the file, set a password, then share the encrypted copy by Gmail or WhatsApp.
Read guideHow to Password Protect a PDF on iPhone or iPad
Lock a PDF on your iPhone or iPad from Safari: pick the file in the Files app, set a password, then share the encrypted copy by Messages or Mail.
Read guideHow to Increase PDF File Size to 50 KB, 100 KB or More
Portal says your PDF is too small? Increase it to 50 KB, 100 KB or any minimum without changing the pages, or fix the real cause: a low-quality scan.
Read guideHow to Remove a Password from a PDF
Tired of typing a PDF's password every time? Save an unlocked copy of a PDF you can open, or lift printing and copying restrictions. Free and private.
Read guideHow to Password Protect a PDF for Free
Lock a PDF with a password using AES-256 encryption, and choose whether it can be printed, copied or edited. Free, in your browser, nothing uploaded.
Read guideHow to Compress a PDF Without Losing Quality
Make a PDF smaller for email, WhatsApp and upload portals. Learn what makes PDFs big, which compression level to pick, and how to keep text sharp.
Read guideFree Adobe Acrobat Alternatives for Everyday PDF Jobs
You may not need an Acrobat subscription. See which everyday PDF jobs free tools handle well, and when paying for Acrobat Pro still makes sense.
Read guideSmallpdf Alternative: Free PDF Tools With No Daily Limit
Hit Smallpdf's free limit? Here's a free alternative with no task cap, no sign-up and no uploads, plus an honest look at what each one does best.
Read guideA Free iLovePDF Alternative That Doesn't Upload Your Files
Looking for an iLovePDF alternative? Compare upload-based PDF sites with in-browser tools that keep files on your device, and see which fits your job.
Read guideWhat Is PDF Metadata? How to View and Edit It
PDFs store a title, author, subject and keywords that viewers and search engines display. What each field does, why it matters, and how to change it.
Read guideHow to Remove Comments and Highlights from a PDF Before Sharing
Reviewed PDFs carry comments, highlights and sticky notes you may not want others to see. How to strip them — and why black boxes aren't real redaction.
Read guidePDF Too Large to Email? 5 Practical Fixes
Email attachment limits are usually 20–25 MB. Here are five practical ways to send a large PDF: compress it, remove pages, split it by size and more.
Read guideAre Online PDF Tools Safe? Uploading vs. In-Browser Processing
Most online PDF tools upload your files to a server. Learn the difference between upload-based and in-browser tools, and how to check where your files go.
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Nepal documents
How to Make Documents Fit Nepal's Online Form Size Limits
Nepal's passport portal accepts scans of 300 KB or less. Here's how to scan, compress and check documents, photos and signatures so uploads go through.
Read guideAre Electronic Signatures Valid in Nepal?
What Nepal's Electronic Transactions Act says about digital signatures, when a signed PDF is enough, and when you still need ink or a certificate.
Read guidePreparing Visa Documents in Nepal: Scans, PDFs and Sizes
Applying for a visa from Nepal? Scan, combine and label your passport, bank, tax, relationship and job documents so online visa portals accept them.
Read guideHow to Prepare Academic Documents as PDFs for Studying Abroad
Get SEE, +2 and bachelor's transcripts, character certificates and bank letters ready for university portals: scan, merge, name and size them.
Read guideHow to Copy Nepali Text from a PDF (Preeti and Scanned Files)
Nepali text from a PDF pastes as gibberish or won't copy at all? Learn why Preeti fonts and scans cause it, and get Unicode text with Nepali OCR.
Read guideHow to Scan Your Citizenship Certificate (Nagarikta) to PDF
Scan both sides of your Nepali citizenship certificate into one clear PDF with your phone, ready for bank, visa and university applications.
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India documents
UPSC Photo, Signature and Photo ID Upload Size for the Online Application
UPSC online form upload sizes: photo 20 to 200 KB JPG with 3/4 face coverage, triple signature 20 to 100 KB at 350 to 500 px, photo ID 20 to 300 KB PDF.
Read guideSSC Photo and Signature Size: Live Photo Rules and the 10 to 20 KB Signature
SSC photo and signature size for CGL, CHSL, MTS and GD forms: the photo is captured live; the signature is a 10 to 20 KB JPEG of about 6 × 2 cm.
Read guidePAN Card Photo and Signature Size: How to Resize for the Online Form
PAN card photo and signature size for the Protean (NSDL) online form: photo 20 KB, signature 10 KB, documents 300 KB a page. Resize them free in your browser.
Read guidee-Aadhaar PDF Password: Format, Examples and How to Remove It
The e-Aadhaar PDF password is the first four letters of your name in capitals plus your birth year. See examples, fixes, and how to save a copy without it.
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Pakistan documents
HEC Degree Attestation: Upload CNIC and Degree Scans as PDF
HEC's online degree attestation wants clear PDF scans of your CNIC and degrees, plus a passport photo on a plain background. How to scan, merge and compress them.
Read guideDGIP Online Passport: Photo Under 20 KB and Document Upload Sizes
DGIP's online passport portal wants a photo of 20 KB or less and JPG or PNG scans under 1 MB. How to compress your photo, CNIC and passport scans so they upload.
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Bangladesh documents
Dhaka University Admission Photo: 460–480 × 600–620 px, 30–200 KB
The DU admission portal accepts a JPG photo 460–480 px wide, 600–620 px tall and 30–200 KB. How to crop, compress or enlarge it so it uploads first time.
Read guideTeletalk Job Application Photo (300×300) and Signature (300×80) Size Rules
Teletalk job portals (BPSC, Police, ministries) need a 300×300 px JPG photo under 100 KB and a 300×80 px signature under 60 KB. How to pass both checks.
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Nigeria documents
NYSC Passport Photograph: Under 15 KB, 2 × 2 Inches, White Background
The NYSC portal wants a 2 × 2 inch passport photograph saved under 15 KB on a white or off-white background. How to crop and compress yours so it uploads.
Read guideNigerian Passport Photo Upload: 600 × 800 px, Under 2 MB, White Background
The NIS passport portal wants a 600 × 800 px photo under 2 MB on a white background. How to take, crop and shrink a phone photo so the upload passes.
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East Africa documents
eCitizen Kenya Passport Photo and Document Upload Requirements
Kenya's eCitizen passport form wants a 207 by 207 px colour photo on a white background and JPEG or PNG scans. How to size photos and scans to pass.
Read guideIrembo Document Upload Limits: Fit PDFs Under 500 KB and Photos Under 200 KB
Irembo accepts PDF attachments up to 500 KB and JPG passport photos for e-passport applications. How to compress scans, photos and signatures to fit.
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Gulf visa documents
Saudi eVisa Photo: 200 × 200 Pixels and 5 to 100 KB, Step by Step
The Saudi tourist eVisa wants one photo at 200 × 200 pixels, between 5 KB and 100 KB, on a white background. Here's how to crop, compress and check it.
Read guideHow to Fit Your Oman eVisa Photo and Passport Copy Under 512 KB
The Oman eVisa portal rejects photos and passport scans over 512 KB. Here are the official limits, accepted formats and how to compress each file to fit.
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Visa & application uploads
ImmiAccount Attach Documents: How to Compress a PDF Under 5 MB
ImmiAccount accepts documents up to 5 MB each and up to 60 per person, and rejects encrypted PDFs. How to compress, merge and unlock files to fit.
Read guideIRCC File Size Limit: How to Compress a PDF Under 4 MB for Your Upload
IRCC accepts 4 MB per file in most online accounts and 5 MB in the IRCC Portal, one file per field. How to compress and combine PDFs to fit.
Read guideCompress a PDF for a UK University Application: 2 MB, 4 MB and 5 MB Portal Limits
LSE and Edinburgh cap each upload at 2 MB, Oxford at 4 MB and UCL at 5 MB. How to compress transcripts, certificates and references to fit each portal.
Read guideCompress a PDF for a UK Visa Application: UKVCAS, VFS Global and TLScontact Upload Limits
UKVCAS takes PDF, JPG and PNG files up to 7.25 MB each; VFS and TLScontact show their limit on the upload page. How to shrink visa documents to fit.
Read guideCEAC Document Upload: Get NVC Scans Under the 4 MB File Size Limit
The State Department's CEAC portal takes immigrant visa scans up to 4 MB each, in color, as PDF or JPG. How to compress an I-864 or civil document to fit.
Read guideUSCIS File Too Large? Compress a PDF Under 12 MB for Evidence Uploads
USCIS online accounts reject evidence files over 12 MB and password-protected PDFs. How to shrink a scan under the limit without uploading it anywhere.
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