10 free PDF tools and guides for everyday tasks
A PDF task may need a browser tool, a desktop application or a short guide. This list links to resources for ten common jobs and explains what to check before sharing the result. Free access and processing methods can differ by tool; review each page.
Guides PDF
1. Images to PDF
Create one PDF from supported images. Check page order, orientation and readability before sending.
2. Reduce a PDF file size
The result depends on content and settings; compare text and images with the original. No specific reduction is guaranteed.
3. Merge PDF files
Combine several PDFs in order. Open the output and confirm every page is present and correctly arranged.
4. Split a PDF
Create separate files from a longer document. Check page ranges and keep an unchanged copy of the source.
5. Extract selected pages
Save only the pages needed for a submission. Check that no required page or attachment is missing.
6. Rotate PDF pages
Correct page orientation after scanning. Review the whole document; only some pages may need rotating.
7. Recognize scanned text with OCR
A scan may be an image without selectable text. OCR can make mistakes; verify names, dates and amounts against the page.
8. Convert PDF to Word
Conversion can change columns, tables, fonts and page breaks. Compare the editable document with the PDF.
9. Learn about password protection
This guide covers compatible PDF apps; it does not mean every linked tool adds a password. Test access and share the password separately.
10. Inspect PDF metadata
Review title, author and dates. Reading metadata does not remove it or show every embedded detail.
Before sharing a PDF
- Keep the original until you have checked the final file.
- Open the exported PDF and inspect page order, text, images and orientation.
- Check the recipient’s current size and format requirements instead of assuming a fixed limit.
- For sensitive files, read the specific tool’s privacy and processing notes; not every task runs only in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
Does compression always make a PDF smaller?
No. Results depend on images, fonts, existing compression and settings. Inspect the output and compare it with the original.
Can I select text in every scanned PDF?
No. A scan may contain only page images. OCR can add a text layer, but check it against the scan.
Are all files processed locally?
Processing varies by tool. Read the specific page before using confidential files.
Does the metadata reader erase private information?
No. It reads available fields. Use a suitable removal feature in a trusted PDF application and verify the exported file.