PDF Tricks to Improve Working from Home Productivity

Since working from home requires employees to collaborate, most use versatile file formats for easy viewing and editing features. One of the most commonly used file formats is the PDF or Portable Document Format. According to Wikipedia, the top-tier format is extensively used all around the globe for viewing and managing documents containing textual information and graphical elements. However, most individuals do not know how to utilize the format to the best of their capabilities. This article will highlight some of the most helpful PDF tricks following which remote working employees who work with PDF files can significantly enhance their productivity. Let us dive right into it:

  • Save a Specific Page 

Most PDF files contain tons of pages. However, users do not necessarily need the entire document, i.e., there are instances when they only require a specific page present in the PDF file. Thankfully, there are multiple ways users can extract the required page from a PDF document without hassle. One of the most preferred methods is using an application. 

For instance, macOS users can do so by using the native Preview utility. All they need to do is select the PDF file from which they wish to extract the page, open it using the Preview utility, navigate to the page they want to extract, and use its drag-and-drop feature to save the page as a separate PDF. On the other hand, Windows users can get the job done using the Print section of their web browsers. 

  • Compress PDF Files

PDF files containing tons of information may have an enormous size, and thus, it would be best if users compressed them to save storage space and share it easily with others. There are multiple ways following which users can reduce PDF file sizes with ease. macOS users can use a third-party compression tool like PDF Squeezer, specially designed for compressing PDF files within seconds. 

To do so, all users need to do is drag and drop the PDF file they wish to compress into the app. Besides this, macOS users can also use Nitro PDF Pro, which is yet another advanced third-party app that offers compression capabilities. On the other hand, Windows users can get the job done using Adobe Acrobat or online compression websites. 

  • Convert PDF Files

Even though the PDF file type is excellent for viewing and presenting information, it is not the perfect format for making significant changes. Hence, users who wish to edit PDF files first convert them into a more editable file format, one example of this is to convert PDF to powerpoint and also one of the most popular options they prefer is the DOCX or word format. If you have a PDF file that requires editing, it would be best to convert it into a word file, make the changes using a word processing software and save the edited document as a PDF file. 

To convert a PDF file into a word document, users of all platforms can use online platforms or converters like iLovePDF or Smallpdf to get the job done without hassle. All they need to do is upload the PDF file they wish to convert, click on OK and complete the process by downloading the converted file. 

  • Add Signatures to PDF Documents

There are instances when users need to digitally attest important documents by signing on them. Even though it may be a hassle in other formats, adding signatures to PDF files is very simple. Users can use multiple applications or utilities to get the job done. For instance, Box Sign is a great app that offers users the option to add signatures to any PDF document with ease. 

Besides this, the app provides multiple advanced features and options like adding more fields, setting a sign order, etc. The signature-adding capability of the third-party app significantly benefits users who manage tons of legal documents, such as leases, contracts, etc., daily.

  • Save a Web Page as a PDF File

While working from home, users may need to input information from the Internet in a PDF file. Thankfully, most browsers allow users to save web pages as PDF files. For instance, Windows users who use the Chrome browser can get the job done by pressing the “Ctrl” and “P” keys together and using the Print option to save the web page as a PDF file. Similarly, macOS Chrome users can utilize the Print functionality of the Google-owned browser to get the job done. All they need to do is press the “Command” and “P” keys together, select the Printer, and click on the option labeled “Save as PDF.” It is a handy trick that the majority of users use every day to save web pages of their choice as separate PDF files on their Mac or Windows PC. 

If you are a remotely working employee who wishes to work productively with PDF files, follow the foolproof PDF tricks mentioned above. 

Will Fastiggi
Will Fastiggi

Originally from England, Will is an Upper Primary Coordinator now living in Brazil. He is passionate about making the most of technology to enrich the education of students.

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