Students deal with PDFs constantly: lecture slides, readings, assignment submissions, ID scans for applications. A short list of tools and habits covers nearly everything.
Submitting assignments
Turn your work into one PDF. Export your document to PDF from your word processor, or convert Word to PDF if you only have the Word file. If your work has several parts, such as a report, appendix and photos, join them with Merge PDF. Our merge guide covers order and page sizes.
Meet the size limit. Portals often cap uploads. Compress PDF on Medium is a good start, and our guides on email limits and very small limits go further.
Add page numbers. Many courses require them. Add Page Numbers numbers every page in one go.
Handwritten work and photos
Photograph pages flat, in good light, and convert them with JPG to PDF (up to 10 photos per run). Then resize to A4 with Resize PDF and compress. Full details are in our image to PDF guide.
Studying with PDFs
- Highlight and note key points with Annotate PDF. It marks the first page, so for longer readings use a viewer that annotates every page.
- Pull out the pages you need. Extract Pages creates a short reading from a long textbook or article, and Split PDF takes a page range.
- Copy text for notes with Extract Text. If the PDF is scanned, use OCR PDF first.
- Translate a reading for understanding with Translate PDF, remembering it is a plain machine translation, and that the text is sent to an online translation service.
Applications and paperwork
- Combine documents such as transcript, CV and cover letter into a single PDF.
- Sign forms using Sign PDF for simple acceptances. Some applications require a formal signature, so read the instructions.
- Protect personal documents like passports or ID scans with Protect PDF before emailing them, and send the password separately. See password protection.
Study habits that save time
- Name files clearly: course, assignment and date.
- Keep an original copy of anything you edit.
- Check every output before you submit; open it and scroll through.
- Submit early. Upload errors always happen at 11:58 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create an account?
No, the tools work without signing up.
What is the file size limit?
50 MB per file. For portals with lower caps, compress first.
Can I convert a PDF back to Word to edit it?
Yes, with PDF to Word. See our guide on keeping formatting.
Is it okay to upload personal documents?
Check your institution's rules and avoid uploading anything you would not want processed by an online service.