How to Edit, Merge, Compress and Convert to PDF Files: Free Tools

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If you’re looking for a way to edit, merge, compress and convert documents to PDF online, you’ve come to the right place. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which solution is best for the job. 

However, we’ve done the research and found that there are several great tools available that you can use to serve your purpose.

PDFs are a popular format for sharing documents and have become the standard for files that need to be viewed on any device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. 

The good news is that it’s easy to make your PDF files look great with the right tools.

Tools you can use to work with PDFs

a) PDF Editors

PDF editors allow you to make changes to your PDF file from within the online tool, such as adding text or images. You can also create new files from scratch in your favorite editing tool and save them as PDFs.

Here are three popular online tools you can rely on to edit your PDF documents without downloading or installing any program.

  • 3 online Tools to Edit PDF 
  1. Small PDF

SmallPDF is a free online tool that allows you to edit PDF documents. It does so by making the document’s contents appear in a separate window, allowing for more freedom than simply editing the file within your browser.

You can even add new pages to your PDF and save it as a new file if you want to. The only downside is that this tool does not allow for much customization, which may be a deal breaker for some users.

  1. Sejda

Sejda is another free online tool that permits you to edit PDF files. It provides a couple of options for editing, including text and images, but there are no advanced tools for

changing the layout of the document. This could make it difficult if you want to make some advanced changes to your document.

However, Sejda is a wonderful platform for allowing you to make some necessary quick edits to your PDF documents. It can help you save a lot of time and energy so that you can focus on what matters the most.

  1. I Love PDF

ILovePDF also allows you to edit PDF files on the go. This one offers more customization options than either Sejda or SmallPDF. 

Do – including buttons that let you insert images into your document, copy text from another page (for example), and move content around on existing pages — but it also offers fewer options overall than either of those two alternatives do when it comes to formatting your work.

b) PDF Mergers

PDF merge tools allow you to combine multiple documents into one PDF file by automatically merging each document into one central file. These tools are ideal for combining different pages of different PDF documents into one single file without losing any content or formatting information.

  • 3 Online Tools to Combine PDF 
  1. MergePDF.io

The Merge PDF is a simple and easy-to-use tool that lets you merge multiple PDFs into one. It has a convenient user interface that makes it simple and fast to complete your task.

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This tool will also let you convert all the files into one and then save it in the desired format. The tool has the option to preview the merged file before converting it.

  1. Combine PDF

Combine PDF is an online service that allows you to combine and edit multiple PDF files into one unified document. You can easily combine and edit multiple files at once with just a few clicks.

  1. Soda PDF

Soda PDF is a free online service that enables you to merge multiple documents into one unified document. It supports all the standard format types, including documents in XPS and PDF/A formats.

c) PDF Compressors

Compressors reduce the size of your PDFs by removing unnecessary data such as fonts and images while retaining important information like text, tables, and formulas.

They compress all data in a document until there’s nothing left but text, which makes it easier to transmit over email or other types of transmission media that may not be as efficient at transferring large files as they should be.

  • 3   Online Tools to Compress PDF 

1)  Compresser PDF

This free online tool allows you to compress PDF files without downloading or installing anything on your mobile device. Compressor PDF is a free Android, Ios, Windows, and Mac tool to compress large PDF files.

It can be used to compress PDF files by using its drag-and-drop interface. The conversion process is fully automated and requires minimum user intervention.

For instance, you just have to go to the compresser PDF website, upload a large document that you want to compress, and then wait until the compress process is completed. Depending on your network’s file size and internet speed, this can take some time.

Remember, you can upload multiple PDF files to compress them in one go. In case you forgot to upload a few of your files, click the ‘Add Files’ button to add more documents before you begin the compression procedure.

The tool lets you choose from three compression options:

  • High compression: This option brings you a small size and low quality.
  • Medium compression: brings you average size with average file quality.
  • Low compression: This is meant for the highest waist and high-quality output.

You can select the compression mode that you think works fine for your requirements. Once chosen, click the ‘Compress File’ button.

Depending on your internet connection’s speed, this can take some time to finish. Once the process finishes, you will be given a download option to grab compressed files individually or as a whole.

2)  Free PDF Convert

Free PDF convert is a complete suite of tools that help you adjust PDF files. However, they have a dedicated compressor tool to compress PDFs.

Once you visit the website, you will see ‘Compress PDF’ under PDF Tools on the right side under the Tools menu.

After you are on the compresser page, click the ‘Choose PDF File’ button to upload your large document. Alternatively, you can opt for other upload options such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and URL. You can upload files using either of these options.

This particular tool also lets you choose different compression options, such as better quality, better compression, and custom. However, custom compression is available under the pro version, which is not free.

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Once you have decided which option you want to go with, click ‘Compress’ to get the compressed PDF document. You can either download the output to your device or cloud storage services such as Dropbox and Google Drive.

3)  Compress 2 Go

Compress 2 Go is another good option for compressing large PDF files that are difficult to transfer, save, and share.

The tool has a simple interface that should not be too distracting for novice and advanced-level users.

The working mechanism of Compress 2 Go is not that different from the rest of the compressor tools already discussed above. You just have to visit the tool, upload your files, choose your preferred compression mode (basic, strong, preset), and start the process.

The tool should not take too long to compress large PDFs, given that you have a good internet connection that is fast and stable.

 Aside from PDFs, the tool also lets you compress images and videos. The basic features are absolutely free to use. However, if you want unlimited access to all the features, you must purchase the paid plan.

D)   PDF Converters

PDF Converters convert many different types of formats, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Images into PDF. Students, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and managers prefer converting different formats into PDFs to ensure the files are easier to share.

The PDF converter you choose should be reliable so that you can convert files without going through a difficult process. It should respect user integrity and protect sensitive information in your files.

  • 3 online Tools to Convert Files to PDF

1)  MergePDF.io

If you are looking to convert common file formats into PDFs, then Merge PDF is the place you need to be. Although the name refers to merging PDF documents, the tool lets you make the most of your PDFs by converting several other formats into portable document formats.

Word to PDF: You can convert word documents into PDF by choosing the Word to PDF converter. It works by uploading word docs either through drag and drop interface or choosing files from your device’s storage.

After the word file is uploaded, click convert to PDF to get the resulting output in your desired PDF format.

Excel to PDF: If you are looking for a way to convert excel spreadsheets into PDF, then take advantage of Excel to PDF converter. It can let you transform your worksheets into PDFs within no time.

PPT to PDF: PowerPoint slides take a lot of time and effort to create. You are not supposed to mess them up unintentionally. That’s why converting them into PDF using a free PowerPoint to PDF converter is best.

Image to PDF: Image files sometimes need to be converted into PDF so you can use them in other PDF documents. The Image to PDF converter lets you do this without causing any stress.

2)  Online 2 PDF

Online 2 PDF is in the 2nd spot when it comes to talking about trustworthy online tools allowing you to convert different file formats into PDF. 

Although it looks to be a little cumbersome at first, it’s another useful platform you can use for conversions.

The tool allows you to batch convert word, excel, PowerPoint, image, and text files into PDF. Once you have uploaded the file you wish to convert, choose the desired output format from the dropdown. 

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In most cases, you are likely to opt for the PDF since this is considered to be the safest format for document sharing.

Once chosen, you can click the ‘Convert’ button to get your output within seconds. The tool works fast due to its efficient and speedy mechanism.

3)  ZamZar

ZamZar is another great online tool to satisfy your online file conversion needs. It is no different from the rest of the tools when it comes to the conversion process. 

So, nothing to worry about regarding any technicalities. The whole process is based on a simple mechanism, which should be pretty easy for people with no previous technical experience.

Choose files that you wish to convert. You can upload from a computer, Box, Dropbox, URL, Google Drive, and OneDrive.

After the file upload is completed, you can convert it into PDF or any other format. Remember, the tool lets you upload a maximum of 50MB file size at a time.

4) Canva

Canva some features that you can enjoy for free. Get unlimited conversions, such as converting pdf to powerpoint, doc to pdf, jpg to pdf, etc.

This app is very user-friendly, as you can convert your files in four steps: 
1. Select and upload your file. Canva will automatically transform your PDF document into an editable design. 
2. Edit your file; there are several creative features you can use. 
3. Once you’ve added the finishing touches, you can convert your file
4. Click “Download” to finalize and save your converted file.

Reasons to use Online PDF Tools

With online PDF tools, you can save time by not having to edit your PDF files manually. You can easily merge multiple PDF files into one document. You can compress PDF files to reduce their file size. You can convert your PDF files into various other file types, such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider using online tools to edit, merge and convert your PDF files:

  • Online tools allow you to use your computer, tablet, and mobile device to edit, merge, compress, or convert documents. This is because these tools work online and do not require you to download or install anything. 

This means no more waiting around for programs or downloads to complete. You can work on multiple projects simultaneously with ease.

  • Online tools are great because they allow you to save your files anywhere, such as through cloud storage services. 

This means that you won’t lose any of your work even if something happens to your hard drive (or gets disconnected).

  • Online tools are very easy to use and provide an intuitive interface for both beginners and advanced users alike. They also provide tutorials/guides so anyone can learn how to use them quickly.

Most of them are free to use, which means people with zero budget can make the most of their PDFs without buying expensive subscriptions.

  • You do not have to worry about spyware or viruses because nothing is going to be downloaded and installed on your device. With online tools, everything happens on the internet.
  • You don’t have to download anything on your computer or mobile device. They have an easy-to-use interface with step-by-step instructions for each feature.
  • There are no watermarks, so you won’t be bothered by any advertisements while reading your documents after merging, compression, or editing work.