Do these PDF tools upload my documents to a server?

No. All PDF tools on EverydayTools process files entirely in your browser using pdf-lib and PDF.js — the same engine built into Firefox. Your documents never leave your device, making them safe for contracts, medical records, and confidential reports.

Will PDF compression reduce text or print quality?

Compression only affects embedded raster images — text, fonts, and vector graphics are passed through losslessly. Medium compression is safe for most sharing scenarios. Use low compression for documents you intend to print; use high compression only for email attachments where size is the priority.

How much can a scanned PDF be compressed?

Scanned PDFs — where every page is a raster image — typically compress 50–80% at medium quality. A 10 MB scanned report often compresses to 2–3 MB while remaining readable on screen and in standard office prints.

What is the difference between Merge PDF and Split PDF?

Merge PDF combines multiple PDF files into one document. Split PDF divides one PDF into smaller files by page range. They are complementary: split a large report into chapters, distribute for editing, then merge the revised chapters back together.

How do I convert a PDF to an image?

Use the PDF to Image tool — it renders each page as a PNG or JPEG at your chosen DPI (72 for screen, 150 for web/presentations, 300 for print). All rendering happens in your browser via PDF.js. A 12-page PDF produces 12 image files, downloadable individually or as a ZIP.

What is the best DPI for converting PDF to image?

150 DPI is the best balance for most uses — web images, presentations, and social media. 72 DPI works for small thumbnails and email previews. Use 300 DPI only when the output will be printed or needs to match professional print resolution.

PDF Tools Compared — Merge, Split & Compress In-Browser

PDF tools should be judged on one thing first: whether sensitive documents stay local. This guide compares practical merge/split/compress workflows for real users and highlights where each tool is strongest.

Quick verdict (best picks)

Use case	Best tool path	Why
Merge + submit	Merge PDF → Compress PDF	Fast, predictable, and private for portal uploads.
Split by pages/ranges	Split PDF / Extract PDF Pages	Targeted extraction without re-scanning or re-exporting.
Fix page order	Reorder PDF Pages	Drag-and-drop control before sending to clients.
Strict size limit	Compress PDF to 1MB	Designed for “under X MB” upload constraints.

Evaluation Framework

Privacy-first behavior (local processing vs upload)
Output integrity (fonts, page order, metadata stability)
Performance on medium and large files
Usability in one-off and repeated workflows

Testing methodology (what we actually checked)

For a PDF workflow to be “good,” it needs to preserve what users care about: readable text, correct page order, working links, and predictable downloads. Our evaluation checks:

Local vs upload processing: does the workflow require sending files to a server?
Output integrity: are fonts, links, and page order preserved after merge/split/compress?
Failure cases: encrypted PDFs, scanned images-only PDFs, large files, and form-heavy documents.
Speed: time-to-first-result on a mid-range device and a typical laptop.

Recommended Tool Paths

Merge and Reorder

Use Merge PDF for multi-file workflows and Reorder PDF Pagesfor sequence correction.

Extract and Split

For targeted extraction, use Extract PDF Pages; for quick segmentation, use Split PDF.

Compression

Compress PDF is the best baseline; use Compress PDF to 1MB when you need strict upload thresholds.

Quality checklist (before you send a PDF)

Open the output PDF and confirm page order and orientation.
Search/select text on a few pages (verifies text layer wasn’t flattened unexpectedly).
Click any important links (portals, references) to ensure they still work.
Check file size vs the upload limit, then re-compress if needed.

When to Avoid a Tool

Avoid any workflow that obscures where files are processed or cannot preserve page order and text quality. For legal, HR, and finance documents, verify output before sharing.

FAQ

Do password-protected PDFs work?

Some encrypted PDFs can’t be processed until unlocked. If a file is password-protected, open it first and confirm it’s not DRM-restricted. If a tool cannot load it, you may need to remove protection (with permission) before merging or splitting.

Will compression reduce quality?

Compression can reduce image quality inside a PDF or downsample pages depending on the method. Always verify the output if the PDF includes scanned documents, signatures, or small text.

Are my PDFs uploaded?

Prefer browser-based tools that process locally. For sensitive documents, avoid services that require upload unless you trust their retention policy.

PDF Tools Compared — No-Upload Workflows & Quality