Blog
Guides, comparisons and tips for working with PDF.
ComparisonsThe Best Free OCR for PDF (Tested: Online & Offline)
Which free OCR actually makes scanned PDFs searchable well? We compare the real options — online and offline — and when each one wins.
·3 min read
ComparisonsThe Best Free PDF Tools in 2026 (Tested, Honest Picks)
We tested the popular free PDF tools — online and desktop — on real files. Here's what's actually good for compressing, merging, converting and signing in 2026.
·6 min read
GuidesHow to Add Page Numbers to a PDF (Free, in Seconds)
Need page numbers on a report, thesis or contract? Add them to a PDF in seconds — pick position, style and starting number. Free, no install.
·2 min read
GuidesHow to Add a Signature to a PDF (Free, No Software)
Sign a contract, lease or form in the browser — type, draw or upload your signature. Free, no install, 30 seconds. Works on every device.
·6 min read
GuidesHow to Black Out Text in a PDF (Real Redaction, Not a Highlighter)
Need to hide names, addresses or numbers in a PDF before sending it? Do it properly — the right way removes the text underneath, not just covers it.
·7 min read
GuidesHow to Compare Two PDFs (Spot Every Change in Seconds)
Two versions of a contract, two drafts of a report — see every difference highlighted side by side. No more eyeballing 50 pages.
·5 min read
GuidesHow to Convert Excel to PDF Without Cutting Off Columns
Excel→PDF cutting off your last columns or splitting tables across pages? Here's the fix — clean, single-page-wide PDFs that print right.
·5 min read
GuidesHow to Convert HTML or a Web Page to PDF (Free)
Save a web page or HTML file as a clean PDF — keep layout, images and links. Free, no install, about 10 seconds.
·3 min read
GuidesHow to Convert JPG to PDF (Free, Combine Multiple Images)
Turn photos or scans into a single PDF — combine multiple JPGs, set page size and order. Free, no install, about 10 seconds.
·2 min read
GuidesHow to Convert PDF to Word on a Mac (Free, No Software)
Need to edit a PDF in Word on your Mac? Convert it to editable .docx in 5 seconds — no Adobe, no install, layout preserved. Free.
·5 min read
GuidesHow to Crop a PDF Page (Trim Margins, Remove Headers)
Got a PDF with huge white margins or unwanted headers? Crop them out in 30 seconds. Free, all pages or each one individually.
·4 min read
GuidesHow to Flatten a PDF (And Why You Should Before Sending It)
Form fields, comments, signatures, layers — anyone who opens your PDF can change them. Flattening locks everything in so the file is final.
·5 min read
GuidesHow to Merge PDF Files on a Mac (Free, No Software)
Combine multiple PDFs into one — without buying Acrobat. Two solid options: the built-in Mac Preview, or pdfty in the browser. 30 seconds either way.
·6 min read
GuidesHow to Merge PDFs Without Adobe (Free, No Subscription)
Combine PDFs without buying Acrobat Pro. Three real free options — pick the one that fits how you work. Comparison + step-by-step.
·5 min read
GuidesHow to Password Protect a PDF (Free, No Software)
Need to lock a sensitive PDF before emailing it? Add a strong password in 5 seconds. No install, no signup, AES-256 encryption. Free.
·7 min read
GuidesHow to Fix a Damaged or Corrupted PDF (Free, Often Recoverable)
PDF won't open? Pages missing or showing blank? Often recoverable in 30 seconds with a repair tool. Free, no install.
·5 min read
GuidesHow to Rotate a PDF Permanently (So It Stays Fixed)
Rotated a PDF in your viewer and the next time you opened it, it was sideways again? Here's how to rotate it for real — saves with the file, forever.
·4 min read
GuidesHow to Save a Word Document as a PDF (Mac & Windows)
Need a Word file in PDF for email, a job application or a printer? Convert it in 5 seconds — no Microsoft Word required, no signup, free.
·6 min read
GuidesHow to Split a Large PDF Into Smaller Files (Free, 3 Ways)
Got a huge PDF that's too big to email or share? Split it by page ranges, by size, or by bookmarks. 30 seconds, free, no install.
·5 min read
GuidesHow to Unlock a PDF (When You Have the Password)
Remove the password from a PDF you legitimately own — your own statements, your own contracts, your own files. Free, 5 seconds, secure.
·6 min read
GuidesHow to Watermark a PDF (Free, Text or Image)
Add a 'CONFIDENTIAL', 'DRAFT' or company logo watermark across every page of your PDF. 30 seconds, free, no install.
·5 min read
ComparisonsiLovePDF Alternative (Free, Higher Limits, No Upsell Maze)
Looking for an iLovePDF alternative? Here's a free tool with the same everyday features, 20 MB limits, no watermark — plus an honest side-by-side.
·3 min read
ComparisonsFree Smallpdf Alternative (No Daily Limit, No Watermark)
Hit Smallpdf's 2-task daily limit? Here's a genuinely free alternative with higher file-size limits and no watermarks — plus how the two compare.
·4 min read
GuidesWhat Is PDF/A? (And When You Actually Need It)
PDF/A is the archival cousin of regular PDF — same file, but built to stay readable for decades. Plain-English guide and how to convert in 5 seconds.
·6 min read
GuidesHow to Make a PDF Smaller (Without Losing Quality)
Your PDF is too big for email or a website upload? Shrink it in 3 clicks. No software, no signup, takes about 5 seconds. Free.
·7 min read