Top 10 Free PDF Tricks Every Student Needs to Know
Stop struggling with assignments. Learn how to master your digital paperwork so you can focus on actually studying.
Between lecture slides, scanned textbook pages, and assignment submissions, students deal with more PDFs than almost anyone else. Yet, most students are still doing things the hard way. Here are 10 tricks to speed up your workflow.
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1. Merge Lecture Slides
Professors often upload slides as separate PDFs for each week. By the end of the semester, you have 15 files to search through. Use a Merge Tool to combine them all into one "Master Course PDF." Now you can use Ctrl+F to find any concept from the entire semester instantly.
2. Split Large Textbooks
Don't lag your tablet by loading a 1,000-page textbook PDF just to read Chapter 4. Use a Split Tool to extract just the chapter you need for this week's reading. It's faster to load and easier to navigate.
3. Compress for Submissions
"Error: File size too large." We've all seen it at 11:59 PM. Learning management systems (LMS) often have strict upload limits (e.g., 20MB). Always run your final assignment through a PDF Compressor before submitting to avoid last-minute panic.
4. Phone Scan to PDF
Taking a photo of your handwritten notes is okay, but converting them to PDF is better. It makes them distinct from your cat photos and easier to print later. Use our Image to PDF tool to turn those JPEGs into professional documents.
5. Watermark Drafts
Sharing your group project draft for feedback? Add a "DRAFT" or "DO NOT COPY" watermark. It prevents confusion about which version is final and dissuades others from "borrowing" your work without credit.
6. Extract Images for Slides
Need a chart from a research paper for your presentation? Don't use a blurry screenshot. Use a PDF to Image converter to pull the page as a high-resolution PNG, then crop it. Your professor will notice the difference in quality.
7. Remove Blank Pages
Scanners often mistakenly add blank pages to your documents. Before you submit your thesis or homework, use a Delete Pages tool to remove these unprofessional gaps. It makes your work look polished and tidy.
8. Fix Orientation
Nothing annoys a grader more than having to crane their neck to read a sideways scan. Use a Rotate Tool to ensure all your pages are upright. It takes 5 seconds and shows you care about presentation.
9. Organize Your Annexes
If your report has appendices (charts, raw data, bibliography), don't just tack them on randomly. Use an Organize Tool to drag, release, and reorder pages so they follow a logical flow.
10. Use Client-Side Tools
School computers are often slow or restricted. Client-side tools like Andromeda run entirely in the browser, meaning you don't need admin rights to install software. Plus, your files never leave the computer, keeping your hard work secure.
Ready to try these out?
Andromeda PDF has all these tools for free, with no file size limits.