Tips for working with PDFs
Short, practical explainers for common document tasks. Each article links to a tool and explains the limitations you should know.
How to merge PDF files online
When a report, invoice packet or study notes are spread across multiple PDFs, merging creates one file that is easier to share. Select the PDFs in the desired order, run Merge PDF and check the resulting page sequence before sharing.
Tip: Keep the originals in case the merged file needs to be rebuilt.
Try Merge PDF →How to compress a PDF file
PDFs with high-resolution images can be large. Image-based compression can reduce size by rendering each page as a JPEG, but this changes the document: text may no longer be searchable and interactive forms or links can be lost. Compare the output size and readability before sending it.
Try Compress PDF →How to reorder PDF pages
Use Organize PDF and enter every page number once in the desired order. For example, entering 3,1,2 moves the third page to the front. The sequence must include every page exactly once.
Try Organize PDF →OCR vs. text extraction: what is the difference?
Text extraction reads text already embedded in a PDF. OCR attempts to recognize text in page images, such as a scanned paper document. OCR quality depends on image clarity, rotation, language and the recognition engine. Always proofread extracted text.
Try OCR PDF →How to convert JPG images to PDF
Place images in the order you want them to appear, select JPG to PDF, and create the document. Check page orientation, cropping and image readability before sharing. Very large photos can create a large PDF, so reduce image dimensions first when appropriate.
Try JPG to PDF →How to split a PDF into separate pages
Splitting is useful when you need to share only selected pages or create individual files from a long document. Confirm the page count and output filenames before sending the files. The current browser tool is marked beta, so verify each generated PDF.
Try Split PDF →How to add page numbers to a PDF
Page numbers make long reports and handouts easier to navigate. After applying numbering, inspect the first and last pages and check that the numbers do not cover existing text, footers or signatures.
Try Add Page Numbers →PDF redaction: why drawing a black box is not enough
True redaction removes the underlying sensitive content from the file. Placing a black rectangle over text can leave the original text recoverable by copying, searching or inspecting the PDF. PDFLeo's Redact PDF feature is disabled until secure content removal is available. Use a trusted, verified redaction tool for confidential material.
View Redact PDF status →Before converting a PDF to Word or Excel
PDFs store pages visually, while Word and Excel use editable document structures. Conversion may lose columns, tables, fonts, spacing or page layout. Review the converted file carefully and compare it with the original before using it in a business or academic workflow.
Explore PDF conversion tools →New tutorials will be added as tools and tested workflows improve. This content is educational and is not legal, financial or professional advice.