Category: PDF

For almost three decades, the Adobe Portable Document Format or PDF continues to be one of the most enduring file formats in the world. From private individuals to corporate entities, they all use PDF to create and share documents. 

People opened around 250 billion PDFs in 2018 alone. This unwavering popularity of the software proves that the PDF is here to stay for a very long time.

But how exactly did the PDF become the world’s most important file? What are the key benefits and advantages it offers to businesses of all sizes? 

Continue reading below as we take a closer look at the PDF and why you need it in your business.

Superb Security

Of the many qualities of the PDF file, the most appealing is the level of security it offers. For starters, you can assign a password to your PDF file. This is vital since hackers can steal valuable data from companies anytime they want.

Recent studies revealed that 43% of cyber-attacks target small businesses.

By assigning passwords to your PDF files, hackers will have a hard time stealing sensitive information from you.

Also, the PDF software lets you limit and restrict the people who can access your PDF files. You can assign the actions that they can perform on the files. You can set certain people to view and edit your files while others can only do the former.

Consistent Format

Another characteristic that makes PDFs appealing is its consistent format. This means the format of your files will not change whenever you send them from your computer to another. 

For example, when people send Word documents, the receiver who opens the file using their smartphone may see the Word document differently from its original format. When this happens, confusion from both ends will arise. 

This happens frequently when you send files containing graphs and graphics. Thus, when you use the PDF, the formatting remains the same across all receiving platforms.

It also allows the integration of content. You can add videos, graphics, animations, and images without messing up the format.

Additionally, you will enjoy this consistency when you print out the documents.

The PDF and Its Ubiquity

Apart from consistency in format, the PDF software also offers ubiquity. This means the format is available for creating and receiving wherever you may be.

It doesn’t matter if you’re sending the PDF files to a friend or receiving one from a business client. The PDF files are viewable and shareable with much ease.

Furthermore, the PDF works regardless of the operating system you are using. Are you a Mac or Windows PC user? Do you own an iPhone or an Android tablet? 

Expect your PDF files to work across all your devices. 

Smaller File Size

When it comes to efficiency, the PDF also excels. Compared to other popular formats, the PDF’s file size is smaller and more compact. This means it will not require that much in terms of hard drive space. 

The PDF can compress high-quality files into smaller ones. Since you have a more compact file in hand, it becomes easier to share anywhere without compromising its quality and integrity. 

This advantage works best if your business involves bulks of documents most of the time. 

Additionally, this will benefit individuals who have limited hard drive space. If you don’t have the budget to increase your hard drive space, using PDF files will not become a burden in your current predicament.

Enduring

As we mentioned earlier, the PDF is one of the most enduring file formats to date. And it is likely going to stay that way for a long time. Hence, investing in PDF software will give you a remarkable return on investment.

Because everybody uses it, it means the software and your files will not be in jeopardy of disappearing. 

The Different Uses of PDF

Now that we tackled the advantages of using PDF, let us now look at its different uses. First, you should use PDF when putting up online content. PDF is your best bet if you want to publish an online version of your latest product catalogs and manuals.

Because PDF retains the format of your high-quality documents, they will come out with the same look when you publish them online. Furthermore, the PDF software allows you to place bookmarks and table of contents. This feature will make your online documents more helpful to your audience.

Does your business involve ultra-sensitive files like legal documents and contracts? Then converting your files to PDF is paramount. Doing so will secure your documents and protect their integrity from any alterations. 

And in case the need arises, you can also convert your PDF files to Word and other file formats. 

PDF Editors to Consider

Sometimes, you will need to apply some minor tweaks to your PDF files. But how do you do it? By using some of the best PDF editors available. 

If you want a cloud-based PDF editor, Smallpdf is one of your best bets. It features a simple user interface that packs a punch. This editor lets you add images and texts to your PDF documents.

It also supports online signing and lets you add comments to your PDFs. Additionally; you can convert your PDF files to Word using this tool.

If you want something that comes with optical character recognition (OCR), go for the PDF-XChange Editor. This OCR feature is most helpful when working on a PDF document that is originally a photocopy. The OCR recognizes the characters, which you can edit in turn. 

But if you’re working in smaller PDF files, PDFescape is your best friend. The tool allows you to edit small PDF files either through a desktop or online.

It also lets you add clickable URLs and freehand notes to your documents.

Convert Your Files to PDF for Free, Today!

Now that you know the value of the PDF, you should start converting your files to PDF today. But if you’re looking for the best PDF converters, then you came to the right place. 

Check out our tools and start converting your documents to PDF for free! You can also read up about more conversion procedures, like this one tackling how to convert Google Docs to Word.

Did you know that over 2.2 billion PDF files are on the public web?

If you’re using PDF files too, you’ll be quite familiar with its versatility and ease of printing. But for whatever reason, you might need to convert PDFs to images. If you have no experience in doing conversions, you’ll end up botching it.

Don’t feel discouraged yet. We’re here to show you the ropes.

With this guide, you’ll start converting PDFs to images with our converter. Read on and learn how:

1. Go to Our Homepage

The conversion process will start when you access our homepage. Here, you’ll see a lot of conversion methods. We arranged these file conversions by file type, whether it’s converting images to PDF or converting PDF to images.

With this, you’ll have a one-stop-shop for all your file conversion needs. Don’t hesitate and bookmark our website. That way, you can pull it up whenever you want to convert file types.

2. Select Convert PDF to JPG

In this guide, we’re going to use the JPEG format for the resulting image. To access this file converter, look for the “Convert PDF to Images” section. There, you’ll see the PDF to JPG option.

Click on that if you want your resulting file to be a JPEG image. This file type is a bitmap compression format, which sees common use for lossy compression. Its ratio of compression can range from 10:1 to 20:1.

You can adjust the compression ratio when using JPEG for your files. It’s a great feature since you can choose how the storage size and quality get balanced. That’s why it’s a common format used by photo-sharing devices and digital cameras.

JPG vs. PNG

PNG is a file extension often seen in browsers and various operating systems. Unlike JPG, this file format supports lossless compression. It’s a raster graphics format, designed to work best in online viewing apps like web browsers.

Compared to JPG, you can adjust the transparency or opacity of PNG images. The former will retain either a white or blank background as its default. For PNG, it supports both 24-bit RGB and 32-bit RGBA colors.

Even as lossless compression, PNGs appear smaller when viewed on the web. It’s because its common use is for simple images like illustrations. That’s why if your PDF file depicts an artwork, not a photograph, PNG is the better choice.

3. Upload the File

After getting to clicking the option, you’ll get transferred to the next page. Here, you’ll see a green Browse button. Click on it and find the file name of your desired PDF before pressing Open.

4. Pass the Captcha System

Captcha is a system created at Carnegie Mellon University in 2000. It’s an acronym for “Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart”. Its primary function is to protect websites from spamming bots and other underworld computer practices.

A person with enough coding skills can write programs that can sign up millions of accounts in a single day. With Captcha, it’s preventable since computers aren’t as good as humans when reading warped text. According to Google, people solve around 200 million Captchas each day.

The good news is that our Captcha system can be as easy as clicking a checkbox confirming that you aren’t a robot. When prompted for puzzles, complete them before you can start the conversion process.

5. Click Convert File

After accomplishing the Captcha check, this button will appear. Click on it to start converting the file. It will show you the progress bar for your file conversion. The good news is that the conversion will only last for a few seconds.

6. Save File As

When the conversion completes, you’ll get a message saying that the conversion is successful. You’ll see two buttons: Download Now and Convert More Files. Choose the former to automatically download the JPG version of your PDF file.

7. Convert More Files

Clicking this button, you’ll return to our homepage. With this, you can start converting to other file types once more. That way, you can also try converting your PDF file into PNG and see whether it looks better than JPEG.

8.  Running Into Errors

Our file converter can convert files as long as you choose the right conversion method. Otherwise, you’ll get error messages. But the good news is that it’s easy to rectify this since all you need is to press the “Start Over” button to restart the process and pick either the right file type or conversion.

9.  Got No Space?

If you’re having problems with your file conversion, it might be because of low disk space. In this case, consider cleaning your hard drive. Take note, the complexity and flexibility of computers mean that lots of data can end up on your hard disk.

Here are some tips on how to clear out your hard drive:

Empty Your Trash

It seems obvious for most people, that’s why it’s the first step. In case you forgot to clear out your recycle bin, now is the time to do so. It’s possible to free up enough space for your converted file, but it’s unlikely to solve the entire problem.

Clear Your Download Folder

Regardless of your PC, download folders often get clogged by the files you hoard. If you have files you don’t need anymore, it’s time to let them go. It’s especially important if you have backups of it in social media or cloud storage anyway.

It’s easy to do since your File Explorer has a shortcut for your Downloads folder. Look through these files and toss them out. If you use the internet all the time, you’ll likely get surprised by the number of files you can delete.

Start Converting PDFs to Images Today!

These are the steps necessary when you’re converting PDFs to images. Use these to make your file conversion process easier.

Did you find this guide informative? If so, read our guide here and learn how to convert Google Docs to Word. It’s a comprehensive guide if you’re using both platforms for your word processing needs.

The global usage of paper in 2017 was at least 400 million metric tons.

Companies further waste up to $3.5 million each year trying to recreate lost documents and searching for information. As such, businesses and institutions have been paying attention to digital documentation.

Within the last two decades, the Portable Document Format (PDF) and the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) have been great alternatives to paper documents. The choice of either PDF or HTML has been a constant debate in document representation. 

It is crucial to understand HTML vs. PDF file formats to know what would work for you. Keep reading to know the features of these two file formats and which is preferable. 

What Is PDF?

A PDF refers to the display of documents in an electronic format, which is independent of the operating system, software, or hardware you view the document on. 

Adobe Systems pioneered PDF as a compatible file. This format is recognized universally as a standard way of exchanging information and other materials.  

Currently, PDF is under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which has made it an open standard. The PDF file format is useful in different fields. Companies use PDF files to maintain consistent customer records, client invoices, or even sending memos. 

Benefits of PDFs

If you’ve been in a fix when it comes to HTML vs. PDF, these benefits will shed more light on why PDF can be an excellent choice for documentation.

1. Maintain Document Format

A PDF file remains with the original formatting even when sent through multiple channels. Any alterations made of a PDF file leave electronic marks showing that the document has some changes. Using this format gives the recipients confidence knowing that they have the original documents.

Fortunately, you aren’t limited when it comes to converting PDF files. Tech companies love to convert PDF to GIF due to the role it plays in branding, revenue increment, and user-friendly. 

While you can’t edit the content of a PDF, you can change it into a different format that resonates with your company. 

2. No Limitations on Operating Systems 

Whether you’re on a Mac or a PC, you can use PDFs comfortably. The format also applies to mobile operating systems such as Android and iOS. You don’t have to worry about the recipient’s ability to view the document.  

3. PDF File Format is Universal

PDF has been embraced globally because of the optimal functionality. With PDFs, you can view a document and share it regardless of where the other user is receiving the file. 

PDF is a safer mode, and it gives you confidence that your document will reach the recipient in the intended format.  

4. Password Protection

About 60% of companies go out of business after a cyber-attack. 

Businesses hold sensitive information, such as customer records and the company’s details. If such information leaked to malicious people, a business can make losses or even collapse.

Fortunately, you can use PDF files, which allow password-protection. For one to access the files, they would need the password. This move ensures that unauthorized people can’t prey on important company information. 

Drawbacks of PDF Files 

One of the primary limitations of a PDF file is that it doesn’t support editing. The initial aim of developing PDF was document sharing without changing the content of a document. As such, you can’t edit a PDF file. 

If you want to share a ‘live document’ where people can share their ideas on the file, PDF might not be ideal. Besides, you should ensure that all your recipients can access PDFs before sharing such file formats. 

What Is HTML?

HTML is a programming language that formats web pages. 

A typical HTML file contains text but can also reference multimedia and images. It further allows Cascading Style Sheets for JavaScript and layout for interactive functionality.

HTML can format different web page elements such as headings, links, images, page layout, and text. You can convert HTML to JPG with just a few clicks. Other than that, HTML has several advantages that make it a desirable publishing option. 

Benefits of HTML format

One of the most notable advantages of HTML is the ease of learning. 

What’s more, editors are still releasing HTML pages, which are getting easier with each new development. As such, you don’t need to be tech-savvy to maneuver through HTML.  

HTML further presents graphics and texts in a decent layout. The introduction of CSS has made it even better. With HTML, you can read a file without any special software. 

A standard HTML page accommodates several plug-ins, which allow you to include video, audio, and other special files. When you click the link, you play or view a file. Besides, you can share a link with your employees or colleagues.

Contrary to PDFs, HTML has a smaller file size. With the rising concern on data space, this file type is ideal. Besides, it is easy to deliver even the most complex pages on your screen. 

One of the drawbacks of HTML is the fact that it isn’t supportive of scientific notation, which limits notated documents from HTML use. With the increasing developments in the field, the solution to this issue might be imminent. 

HTML vs. PDF: Which Is the Best for You?

The choice of either PDF or HTML depends on the type of file format you want for your document. 

PDF is preferable for in-depth reading as it allows users to access content while offline. It is easy to consume, navigate through the document, save, and print.

Conversely, HTML allows the discovery of new content, information sharing, and immediate learning. HTML has universal updates; you can publish instantly to a URL. As such, users can read current information simultaneously. 

Notably, PDF and HTML are not mutually exclusive. You can link a PDF from or to an HTML page or an HTML page to a PDF. However, the authoring environments for PDF or HTML are distinct. 

Maintenance of content between HTML and PDF can be time-consuming and complicated. 

As such, an author must specify the best format for the content. Based on the pros and cons of the two types of file formats, choosing either of the two is plausible. 

The Choice Between HTML Vs. PDF Is Not As Easy

Both HTML and PDF file formats have their benefits and drawbacks. If you’re looking to convert your files into either format, you need to assess HTML vs. PDF keenly. The capabilities of each file format should guide you on the best choice. 

Visit our page for assistance on different file conversions.

Data breaches cost businesses more than 1.4 billion in losses in the year 2018. 

With the increase in the cases of data loss, companies must continuously seek new ways of curbing authorized access to their information. 

The form in which you store your data affects the security and safety of your information.   

With the changing dynamics around data safety, there have been calls to review the documentation approach among companies. One of the prominent arguments relates to the need to convert current documents to PDF file format. 

Businesses can derive a wide range of benefits by adapting to this new approach to documentation. 

Have you been wondering how critical PDF file format is in your documentation process? Here are all the benefits you ought to consider.

1. Password Protection 

As a business, handling sensitive customer information is not a new thing. 

You have loads of confidential documents in digital copies that would put various stakeholders in trouble in case of infiltration. The fact that your systems are consistently accessed by third parties and employees for various reasons puts your data at risk.

Having a single layer of protection is essential to keep your documents safe. However, most times, document formats such as word don’t have the option of password protection. This is one of the reasons why you need to consider changing your documents to PDF files format.

Having a password the protection option that comes with using PDF documents means that you no longer have to worry about unauthorized access to your most critical documents. 

2. PDF File Format Is Compatible Across All the Operating Systems 

Most file formats have a limitation when it comes to their use across multiple operating systems. 

You’ll often end up having to deal with the incompatibility of some of these files, depending on whether you are using a PC or a Mac. Nothing is more frustrating than realizing that a vital document won’t open because of compatibility concerns.

Such concerns are unheard of when using PDF file formats. PDF files offer a unique compatibility that allows you and other users to access them through IOS or Android operating systems. 

You no longer have to worry over whether your file formats can be accessible across different operating systems. With PDF files, anything goes.

3. PDF Formats Are Here to Stay 

Most times, your business is concerned about the long-term use of specific file formats. 

You aren’t sure whether such files will still be useful tomorrow or in the foreseeable future. Such concerns are mainly because of the changing technological landscape.

Are you looking for a file format option that will stand the test of time? Then it would help if you considered going for the PDF file format. 

This option is not likely to face probable overhaul any time in the future. It would have to take a fundamental shift in computing for the current PDF file format to be outdated. 

An investment in PDF conversion software would be an essential consideration for any futuristic business. You have the guarantee that in the long-run, your PDF formatted files will still be useful even in the next decade of business operations. 

Such assurances are critical for a going concern.

4. It’s Easier and More Accurate to Make PDF File Conversion Online

Most of the modern businesses are finding significant relevance in their operations online. 

As such, it’s essential to have a reliable and accurate file conversion software to ensure easy conversion of the files you download online. 

In the past, this process has either been complex or marred by security concerns.

With PDF formatting options, you no longer have to worry about the process of converting the files you download online. This option guarantees you a safe and effective file conversion process devoid of any complications or inaccuracies. 

5. Easy Preservation of Visual Elements 

There are instances where you want to use graphic content in your documents.

However, you worry that such documents may eventually be distorted considering the inability by most file formatting options to retain the originality of content.  

Fortunately, with PDF file formats, you can easily navigate from JPEG to PDF or other file formats without worrying about the probability of not retaining the original graphics.  

6. Easy to Share Files

One of the unique aspects about PDF file formats is the fact that one can easily share the files. 

In the age of mobile offices and globalized enterprises, having a file formatting option that is easily shareable is essential.

With PDF file formats, you can easily share files with colleagues. This option is safe and secure on top of also guaranteeing you fast upload and download time. 

Are you looking to share critical data and information with workmates without geographical limitations?  

You can now trust the use of PDF file formats to share highly-confidential files across multiple platforms. You no longer have to worry about sharable files with this easy and secure alternative.

7. High Graphical Quality

Most of the file formats that provide the benefit of downloading graphical content have a limitation related to the level of quality of such images after conversation. 

Sometimes the level of graphical quality you need for specific content is very high. 

Converting such images presents the potential of missing out on the level of quality you desire.

You can convert numerous images from PDF to other formats and back to PDF but still retain the same level of quality.

PDF File Format Is the Future of Documentation

Now that your documentation database is growing steadily, there will be instances where safety, security, and quality of the file formats you use will come to question. 

If you’re keen about keeping your internal documents up to date and easily shareable with workmates, then you need to find a robust file format.

With a PDF file format, you get to enjoy all these benefits and more for your business.   You should consider converting all your documents to PDF files and sit pretty as all your concerns about documentation are resolved.

Converting docs to pdf is easy. Visit our page and learn everything there is to know about file conversion.

In 2018, people opened about 250 billion PDFs in Adobe products. PDFs have been around since the 1990s, and their popularity keeps increasing every passing year. 

But why do PDFs seem to be everywhere?

Well, first of all, one can open a PDF using any operating system using various Adobe reader alternatives. Secondly, PDFs are quite easy to attach to a website or email. Also, it’s not easy for anyone to alter a PDF beyond what the original creator intended for it. 

A person looking to simply read PDFs can usually do it using their preferred web browser. However, if you’d like to do something more than just read the PDF, you’ll most likely require a dedicated PDF reader. Such a reader is useful if you’re looking to:

• Edit or sign documents
• Merge PDFs
• Convert between different document formats 

The good news is that you can always find a free PDF reader to suit your needs, whether you’re using Windows or Mac. In this guide, we discuss six of the top free Adobe readers in the market today.

Read on to learn more.

Top Free Adobe Reader Alternatives In 2020

With the current proliferation of free adobe readers today, it’s not easy to decide which one is worth your time. To make the job easier for you, we’ve compiled some of the best PDF readers for you.

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

One of the first things you’ll notice about this free PDF reader from Adobe is that it isn’t as lightweight as other readers you may already be familiar with. However, this software does lots of things remarkably well.

The PDF reader can easily open multiple large files simultaneously. You can thus read through thick files and annotate them without the program crashing on you. The reader layout neatly arranges PDF documents in a tab view, enhancing your reading experience. 

The Adobe Acrobat Reader DC has all the annotation tools you’d want in a PDF software. You can highlight text in the document, add comments, and even fill or sign forms. If you’d like the software to read PDF documents out aloud, you can switch to text-to-speech mode.  

For those who already make use of other Adobe products, it’s easy to connect this free reader to Adobe’s storage cloud. 

Foxit Reader

For many people, Foxit Reader is the best alternative to Adobe Reader. Any thorough Foxit reader review will tell you that this software is a lot more than just a PDF reader. Why?

Well, Foxit Reader allows you to create PDFs from scratch. You can also turn a document in Microsoft Word into a PDF. Using the software, you can also scan a document and convert it into a PDF. 

This software is reasonably easy to navigate, though it may seem a bit intimidating at first. It’s easy to access the tools for signing, editing, commenting, and highlighting. If you’d like to split or merge PDFs, you can always download free add-ons. 

Another impressive benefit of Foxit Reader is that it’s highly secure.

Slim PDF

Perhaps the most notable feature about this Adobe reader alternative is how incredibly lightweight it is. The software is less than 1.5 MB in size. It’s the perfect choice for those with limited hard drive space. 

Slim PDF is impressively fast when it comes to opening and loading documents. Since it leaves out toolbars that can distract you when reading a document, this software is extremely good at its job as a true PDF reader. Slim PDF is also the best PDF reader for people who frequently print PDFs.

Of course, there’s a downside to the small size of Slim PDF. The software is quite basic, lacking the tools you need for filling, signing, highlighting, or commenting. Besides searching and rotating documents, you can do little.

Nitro Reader

This free PDF reader is one of the most powerful in the market today. The software comes with a touchscreen mode, which sets it apart from many PDF readers. The touchscreen mode is particularly helpful for people who love to read e-books on their tablets, as it makes it easy to flick pages.

Nitro Reader doesn’t let you fill or sign PDFs. However, the software is magnificent when it comes to collaboration. You can annotate documents using strikethroughs, highlighting, or underlining. 

The PDF reader also lets you convert TXT to a PDF file. The software’s menu is straightforward to navigate.

Expert PDF Reader

Like Slim PDF, Expert PDF Reader is relatively lightweight. What sets this software apart, however, is that it packs a load of tools.

With Expert PDF reader, you can fill, sign, and add comments to documents. The software has many predesigned markup annotations as well. With the software, you can attach extra documents to PDFs and create note-style comments. 

Expert PDF supports email documents. This enhances collaboration. The program has a straightforward user interface, making it remarkably easy to navigate.

What’s missing in this software, however, is that it doesn’t allow conversion between different file types.

Google Drive

Google Drive allows you to open PDF files without using external tools. It works just like your web browser, offering you an online PDF reader. 

This PDF reader also provides you with a place to store your information, view your documents, and share them with the relevant people. In case you’d like to add functionality to Google Drive, you can opt to connect it with external Chrome apps. You could also open a PDF through Google Docs, then convert it into an editable format. 

Choose the Ideal PDF Reader for You Today

As you can see, there’s a variety of remarkable free Adobe reader alternatives you can choose from. Your decision, of course, will depend on your need and how you intend to use the software. 

If you’d like software that has as many features as possible, then you can opt for full-fledged readers such as Acrobat DC, Nitro, Foxit, or Expert. But if a simple, lightweight reader works for you, then you can go for Slim PDF. An online PDF reader like Google Drive is best for those who’d like to avoid the hassle of installing a dedicated PDF reader on their device.

Are you looking for the best PDF reader for you? Check out the solutions we provide.

There are many instances in which you might need to sign a PDF document, such as if you are applying for a loan and need to sign the terms and conditions agreement.

Since 2012, the use of e-signature has been increasing year after year. In 2014, there were 210 million transactions signed electronically worldwide, which increased by over 400 million by 2017.

Check out our quick and easy-to-follow guide on how to sign a PDF on an iPhone, so you can sign important documents on the go.

How to Sign a PDF on an iPhone in an Email (iOS 12)

PDF files are very popular with businesses because they are a safer and more secure way to send files. However, they can be a pain to sign if you are on the go and all you have is your iPhone. 

But not to worry, Apple has made it easier to sign documents on your iPhone via email. If you have an iPhone or iPad that runs on iOS 12 you can simply do this:

Step 1: Open the email and click on the document that you want to sign.

Step 2: Your document will open in the Mail app and then you need to click on the pen icon, often located in the top corner. 

Step 3: Using the pen tool you can either sign it straight away and press done, then send the document. Or you can use the signature tool to sign the document.

To use the signature tool you need to:

Step 1: Click on the plus button and press ‘signature’.

Step 2: Then you need to select the signature that you want to place on the document, or create one by clicking ‘add signature’. Then position your signature into place and press ‘done’ when you are happy with it.

Step 3: Then press send. And relax, that wasn’t so hard now was it? 

How to Sign a PDF on an iPhone in an Email (iOS 11, 10, 9)

Similar to the iOS 12, the iOS 11, 10, and 9 all allow you to sign a PDF on an iPhone or to sign documents on an iPad. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Open the email with the attached document that you want to sign and click on the document, to view it in Mail. 

Step 2: Press the toolbox icon and then click on the signature button in the lower corner of the preview. 

Step 3: Use your finger on the screen to sign your name and press done when you are happy with it. 

Step 4: Position your signature on the document and press done when you are happy with it. If you need to resize it, you can use the blue buttons to make your signature bigger or smaller.

Step 5: Add the signed document to your email and send it when you are ready.

How to Sign a PDF on Your Mac

These days, everyone has a smartphone, right? In 2018, 44.6% of smartphone users in the US had an iPhone. Signing PDFs on iPhones is an easy thing to do, but if you prefer to sign your documents in the privacy of your own home, on your Mac then we also have the guide for you!

There are two ways you can sign a document on your Mac. The first one is very similar to the above method of signing a PDF on your iPhone. 

Sign a PDF Using Your Trackpad

Step 1: Open the PDF document that you want to sign using preview.

Step 2: Click on the Markup icon and then select the signature icon.

Step 3: Next you need to press ‘create signature’. Then carefully use your trackpad to draw your signature.

Step 4: When you are happy with your work of art, click done. To insert the signature into the PDF, you need to click on it. Then you can move it to where it needs to be and resize it if necessary. 

Sign a PDF Using Your Camera

The second one is a little techier and requires the use of your camera, to sign a PDF using your camera you need to:

Step 1: Open the PDF document that you need to sign using preview.

Step 2: Click on the Markup icon and then select the signature icon (just like you would do if you were signing it on your trackpad).

Step 3: Press ‘create signature’ then ‘select ‘camera’. Sign your name on a piece of plain paper and hold it up to your camera. Preview will then draw a virtual signature (based on your signature on the paper).

Step 4: Press ‘done’ when you are happy with the signature. Then once again, insert the signature into your PDF document and adjust it as necessary. 

Signing Tips and Tricks

Signing PDF documents across all Apple products is very easy to do, as you can see. Check out these useful tips and tricks that might help you make your signature readable: 

Tip 1: Use your iPhone or iPad stylus to ensure that when you are signing your signature it is more precise and readable. 

Tip 2: Slowly move your finger across your trackpad or touchscreen to draw the best possible signature.

Tip 3: Once you have created a signature in Preview, it should be automatically stored. So in the future when you want to sign a document, you can just add a signature that you have already created. Preview can also store more than one signature too!

Save Time When You Digitally Sign 

Follow our step-by-step guides on how to sign a PDF on an iPhone and a Mac to save yourself the time and the hassle of having to print out a document and sign it manually. 

We offer a number of converting options for your convenience, such as PDF to DOC, or vice versa. Convert your PDF documents to DOC for free now.

Have you ever submitted a homework assignment to your teacher and they could not open it? 

Or when they did open it, it looked horrible?

Have you been told to submit your assignment in a different format or else it won’t be graded or considered “turned in”?

Well, if you were submitting your assignments using PDF, you likely wouldn’t be having these issues since PDF files look the same on everyone’s computer.

In case you aren’t familiar with it, let’s explore what is PDF and what the differences are between a PDF file and a Word document file.

What is PDF?

A PDF is a file that has been generated or saved in Portable Document Format. PDF was originally developed by Adobe Systems but is now an “open standard” used by many software developers.

PDF was originally created to share read-only files with anyone regardless of what kind of computer operating system they were using.

They also have the added convenience of being able to be read by most web browsers, too.

What is a Word Document?

A Word document is a document created and saved using Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word is a word processing software program.

The most common file extensions used by Word are .doc or .docx. Both indicate they are document files.

In order to view a Word document, you need to have either have Microsoft Word or another word processing program that is compatible.  

Five Reasons Students Should Be Using PDF Instead of Word

Below are five good reasons for using PDF rather than Word to create, save and transmit your work to your teachers/professors or other students you may be working with. You’ll be glad you did.

1. PDF is a What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get Format

One of the most important things for a student is to be sure the work you submit to your teachers or professors arrives looking exactly as you intended.

PDF is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) format. So when you save your file in PDF format, it retains all of the structure you built into your document, such as tables, columns, line spacing, and margins.

This means that whenever anyone views your PDF document, it always looks the same. It doesn’t matter what PDF viewer the user is using to view it. 

This isn’t the case with Word and other word processing programs. Even for users using the same exact version of Word that you saved your document with, it may open looking different for them due to their own particular preferences they have set on their computer. 

Or, worse yet, your file may not open at all, if the word processor you used and the word processor the recipient uses are incompatible.

2. You Can Combine Multiple File Sources into One PDF

Different assignments and projects require different software, content, and media to put them together in order to put your best foot forward. 

For example, when using Microsoft Word, you cannot simply import pages from an Excel spreadsheet, or PowerPoint slides, or videos into your Word document. 

But you can combine all of those documents (or even just the portions of each that you want) into one PDF file. You can combine them in whichever order you want the viewer to see them, too. 

This also makes it easier to know that you are uploading or emailing all of the work in your project since it will all be in one file! It will make it easier for the recipient as well. 

3. PDF Files Are More Secure

When files are created or saved in PDF, the program uses high-level encryption, making them more secure than a DOC file. They are also less likely to be tampered with by malware. 

PDF files also allow you to control who can access your file. You can password protect your files so only those with the password will be able to view it.

Because of this security, if you decide to share your word with fellow students you are collaborating with, they will not be able to copy or edit your work as easily. They will, however, be able to use the comment feature (and other features) in Adobe to give you feedback and suggestions in regard to your work.

4. PDF Files Are Compressed

In this day and age, document files are oftentimes not just text. They include photos, images, graphs, and other elements which greatly increase their size when saved. 

When document files are converted to PDF, the file is compressed, making the resulting file smaller. Smaller files are both easier and faster to upload, download and email. 

5. PDF Files Are Easy to Create

PDF files can generally be created very easily using Microsoft Word. You can either choose to “Print to PDF” rather than print to a printer. Or you can choose to “Save as” and pick “PDF” as the format for your document to be saved in.

You can follow these same procedures using Excel, PowerPoint, and any of the other programs in Microsoft Suite. Then, as indicated above, you can combine all of these types of files into one PDF file, if you choose to.

How to Edit a PDF in Word

A PDF file cannot be simply opened in Word and edited. 

If you have received or previously created a PDF file and now want to edit it using Microsoft Word, you will need to convert the file from a PDF file to DOC file.

You can do this easily by using a file converter. Just upload your PDF file and it will convert your file to a Word DOC.

Once your PDF is converted to a .DOC file, you will be able to open it and edit it just like you would with a file originally created with Microsoft Word.

Then, you can choose to save the new file as a Word document or back into PDF format (or both).

You may find it beneficial to save a copy in both formats. This will make it easier if you think you may need to do future edits to your Word document.  

Start Using PDFs Today 

If you want to make sure your teacher or professor will be able to view your work as you intended, start using PDF as your preferred file format today. 

If you have any further questions about what is a PDF or how to get your file converted, please check out our blog.