PDF documents are widely used around the world for business and personal matters. This format is considered to suit most official documents. However, even the most experienced users rarely know the full potential of PDF format. This article will help you to understand the basic features and provide you with tips and tricks for PDFs to simplify your life.
Creating PDFs Without Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is still considered the most popular way to work with PDF documents. Users often create files using this program. Yet, it does not mean you have to download it on your device. Adobe is not the only option at your disposal once you decide to make PDF files. As alternatives, you can use Google Chrome and Google Docs:
- Google Chrome is one of the most suitable services for this goal. All you need is to press CTRL+P on your Windows device and CMD+P on your Mac to open the tab with settings. There, click on Change and Printer. Afterward, you can opt for Save As PDF, and your document will be converted.
- Google Docs is also suitable for this matter. You can convert a document from the very start. To do this, you need to open it and pick File. After that, choose Download As. You will see a list of options in front of you. Choose PDF format, and the file will be downloaded automatically as PDF.
- Online editors. Platforms like
PDFLiner are your best choice if you want not only to convert files but also to edit them online. They usually contain a specific set of tools that allow you to change the document the way you need.
Use Online Tools
Many users still believe that you can’t change anything in the PDF document once it is created. This is a newbie mistake. On the contrary, with the appropriate PDF editor, you can entirely modify the document. You can even do it online, without changing the format.
Apart from numerous editing services that work with PDF, you can use an impressive amount of tools. If you dig deeper, you will find mini, independent tools that exist within big programs. They can help you cope with one or several specific tasks such as converting PDF into PNG, signing the document, or even cutting its size.
Extract Text From PDF Files
Though Adobe is possibly the first program you have in mind when thinking about extracting text from PDF, it is not the only one. Moreover, it is not the most comfortable tool for such a purpose.
Among all hacks with PDFs you can precede, this one can be easily accomplished with Google Drive. Apart from simplicity, it also offers free-of-charge service. Here is a short, step-by-step guide:
- In Google Drive, open PDF as Word doc.
- Edit it as much as you want.
- Copy the part of the text or completely extract it into another file.
- If you need to save the document, use the Save As PDF option, which will help you convert the file into PDF.
Translate Documents
In certain situations, you might require translating your document into another language. Whether you work with international partners or want to make your school project look smarter, you’ll benefit from knowing this option. You can start by thinking about the reason you need this PDF hack as it can clarify your further strategy. If you need to insert only several Latin words there, you will perfectly cope with PDFLiner. If you need to translate the whole text, you might want Google Translate as your major tool. Here is how you can do it:
- You might have already noticed the icon Documents in Google Translate. Press it, and you will see several options in front of you.
- Pick the document you are working on. The PDF format will be among those suitable for download. Press the big, blue button Browse your computer.
- Pick the language of the original document and the one you want to convert the text to.
- Press the Translate button.
- If you don’t know what language it is, just tap on Detect Language.
Collaborate on Documents
Sometimes, you use documents together with your colleagues. In this case, they all will be editing PDF documents and require access to them. It is better to use one program to simplify the whole process. Teamwork is widely spread in offices, but it can occasionally turn into a nightmare without appropriate tools. PDFLiner is among those services you need whenever you have to share the same document with your colleagues. It offers a unique feature called Share PDF, using which you can provide access to the original document so that others can edit it, leave their comments, and even sign it.
Protect PDFs
Some users believe that converting PDFs also means automatically protecting documents from fraudsters and thieves. It was partly true several years ago, but digital progress enabled everyone to easily steal data from PDFs that are transmitted without proper protection. Though it is still one of the most secure formats you can think of, you have to add extra locks while sending private or important information.
There are numerous password protection software options for a PDF online. One of the most popular alternatives is Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. It provides standard encryption to protect a document. PDFLiner offers slightly more than encryption, the timestamp feature that proves that the document was not changed by others and came to the receiver in the original form.
Save the Web Page as a PDF
Though saving a PDF as a web page is not the most demanded option, in several cases, you might need to do it. Perhaps, you want to make your portfolio look outstanding among others or impress your boss. If you need to get access to the bookmark saved on the Internet but you work offline, using PDF format will help you keep the information accessible. Save the HTML in PDF following these simple instructions:
- Open the page in your browser.
- Click Ctrl+P if you work on Windows or Cmd+P for your Mac and go to the Print section.
- You will need to click on Change there and press Save as PDF.
- Pick the required pages, images, margins, layout, and so on before you press Save.
- Tap on Save to finish the conversion process.
Manage Your PDF Library in iTunes
You can easily store your books in iTunes if you keep them in PDF format. Moreover, you can create your personal library there. All you need to do is to upload them to iDrive. After that, send the books to iDrive and iBooks. You can easily extract any book you need from there and read it.
The Wrap Up
PDF is the universal format for documents that require extra protection and an official attitude. The format is used for various forms you send to the IRS, school projects, and presentations for international partners. Hopefully, this article will help you master your skills in editing PDF documents.